A fitness trainer spoke of her shock after a woman said she was “too fat” to be a good trainer.
Zara Groves was upset when she heard why the woman who saw a picture of the 51-year-old decided not to check in with her.
Zara from Llandudno, who runs Zara Groves Fitness and has worked in countries around the world for more than 20 years, was surprised that her expertise was so easily dismissed.
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Zara told NorthWalesLive, “My friend who told me what the woman said was ashamed to see how upset I was.
“Apparently the woman knew everything about me and wanted to register for one of my online courses, but then saw a photo of me on social media and immediately fired me because she thought I was too fat. I can’t be a good coach. “
The next day, Zara dusted herself off and decided to post on Facebook what happened to her.
Zara Groves from Llandudno was judged “too fat” to be a fitness trainer
This was not only a brave move, but also a smart move as more people signed up for their courses. She was also contacted by female fitness trainers who told her that similar things had happened to them.
“In my Facebook post I clearly state that I know that I am not fat. I am a size 12 that is not fat at all,” said Zara.
“I may have gained weight since my 20s, but the thing is, I’m 51 now and I’m going through menopause too.
She continued, “I’m really shocked at how judgmental people can be and how harsh.
“I’m very body conscious, I really am, but I know some younger fitness trainers who would have felt crucified if someone didn’t go to them because they thought they were fat.
Zara Groves has worked as a fitness trainer all over the world for 20 years.
“Some of them contacted me and said that similar things happened to them and how horrible it made them feel.
“I think people have a very unrealistic idea of what women and fitness trainers should look like. Some seem to think we should all be like orphans.”
Zara added: “Just because I’m not a stick doesn’t mean I’m not a good coach. I know I am as I’m still in business 20 years later.
“And the thing is, I keep it very real and natural. I haven’t had botox, fillers, fake breasts or a butt lift, other instructors do that even if they’re only in their 20s, making things realistic.”
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