Musings of a 40-Something Fitness Instructor: Weighing In

I like to think that I'm a strong, confident woman. Mentally, I know I am. And I'm proud of my

fitness and activity level. And I truly do think that self-love is so important. Be proud of you for whatever you do best.

But deep down, I'm still obsessed with my weight and that damn scale. I've had body image problems since junior high (because, man, junior high kids can be mean). I also work in the fitness industry, so I do feel there is pressure to look the part (and I'm a 40-something fitness instructor, not a 20-something one). If people are paying me money to get them fit--I need to look the part. 

I've been a personal trainer since my late 20's. Back then I worked with many women in their 40's, and they would tell me how hard it is to keep the weight off now that they are in their 40's. I'd keep telling them it's just a matter of calories in versus calories out! Just keep at it! I'd now kind of like to punch that trainer in the face. 

The fact is, it does get much harder in your 40's (even in your mid 30's). Your hormones are doing wacky things now. Your testosterone and estrogen levels are going down--along with your metabolism. The effort to keep the weight off is much greater. The fact is you really have to change the way you eat and exercise. I eat better and exercise more than I ever did in my 20's, and keeping weight off is a constant struggle. I've pretty much had to break-up with bread and pasta unless I'm doing endurance training (i.e. long distance running). Keeping carbs low is what works for me. It may be something different for you. We're all different, and our bodies all respond to different things.

When it comes to checking weight, men and women could not be more different. My husband (Mark) and I belong to a health incentive program through his company. You get prizes for tracking your exercise, weight, measurements, etc.

One night after dinner, my husband gets on the scale.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

“ I just want to get my weight so I can get my points for this month.”

“But, it’s evening and we just had dinner!”

“So.”

I’m flabbergasted. 

There are strict requirements when I weigh-in:

• Yesterday had to be a good day food and exercise-wise.
• It must be first thing in the morning before I've eaten any food,  and after I have…errr….taken care of business. My body needs to be as empty as possible.
• I must be as close to naked as possible. This includes hair ties, headbands, and my FitBit.
• If at all possible, I weigh on a morning where all of the above are true, plus I’ve done some fasting cardio.

The only exception to this rule is if I’m weighing in at the very start of a weight-loss challenge or something. Then I need to see some results to stay motivated. So, my initial weigh-in can be at night after a big meal (but it’s still going to depress me).

Recently, after Mark and I spent a week and a half eating and drinking our way through San Francisco and wine country, we both got on the scale. We realized we had put on a decent amount of weight. I talked him into going low carb with me for a month or so until we were back to where we wanted to be. He reluctantly agreed--the man lives on bread and pasta. 

We did our weigh-in at night--after eating (that's how it's done)! After three days of both of us behaving very well, we got back on the scale. He was down eight pounds. I was down one. It's been about a month now. I'm still down just the one--he's back at his goal weight. 

Sometimes men really tick me off. 

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An Instructor's Roll: Why Aren't YOU Doing This?

I'm feeling the need to address a comment I received while teaching class this morning. I don't mean for this to be a rant (even though I am a little irritated), it's meant more as an explanation.

This morning I was subbing a TRX class for another instructor. It's always a little awkward when you sub for somebody else because people get accustomed to certain instructors and tend to not like change. And all instructors teach a little differently. Even in choreographed classes like Body Pump or Zumba, each instructor's personality is bound to come out.

Class was going fine, and then after one particular move a patron (in a very snippy way) says, "Could you show me that move again? I'm not use to an instructor who does a few reps then quits!" I smiled, and showed her the move again. I then explained that at 12 classes in a week, it is not really possible for me to do every class with the patrons.

What I didn't explain is that that is not my job. My job is to show you how to do the exercise properly and safely, and then watch your form to make sure you are getting a good, injury-free workout. It's emphasized over and over again when we take continuing education classes--you are not in the class to get your workout in--you are in the class to help the patrons get their workout in.

The fact that this career is a physical one rather than a sedentary desk job is a bonus (Usually. Over-exercise and cortisone levels are a topic for a completely different blog). But I'm not there to workout with you--anymore than an English teacher is there to write the paper he/she assigned to the student. I'm glad that I burn calories while I work, but I then schedule my own workouts--that are geared towards my goals (i.e. running speed, endurance adventure races, upper body strength, etc.).

Sometimes I do jump in, for instance, in a boot camp class when we're doing partner drills and there are an uneven number of people. I'm happy to do so. But if I did every class I teach, not only would I not be able to pay attention to your form, I would be far too tired to do my own workout and reach my own goals (sometimes it's still a slippery slope).


So when my patrons ask me, "Why aren't you doing this?" when I'm teaching a boot camp. Or, "What gear are you riding in?" when I'm teaching cycling, I try to just laugh it off and change the subject--because I'm probably not working as hard as you. I'm watching your form, timing intervals, and trying to keep you engaged in your workout. I'll do my workout later.