WWYD: fitness assessment update :(

[mcc]

I posted a couple weeks ago about the fitness assessment I had at the gym in which the trainer called me overweight, mixed up the body fat percentage and BMI and left me in tears all day. I told her that I didn't want to train and today she wrote me this. I already told her I'm disgusted by her demeanor and won't be training with her. I want to bring this up to management and possibly change gyms. WWYD?

(This is a post and run because I'm on vacation without cell service and will be hiking my 5'4" 140something overweight self up mountains and swimming in lakes all day trying not to plan her demise. Thanks. I want to cry again. )

It is totally your decision, but I want you to fully understand that 28 percent body fat is considered to be highly overweight and 32 percent is considerred obese. For the general public a bmi is considered to be high and out you at risk at 25 percent.

I apologize that I didn't make that clear. I do strongly believe that your health is not where it should be, based on both numbers that we have seen. Bmi and body fat. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and infertility only begin the list of diseases that are affected by carrying extra body fat. Back pain, knee pain, and joint replacements are also ask more common in those who carry now weight.

I understand your reservations about having to lean on someone but I do promise that the only trainers I would recommend to you take pride in getting and keeping people healthy. After meeting you, I believe you really just need someone to show you the right path to take and that you would stay on it.

(I'm 6 months post ACL surgery, FYI)

[al320]

Holy shit thats pushy, and ballsy, and awful. Does she really think thats encouraging?!

Yes, bring it to tthe gyms managements attention. Imwould see how they handle it/respond before making any decisions about chnaging gyms.

Do NOT let her get to you. Thats terrible!! Enjoy your hike and swim! And forget that asshole!

[Wines Not Whines]

Fuck her. She doesn't even know how to use a calculator and read a BMI chart.

[gummybear]

She still sounds like she is mixing up the terms. 28% body fat is average and even if you were 150, you are just on the cusp of being overweight.

I would let gym management know. She is using shame and scare tactics and demeaning you, making gross assumptions about your health based on simple calculations. She is not your Dr.

[Deleted]

I would not communicate with that person any more and address your concerns directly to management at the gym and explain that is why you will be going elsewhere. I am sorry she made you feel that way. She is obviously an uneducated fuckwit.

[demandypants]

Aug 14, 2013 12:37:32 GMT -5 mcc said:

 Bmi and body fat. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and infertility only begin the list of diseases that are affected by carrying extra body fat. Back pain, knee pain, and joint replacements are also ask more common in those who carry now weight.

Wow.  Scare tactics are always such a great motivator.... :^)  I think you made a smart move not to be pulled into her world. She is obviously trying to drag in business to justify her place at the gym.  I am sure she does think she is the key to that path for you but it is clear that the way she is making you feel makes her approach all wrong for you.  Don't let her drag you down. You are not unhealthy. She is not a doctor. I would seriously consider switching gyms if it is a possibility for you and let them know she is the reason you are leaving.

[Deleted]

Geez, that's extreme.

I'd definitely complain.

[Brit]

I am just speachless about this chick. I am a totally non-confrontational person, but I would have trouble not going in there to confront her. Geez. She makes me so mad. Do what you need to do, but don't let her into your life, she will just end up being toxic to you.

[mcc]

Thanks. Glad I'm not overreacting. I wrote back

"Thanks for your help but training with someone with your demeanor isn't something I wish to do. Regardless of what I weigh or look like, coming off of an injury or not, I don't deserve to be treated with this amount of disrespect.

I do not wish to train with you or Earl, now or in the future. I expected a more professional demeanor from Boston Sports Clubs. I might not be in body builder condition, but I'd be hard pressed to find someone who would describe me in the disgusting terms in which you just did.

I look forward to speaking with management upon my return.
MCC, Esq. "

[al320]

Aug 14, 2013 12:53:14 GMT -5 mcc said:

Thanks. Glad I'm not overreacting. I wrote back

"Thanks for your help but training with someone with your demeanor isn't something I wish to do. Regardless of what I weigh or look like, coming off of an injury or not, I don't deserve to be treated with this amount of disrespect.

I do not wish to train with you or Earl, now or in the future. I expected a more professional demeanor from Boston Sports Clubs. I might not be in body builder condition, but I'd be hard pressed to find someone who would describe me in the disgusting terms in which you just did.

I look forward to speaking with management upon my return.
MCC, Esq. "

Perfectly done.

Seriously, fuck her. Im pissed for you.

[gummybear]

Also does she have any sort of certifications? Her misunderstanding of the most basic fitness terms could be dangerous to future clients.

[gt7301b]

Yeah I'd be writing a letter to the gym's management. Not that I think it will do much good, as a lot of gyms are more focused on selling than being healthy.

Oh and some links you can send her about body fat:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_fat_percentage
www.livestrong.com/article/76266-good-body-fat-percentage/#page=5
www.ehow.com/facts_4798778_healthy-body-fat-percentage-women.html#page=5

I think it is pretty shitty that she is calling you obese when you are not.

[Bob Loblaw]

I would absolutely complain and, depending on my gym's response, switch gyms. I can't believe they are allowing this wacko be the face of their gym.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Ok. So she just said that 28% body fat is "highly overweight" ... uh huh. So the charts that list it as "average" are ... lying? Wrong? Also, she states that your BMI was 25 ... I thought you were at below 25 based on weight and height? Which means you're again average. So she's exaggerating her facts to scare you or because she's desperate?

I also take exception to this:

I do strongly believe that your health is not where it should be, based on both numbers that we have seen. Bmi and body fat.

There are substantially better numbers by which to judge "health" than JUST BMI and body fat - glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.

She's an ASS. Report her and change gyms, especially if this is typical or you're not surprised by this.

[joenali]

What a twat!!

[juliahenry]

That's terrible. I would email her back and cc the management, something like this:



Trainer,

According to the vast majority of BMI calculators and your own measurements, my BMI and body fat percentages are well within the normal range, yet you have repeatedly told me that I am at significant risk of health problems if I don't train with you to lose weight. You appear to not understand the difference between these two numbers. For further information, please read this basic yet straightforward introduction to the two concepts: www.webmd.com/diet/features/body-fat-measurement?page=2

I can only conclude one of two things: either you don't understand body fat and BMI, in which case, you would not be a good choice as a trainer, for me or for anyone. or, you understand but are attempting to manipulate and coerce me into training sessions for reasons that are dishonest and deceitful. In either case, I will not be signing on for training sessions. And the whole experience has made uncomfortable and dissatisfied with my gym membership and participation at X Gym. (And here is where I would ask for a refund/cancellation, if you want that...)


She sucks and should be fired. What an idiot. Don't let her get to you -you are awesome and healthy.

[Susie]

WWID?  I'd stop engaging.  You don't want to work with her, so what's the point?  I'd stop talking/emailing/responding with her.  I would not bring it up to the gym, because meh, why?  I wouldn't see much of an upside for my invested energy and attention.

I don't mean to be insensitive, but I don't think this one person's opinion is worth all the tears, attention, and impact on your life that you're giving it.  You know she doesn't really know you, doesn't really know your athletic history, and doesn't fully appreciate that you're just coming back from a significant injury.  Plus, her professional knowledge is lacking at best.  I can appreciate that what she said, sucked.  But why keep dwelling on it, and making comments about "my 5'4" 140something overweight self," etc., etc?  It's not healthy or productive.  It's time for a new plan, working with someone whose opinion you care about.

[trigal]

Good response! Now, go enjoy your hiking and swimming and when you get home, find yourself a real trainer!

[Deleted]

Aug 14, 2013 12:44:11 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Fuck her. She doesn't even know how to use a calculator and read a BMI chart.

Exactly.

I would let management know they have a nimrod for an employee and would only stay there if the gym were super convenient to me AND management made a gesture of apology.

[finallykrisb]

Your response is so much more mature and well worded than the response I would have sent. Good for you.

[wambam]

I legit want to cut a bitch. I hate this woman and I've never met her. How rude and insensitive.

[finallykrisb]

Also, don't be surprised if management doesn't respond in the manner you think appropriate. Often they are the ones pushing trainers to use tactics like that to acquire clients.

[sadlebred]

I say she needs to go back to trainer school!

[sitnspin]

No, no, no!  That is horrible that she treated you that way!  As a PT and a person that has her own PT, I am embarrassed for her and she gives all of us a bad name.

Good for you for standing up for yourself!

[raynes]

Holy inappropriate Batman!

I think your response was very well worded.

[ebeth]

Aug 14, 2013 13:02:03 GMT -5 Susie said:

WWID?  I'd stop engaging.  You don't want to work with her, so what's the point?  I'd stop talking/emailing/responding with her.  I would not bring it up to the gym, because meh, why?  I wouldn't see much of an upside for my invested energy and attention.

I don't mean to be insensitive, but I don't think this one person's opinion is worth all the tears, attention, and impact on your life that you're giving it.  You know she doesn't really know you, doesn't really know your athletic history, and doesn't fully appreciate that you're just coming back from a significant injury.  Plus, her professional knowledge is lacking at best.  I can appreciate that what she said, sucked.  But why keep dwelling on it, and making comments about "my 5'4" 140something overweight self," etc., etc?  It's not healthy or productive.  It's time for a new plan, working with someone whose opinion you care about.

I'm on this team. Forward her email to management if you want but I'd stop engaging her.

[Deleted]

What a fucking bitch.

Give us her email address, we'll take care of it.

[pixy0stix]

I did a mental fist pump at your response. She is way over the line.

[naldridge]

First of all, I believe (for all the reasons others have already mentioned) that she is not a suitable employer if she cannot oroperly read charts and that she is a bitch for writing to you like that.

However, I think she, and a lot I other people are way too focused on numbers. Your height, weight, BMI, body fat %, etc are all arbitrary. You know that you are in great shape and are comfortable with your body. Working out is lay just about losing wright - there are so many other health benefits, so focus on doing things you enjoy and having a balanced diet and lifestyle. Screw her.

[Stingyshark]

Aug 14, 2013 13:02:03 GMT -5 Susie said:

WWID?  I'd stop engaging.  You don't want to work with her, so what's the point?  I'd stop talking/emailing/responding with her.  I would not bring it up to the gym, because meh, why?  I wouldn't see much of an upside for my invested energy and attention.

I don't mean to be insensitive, but I don't think this one person's opinion is worth all the tears, attention, and impact on your life that you're giving it.  You know she doesn't really know you, doesn't really know your athletic history, and doesn't fully appreciate that you're just coming back from a significant injury.  Plus, her professional knowledge is lacking at best.  I can appreciate that what she said, sucked.  But why keep dwelling on it, and making comments about "my 5'4" 140something overweight self," etc., etc?  It's not healthy or productive.  It's time for a new plan, working with someone whose opinion you care about.

Pretty much this. 



I sincerely hope that you find a trainer that fits your needs and understands your past.. and I think you should enjoy the rest of your trip with out thinking about this nutty trainer.