Do fitness instructors need to be thin?

[MKSquared]

A woman in San Francisco has been told that she can't teach a Jazzercize class. Why not? Because she wears a size 16-18. Read on ....

Posted on Sat, Feb. 23, 2002

Jazzercise sued for weight bias
S.F. WOMAN SAYS COMPANY CONSIDERED HER TOO HEAVY FOR INSTRUCTOR JOB
By Yomi S. Wronge
Mercury News

Jennifer Portnick eats healthy, works out six days a week and can nail complicated dance steps without missing a step. But she didn't make the cut with Jazzercise.

The company rejected the San Francisco woman's application to teach the dance-style exercise classes, and Portnick believes it's because of her size. At 5 feet 8, 240 pounds, Portnick looks nothing like the svelte models on the company's Web site and brochures.

Portnick filed a complaint with San Francisco's Human Rights Commission alleging weight discrimination, which is illegal in the city. She and Jazzercise representatives will enter mediation Monday to resolve the issue.

In a letter to Portnick on June 11, Maureen Brown, Jazzercise's director of franchise programs, wrote that, ``A fitness level encompasses more than weight.''

``Jazzercise sells fitness,'' Brown wrote. ``Consequently, a Jazzercise applicant must have a higher muscle-fat ratio and look leaner than the public. People must believe Jazzercise will help them improve, not just maintain their level of fitness.''

Company officials declined further comment.

``We do not wish to make any comments as we're hoping for a good mediation,'' Brown said from the company's San Diego headquarters. ``We don't want this tried in the media.''

But Portnick's story is already on trial in the Jazzercise community, and Portnick has become an unwitting cause celèbre for the fat-acceptance movement.

``This is a wonderful and important case,'' says Lynn McAfee, director of medical advocacy at the Council on Size and Weight Discrimination. The group works with the National Institutes of Health and other government agencies on policy issues facing large people.

``I think this case is taking fat people out of the stereotypical role that we are lazy and eat bonbons all day,'' said Maryanne Bodolay, executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, a civil rights group. ``I think what this says is we want to get out and move and make our environment safe for us.''

Last summer, news of Portnick's case sparked debate on a chat board about Jazzercise (www.physical.com). Some shared their stories of feeling pressured to look thin, but a few were sympathetic to the company.

Jazzercise was founded about 30 years ago by Judi Sheppard Missett and has grown into a $56 million business, with 5,300 franchises in 38 countries. Portnick applied to teach Jazzercise Lite, a low-impact workout class designed for people who need less-strenuous activity.

``I feel so strongly that fitness truly is for everyone and I would really like Jazzercise to reconsider their fit appearance policy to fit all women, not just the ones that are a smaller shape and size,'' Portnick said.

Portnick's supporters include a contingent of Bay Area Jazzercisers who say she is qualified and has the ability to attract overweight students who are traditionally turned off by exercise.

When Jazzercise turned her down, Portnick became certified to teach aerobics classes and has a thriving mini-business. She has had as many as 20 students in her class at Miraloma Community Church in San Francisco and a growing student base at Macy's, where she works as an information specialist. Many of her students are large, some are thin, and some have crossed over from Jazzercise.

``There's so much pressure when you go into an exercise class that you have to look like the instructor, when the truth is that's not going to happen in two weeks,'' said Lisa Polacci, 30, who takes Portnick's class. ``When you sort of look around the room and your body type is represented you say, `This is a place I want to come back to.' ''

Longtime Jazzercise instructor Kristi Howard, who teaches in Noe Valley and urged Portnick to apply, said she knows of only a few plus-size instructors.

``I thought Jennifer would be a great innovation to Jazzercise,'' Howard said. When Portnick was turned down, Howard initiated a letter-writing campaign to the company.

Portnick hired Sondra Solovay, one of a few attorneys in the country who practice weight discrimination law, to represent her.

``Jazzercise is selling these franchises to people, and when they are selling to people in San Francisco they must do that within the law that the people of San Francisco have put forward.''

Portnick's is the seventh case of alleged discrimination to come before the Human Rights Commission since city officials passed a height and weight ordinance in May 2000. Only Santa Cruz, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and the state of Michigan have similar laws.


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a link to this paper's page:


another article about this:
[url]http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/2731271.htm (http://beta.kpix.com/news/local/2002/02/22/Fitness_Instructor_Claims_Weight_Discrimination.ht ml)

[MKSquared]

Oh ... here's a link to Jennifer Portnick's personal page: http://www.fitnessfuncentral.com/

[jphilg]

I am going to decline to comment on the legal aspects of this case, but as a policy matter, I can't believe that they turned her down. Jazzercize, especially, has that "approachable" quality that people startign out in fitness are often drawn too. I completely agree with the comments of the woman quoted who said that she likes to see her body type represented in a class.

Actually, one of two yoga instructors whose classes I attend regularly is pretty heavy. I have never considered that a detriment to her class....she is very fit, strong, and flexible. I can learn a lot from her even though I have what might be deemed "a better body."

Very interesting....I hadn't heard about this; thanks for posting!

Jen

[SusanT]

An instructor at my gym isn't the "picture perfect" type either but she's someone who's struggled with her weight and is a great role model.

[gertdog]

I want my instructors to be healthy and knowledgable about fitness and exercise. They don't have to be thin, or bulging with muscles. They do need to have a great attitude and know how to put together a fun, safe, energizing class!

[Grace]

Not that I agree with their rationale, but I doubt she'll win her case for the same reason airlines can turn down prospective Flight Attendants for height/weight requirements as well as the modeling industry, etc.

It's too bad though they didn't have the foresight to hire her. With the majority of the population being overweight and unfit, I think they'd find people attracted to an instructor that doesn't fit that stupid stereotypical ideal of "perfect" or "fit". Seeing someone they can relate to could very probably work better for them. Ah well, their loss....

[SusanT]

There was a study that followed sedentary men of a "normal" weight versus active men who would be considered obese by the BMI scale. There were higher fatalities among the normal weight, sedentary men than the "fat" but active men. So, it's better to be active regardless of body size.

If this woman can movtivate otherwise sedendary people, then more power to her!

[SusanT]

Grace - I believe that the airline industry has had to ease up on the height/weight restrictions for attendants.

[Ms. Chevious]

I have to agree with Jazzercise here, even though in general I think people should not be hired based on their appearance (though it happens everyday, usually not so obvious as this though!) - but I would not want to take a fitness class from someone who's over 200 lbs!! I did take an aerobics class once from a non-thin woman and I instantly thought that obviously the class wasn't for me - since she couldn't lose weight by teaching it, how would I lose weight by doing it?

Obviously there are legal issues I can't speculate on but as a consumer I wouldn't take a class from a heavy person or believe thier weight loss claims if that's the kind of person they have representing them. I also find it really hard to believe that she "eats healthy and works out 6 days a week" - you don't get to 240 lbs by doing that!

[Grace]

Not everyone exercises to be thin. For many, just being fit and healthy is reason enough to exercise. Take a look at her picture (link above). She by no means looks like she's 240 pounds. All the more reason to believe that her exercise has given her a lot of muscle tone (that's beneficial not just to make her body look good, but will allow her a better quality of life because she can DO things). Some people will just never, ever be a size 8 no matter how little they eat or how much they exercise. It looks very much to me like her exercise has helped her body a LOT. Imagine how she'd probably look if she didn't .

[Jewel]

Originally posted by Ms. Chevious
-but I would not want to take a fitness class from someone who's over 200 lbs! - since she couldn't lose weight by teaching it, how would I lose weight by doing it?

But how do you know she didn't lose weight by doing it? You would have no idea where this woman started! Two years ago she could have weighed 400 lbs! Look at our sweet hero JeAnne (greysangel). She started out at 338 lbs. She exercises, she eats well, and she looks better at 200 lbs than I will at 150! :rolleyes: She's changed her life by not only what she eats, but by how she moves. Is she supposed to wait until she's a perfect size 4 before she applies to work at a health club to help others accomplish what she has? :eek: If that's what she wanted to do we would ALL hopefully be cheering her on.

I can fully understand Jazzercise's position from a marketing standpoint, but not from an ethical one. Maybe they should think about the bad press they'll be getting for discriminating against this woman and how that will affect their business. If I was on their board of directors I'd be telling those guys to not only hire this woman, but put out the red carpet for her. A great many women would feel much more comfortable being led by a woman who has obviously 'been there' and would be losing weight and inches right along with them! I know I would!

And JeAnne, sorry to use you as an example in this, but you're our example in so many other ways... ;)

[sjs9601]

I'm in Jewel's court on this! My sister taught aerobic classes several years ago and at 6 feet tall, she's not some petite model.
She struggled with her weight for several years, at one point bordering on eating disorder. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel and take one of her classes. Her students loved her; they didn't care about her size.

What a great example this instructor (in SF) sets for her students in terms of "fit" is all in how you feel, not necessarily how you look.

[dcornelius]

I would be one of the people who would be far more willing to take a class with this woman as my instructor than I would some of the women who teach the classes at my gym. As a matter of fact that is one of the big reasons that I have actually never even taken a class there! I go play racquet ball but I can't get my self to go in and take a class because all the "beautiful people" intimidate me. I used to be one of those thin in shape people but I am not anymore and I really am intimidated by that. Everyone has to start somewhere. To all of you out there who are "beautiful people" I am not saying you mean to intimidate anyone but I just think you don't have to be thin to be an effective fitness instructor

[mandarin2j]

When DH and I toured our gym in January before joining, one of the things that struck me right away was that a larger woman was leading a class in the group fitness room. I knew right away that a gym that would support having a larger woman lead a fitness class would be a gym where I wouldn't feel out of place because I'm a big girl. Feeling comfortable at the gym is a big deal to me, because if I feel like I really stick out, it'll be so unpleasant to go there that I'll find reasons not to.

Even if there are people who might be put off by the image of having a "fat" fitness instructor, I'll bet Jazzercise is missing out on a great opportunity to create new business among people who are too embarrassed to attend fitness classes taught by a slender, muscled instructor, but would embrace the idea of a class taught by "one of them." In our increasingly sedentary and overweight society, I can't believe Jazzercise would shun this opportunity to bring in the business of a significant segment of our populace.

-Amanda

[kima]

I am quite fit and I love instructors who look real- even ones who struggle along with us!! I feel intimidated by many of the beautiful people instructors. You know the ones with the perfect outfits, the perfect makeup and the perfect body. I like people who are down to earth, know their stuff and lead with enthusiasm and humour. What that person weighs is totally irrelevant!:)

[Kjente2]

I question whether this would of come up if this weren't a woman..and believe me, I don't go looking for that stuff..but if she's got the skill and the attitude--which based on what I saw on tv she most certainly does..she should have and keep her job. I personally would take a class from her. I also think that Jewel put it eloquently.
There is a law in San Francisco, only place that I know of that has it, that you may not discriminate due to weight.

[greysangel]

Amanda and Jewel - You guys are right on! I absolutely think that it may help others feel more comfortable in working out if they don't have a barbie instructor. However, you would probably have to change it to make it geared to overweight women :( There are lots of exercise classes in NYC for large gals. While I applaud these being offered, I can't help but feel like it's partial segregation. I am proud to bust it with the skinny gals in my boxercise and though I was hoofin' it in my first spinning class, I kept up with the class...people who are cyclists or who have been taking the class for awhile.

At the same time, the predjudice is there ...even with "not perfect" sized women. I have heard plus sized gals complain over and over about the fact that Lane Bryant (a plus sized store) has non plus models in their advertising in and out of the store. They have done studies on this and have discovered that women are more likely to buy clothing on thin models despite the fact they don't accurately depict what the clothing will look like. The underlying feeling is that women want to have that hope that they will look like that when they wear the clothing. Look at the one plus magazine that deals with "full sizes" - MODE...no more..out of publication. Why? Probably because the large women that pick up Cosmo or Marie Claire far outweigh the number of larger women that pick up MODE. :(

On the exercise tangeant, when I started working out I picked a trainer who was kind of bulky for her height. She asked why I picked her and I told her it was her personality and confidence and then asked why she asked. She said that I was her first and only female client because NYC women are so terrified they are going to workout and be built..they would rather be the Sex in the City waifish look.

I wish I could change it. I struggle with my changes. I want to promote size acceptance and optimal health at any weight. At the same time, I know for darn-tootin' that I am 100x healthier now than I was 130 lbs ago. I have stopped myself cold when on the subway and seeing an overweight woman and thinking "gosh, it would be so nice if she could see the benefits of weight loss". This is me admitting to doing this and I have 1)BEEN THERE MYSELF and 2)am a pretty open minded/aware individual. Makes me not surprised then at all the self emotional abuse that goes on and what normal joe schmoe society thinks of fat.

Now I'm rambling.

But in response to Jewel, I would LOVE to teach a class :) Not as a career, but what a huge milestone it would be! My pie in the sky dream would be to run a women's wellness center.

ok..off soapbox now :D

JeAnne

[HRJ]

Originally posted by greysangel
Look at the one plus magazine that deals with "full sizes" - MODE...no more..out of publication. Why? Probably because the large women that pick up Cosmo or Marie Claire far outweigh the number of larger women that pick up MODE. :(



Just a note about Mode -- apparently, the reason it folded had nothing to do with the number of readers -- it got caught in a unfortunate business situation. There was a thread about this a while back -- here's part of what I posted then:

"Here's the deal on Mode's demise, as reported by the Wooden Horse Publishing News Alert, www.woodenhorsepub.com , a web site that tracks the magazine industry:

Mode's founders, Julie Lewit-Nirenberg and Nancy Nadler-LeWinter, sold 50 percent of the magazine to a company called Freedom Magazines.

But, according to Wooden Horse, "Freedom is a business-to-business publisher and Mode was its only consumer title. This became a problem when beauty and fashion advertisers demanded the kind of multiple-magazine deals they’re used to getting with other publishers. Cosmetics advertisers just weren’t interested in Freedom’s additional titles, such as CLINICAL GERIATRICS, FIELD FORCE AUTOMATION and LATIN TRADE."

So, even though Mode had 600,000 subscribers, it's gone. You can find the whole story at www.woodenhorsepub.com/newsalerts/na9-28-01.html


About the Jazzercise instructor -- most of what you all have said echoes my feelings. I think a larger-size instructor -- especially for Jazzercise Light -- sets a great example of "fitness at any size." If someone doesn't want her as an instructor, they can take one of the other dozens of Jazzercise classes that are offered. Not every instructor is a good fit for every student, anyway.

Helene

[greysangel]

Helene

Thank you for informing me about MODE! I had no idea :) However, my statement still stands. All you have to do is count up the number of women's fashion magazines and then count the number of fashion magazines that deal with all sizes :D

JeAnne

[Angela]

The aerobics class that I am currently taking and took last fall is taught by a lady who is far from the "barbie" look. Sadly, I will admit, that my initial reaction was "Gee, this aerobics instructor is overweight" I was wondering why/ how she was able to teach the class. BUT, she is great--funny, nice, motivational, and energetic!! Obviously I liked her and the class or I wouldn't have taken it again, but I feel horrible for my first reaction towards her. She has very muscle legs and arms and has been teaching aerobics 15 years, its just that she is heavy in the middle. She has a daughter about 6, maybe she never lost the "baby weight". I don't know, but she's just as good an instructor as a skinny-minnie!

[claire797]

I hope this woman wins! I would side with Jazzercise if the woman was applying to be a model in one of their ads, however, she is applying to be an instructor and if she can do the job, then why not hire her?

If I were going to take a jazzercise class, I really wouldn't care what the instructor looked like. Maybe she DOES exercise then goes and eats a bucket of fried chicken. Who cares. As long as she kept me going for an hour by dancing to the music, then I'd be fine.

[DmOrtega]

I support anyone that is hard working and a role-model for young, as well as older, women. The real world is full of people in every shape and size and being thin does not make one healthy.

I personally will never be a "cute Barbie". I am however a real women full of imperfections and am happy in my body. I except what God gave me and I work with that. I try very hard not to judge looks because I only have to look in the mirror to compare that person with.

Kudos to Jennifer Portnick !!!

[lisas3575]

Originally posted by Ms. Chevious
I would not want to take a fitness class from someone who's over 200 lbs!! I did take an aerobics class once from a non-thin woman and I instantly thought that obviously the class wasn't for me - since she couldn't lose weight by teaching it, how would I lose weight by doing it?

It's great that you feel this way, and you have the option of seeking out a class that's a better fit for you. What about the other side of the coin-- women who would feel more comfortable and supported in a class with a larger instructor? There's no options for them. I think there should be classes that fit everyone's needs. Seems like common sense to me. Just MHO.

[MrsReber]

Lisa, I couldn't agree more! The second gym that I joined was co-ed, though all the aerobics classes were filled with women. I was about 30 lbs overweight at that time and felt sort of intimidated by these totally fit instructors. There was one woman who was larger, but certainly fit. I liked taking her classes because she looked normal to me. I will never have this perfectly fit little body- not that I disliked the other instructors. They were nice people and they taught great classes. It was just frustrating sometimes to be going to these classes three times a week for a year, just watching the perfectly toned instructor and knowing that I'd never look like her.

As for this particular Jazzercise instructor, genetics will only take us so far, no matter how much we work out. I know I will never be 120lbs with 11% body fat. I tried my little heart out and got to 125-128 with 22% body fat. That was about as far as genetics would allow me. I still felt like I had a little belly- which I see my mom and sister also have.

JeAnne, I understand your struggle. I haven't lost quite as much weight as you- about 35 lbs total (before getting pregnant), but afterwards, I wanted everyone else who was overweight to feel as good as I did! I believe in acceptance, too. I look at a person's integrity, not their size. But as one who has lost a decent amount of weight, I cannot doubt that I gained more confidence along the way. You simply want to share the good feeling with others.

[AmyBeth73]

I'll admit that I used to be somewhat prejudice, believing that all class instructors had to be fit and trim, you know, Barbie. Then last year, this one aerobics instructor totally blew that notion out of the water for me.

I had gone to the class, sight unseen, because it was highly recommended -- 1.5 hours, aerobics and strength training. When I first saw the instructor -- kinda big, not very muscular -- my first thought was I'm wasting my time, this will be easy. Boy did she kick my a**. Her class is now one of my favorites, and I've been going regularly.

I think if an instructor is good, it shouldn't matter what size she or he is. Period. I hope this woman wins her case.

Like the old saying goes: You can't judge a book by its cover!

[Ms. Chevious]

Wow, I'm surprised with how many are siding with this woman! I never meant to suggest that she wasn't perfectly qualified for the job, she's probably a great instructor. However, Jazzercise has a certain fit and lean image they want to project and this woman doesn't fit it. I for one am motivated by instructors with perfect bodies - I want evidence in front of me that fitness works. I don't want a "real" instructor, much less someone heavier than I am trying to promote a weight loss program, regardless of where they may have started!

There are plenty of jobs out there that we are all qualified for but will never get. Should I sue someone because I can't get a job as a supermodel? Of course not - I may be qualified for the job in that I could easily walk down a runway or sit still for a camera (most of us could do that) but does that mean I deserve to be a supermodel? I think this is just another example of our society's cry babies who want to sue because they think they are so entitled. Where will it end? Will actors sue because they don't get parts because they don't look right? A role calls for a 50 year old woman and a 25 year old male sues because he doesn't get it - he has the acting skills, he's qualified but he doesn't look right - that's the same kind of discrimination!

Sure, maybe she's not working out to be rail thin but any way you slice it, 240 lbs at 5' 8" is not remotely healthy - her picture shows how incredibly overweight she is, its much more than just having a large build, she's at least 100 lbs over a decent weight for her height!

So, yes, she may be qualified, she's probably a great teacher and she's perfectly entitled to have a career as an aerobics teacher, which she already does, but does she deserve the job and have to right to sue over it? No, absolutely not.

[greysangel]

Ms Chevious-

There are so many things I could reply too, but I will refrain for fear that I will cause more harm than good.

I will say that:

Jazzercise to my knowledge is an exercise class..not a weight loss program.

She is perfectly capable and qualified to teach the class.

It is very clear that "image" is more important that "qualification" here.

Descrimination happens *all* the time and not everyone that suffers at its hands is a cry baby.

Comparing actors and supermodels to this situation is apples to oranges. This is why actors have a UNION to protect from certain forms of descrimination that *can* be proved. You have carefully chosen incredibly TYPE SPECIFIC fields ie. actors and supermodels. However, a fitness instructor is exactly that...they instruct fitness....that's it. They aren't weight loss counselors, they aren't nutritionists and they aren't even always personal trainers.

JeAnne

[SandyM]

JeAnne,

I tried to PM you to say "kudos", but your mailbox is full - looks like you may have to empty your "sent" folder. Just letting you know.


Sure, maybe she's not working out to be rail thin but any way you slice it, 240 lbs at 5' 8" is not remotely healthy - her picture shows how incredibly overweight she is, its much more than just having a large build, she's at least 100 lbs over a decent weight for her height!

Maybe she's a work-in-progress.


So, yes, she may be qualified, she's probably a great teacher and she's perfectly entitled to have a career as an aerobics teacher, which she already does, but does she deserve the job and have to right to sue over it? No, absolutely not.

I think you're in the minority on this one.

[Jewel]

My thoughts exactly JeAnne...supermodels and actors are type specific. Supermodels have to be a size 2 or 4 to wear the designer clothes that are generally only made in one or two sizes for runway shows. Actors have to have certain physical traits for each individual part cast. No one says that actors have to be attractive! They have to have the physical traits to portray the character they are trying to emulate. The world is not full of perfect people, so actors do not have to be perfect people. If a 70 year old Elizabeth Taylor sues Universal because she didn't get the part that Nicole Kidman had in Moulin Rouge, then it's Liz's stupidity that took them to court, not discrimination...they were casting a specific type.

When it's stated that a person of 5'8" and 240 lbs is extremely overweight and would still be extremely overweight even 100 lbs lighter, I take personal affront. I am 5'2" and weigh 198 lbs. Two weeks ago it was 205 lbs. I wear a size 12 pant and a size 14 shirt. My GOAL weight is 150. Doctor's charts say I should weigh 115. Excuse me?? If I took 80 lbs off of my body I would blow away in a stiff breeze. I might be in a size 4, but I would not call myself healthy and happy...and if I decide I am healthy and happy at 160 or 165 I will stop there! :) I could be fit and healthy at my current weight if I exercised every day and got my cardio in check! :rolleyes:

My point is, if I was a Jazzercise instructor I would be a motivator. Women would see my current weight and know that I was a 'real' person. They would see me lose weight and tone right along with them and realize that Hey, this DOES work! Contrary to popular opinion, the gorgeous size 2's on the magazine covers do not motivate the average American woman...they usually intimidate us. I'll never be that thin. I'll never have arms that are 8" in diameter. I'll never have a concave stomach with no stray hairs or stretchmarks. I'll never have hipbones that could hurt my husband in bed. I don't WANT to be that thin. I want to enjoy my lifestyle, enjoy eating, and enjoy my happy days in the kitchen. And if I want to help other women realize that they don't have to have that kind of body to be happy, then I'm going to do it...and God help the organization or narrow-minded people that try to stop me.

OK, rant over... ;)

[Jessica]

A woman who is 5'8" and 240 pounds does not need to lose 100 pounds to be healthy. My WW book gives a range of 151 to 158, with a minimum of 131 and max of 164. I know from my own weight range that these numbers are slightly lower than the ones in my doctor's office.

[lisas3575]

Just to reiterate my previous post, what's the bfd if this woman wants to teach a class??? She should at least be given the chance. If the majority of people feel as you do, Ms. Chevious, Darwinism will take care of it. She won't have any students, and the class will go buh-bye. If her class is a huge, overnight success, then obviously she's onto something and Jazzercise should take a look at revamping their marketing efforts to capitalize on that market segment. It'll all come down to the bottom line. It's a business, and you have to take risks in business.

I don't think Jennifer's one class out of the zillions of Jazzercise classes is going to shift the focus of Jazzercise's marketing plan or business model. Conversely, the bad PR will stick with people and gain momentum in terms of boycotts that have the potential to damage any business.

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just
because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost.
---Unknown"

On a personal note, I went to Jazzercise for a couple of years, and the class I went to was pretty low key. My instructor emphasised health and movement that was right for each individual, and throughout the class she would show us different levels of the same moves-- low-impact, mid- and high-. That way we could all find our own path (my mantra for life). That class was never meant to be a kick-yer-butt kind of class, but more well-being focused. That was the only Jazzercise class I've ever attended, so I'm not sure if it was the exception or the rule.

[Jessica]

I agree with most of the previous postings and want to add a point. We've all seen the news and know how many Americans are overweight and obese. Well, many of the severely overweight people I know are too intimidated by a gym or fitness center to even START exercising. Perhaps if more fitness teachers looked like them, they would feel more comfortable.

That does not mean every fitness program needs to hire teachers in every shape and size. But maybe one of the solutions to obesity is to have people of all sizes modeling healthy behaviors. Even a 10-pound weight loss can have positive health effects.

I work out at a community center. Some of the people there have near-perfect bodies, but many want to lose 20-30 pounds, like me, or need to lose more than 100, like the man next to me on the treadmill the other day. We have people who are mentally and physically disabled who use the gym, as well.

Unless we drop the idea that only a Barbie physique is fit, I think we will continue to have a national weight problem.

[claire797]

MsChevious,

My husband and I are at odds on this. He agrees with you because he thinks that the instructor's appearance is what motivates a person to take the class. Maybe this is true for you and some other people. For me, as long as the instructor could get me through the hour, I'm happy. I agree that this woman should not be the Jazzercize model -- appearing on all their billboards and ads, but if I walked into a class and she was the instructor, I wouldn't think twice. All I'd expect was for her to guide me through the moves and keep me going.

DH and I came up with another question. Would you see a dietitian if she were overweight? If you were a hospital administrator and an overweight nutritionist applied for the job, would you hire her?

[gertdog]

Wow, this has gotten really interesting.

I think that weight is only one piece of overall health and fitness. Diet is another piece. Exercise is yet another.

At my gym, the fitness instructors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are all well-trained, great leaders, and very good at what they do. I have yet to take a bad class. All of them are able to just go, go, go physically. I know plenty of large people who can run longer and faster than their less fit but thinner counterparts.

I was really intimated by some of the gyms I checked out in January. Rail-thin instructors in expensive workout clothes who stood around talking about how many carbs they'd eaten that day. The gym I found is great for me... the people there are clearly interested in fitness, not just appearance.

I also know plenty of thin people who eat absolute junk, and who stay thin. I would never look to them as role models for health or fitness. I am overweight, but I eat a very well-balanced diet that includes more fruits, veggies, whole grains and fiber than most people I know. I would go to an overweight nutritionist, because I know that their weight is only part of the story. If they went to school, received the appropriate training, etc., then I trust them to do their job (I don't mean I'd follow blindly, just that their appearance wouldn't tell me much). I'd trust them way more than I'd trust the latest fad diet author who's thin but clueless.

Nobody said Jennifer Portnoy was going to be the sole model who poses in national ads for Jazzercise, for goodness's sake! She's one person. One fit and qualified but larger-than-average person. I think, as others have said, that Jazzercise is missing out on a whole segment of the potential audience by focusing on the appearance of their instructors and not the bigger picture. Just from the responses on this thread, it's clear that some people are motivated by the appearance of the instructor while others are not. Some are intimidated by the super-thin, super-fit, while others are turned off by overweight instructors. If I was management at Jazzercise, that right there would tell me maybe I'd better consider employing a more diverse group of instructors.

[aggie94]

Originally posted by claire797
DH and I came up with another question. Would you see a dietitian if she were overweight? If you were a hospital administrator and an overweight nutritionist applied for the job, would you hire her?

Interesting questions. I didn't want to jump in on this topic, because I am divided on multiple fronts. But this reminded me of an experience I had recently with a personal trainer. I was doing some research and looking for recommendations on the trainers at my gym. One of the staff members said, "Oh, you should call Bob (alias). I work with him and I think he's great." This woman has, over the past several years that I've been a member, gone from lean, fit, muscular, and healthy-looking, to super thin, bony, scrawny, anorexic-looking. My first thought was, "Are you kidding? If Bob is helping you look like this, he obviously has no clue about fitness and nutrition or anything else that I'm interested in."

Turns out, Bob is helping her to regain weight and lean muscle mass and to learn how to eat healthily. He's a great trainer, but I definitely had pre-conceived notions about his abilities based on this one client.

So to answer your question, would I see a nutritionist or a personal trainer who was overweight? Probably not. Would I take a fitness class from an instructor who was overweight? Maybe, maybe not. Would I have pre-conceived notions that she/he couldn't possibly make the workout challenging enough for me based on just her/his appearance? Probably. If that makes me a bad person, so be it, but to each his/her own.

That doesn't mean there aren't people who WOULDN'T take a class from Jennifer. And that doesn't mean that Jazzercise shouldn't give her a shot. Do I think what they did was wrong? Yes. Do I understand why they did it? Yes. Like I said, I'm divided on multiple fronts. I can't say I do or don't support her lawsuit again them.

[BosunsWife]

I don't want to go a lot of places with this thread because I'm sure my words would not be nice.

Yes, I'm overweight (I choose not to say my weight), I'm trying to eat better and I go to the gym several times a week (even being currently five months pregnant). At least I'm giving it a shot. I'd be more inclined to take a exercise class from an overweight instructor than a "Barbie" because the OW instructor can more relate to me and my problems. I've taken classes from an overweight instructor (in NYC) that basically kicked butt and there were quite a few "barbies" in that class.

Let me also say something. There are a lot of thin people out there that may be thin, but are in horrible shape, eat pathetically, do not exercise, etc. I don't consider them to be in good health simply because they are thin!

My doctor told me when I started my healthy living classes last spring that I was very healthy (had no medical problems due to being overweight), was in physically good shape because I worked out (did a fit test to prove it), I just needed to drop some pounds! Not everyone needs to look like a "Barbie" to be in good health.

[Jessica]

Bosunswife--

You are so right. I have a couple friends who are quite slender but live on fast food and never eat vegetables or work out.

Extra weight can be a health problem, but it is not the only health problem.

[SandyM]

I heard on the radio this morning that she won her case.

[greysangel]

YAY!

JeAnne

[Angela]

Good for her!!

[claire797]

Yay for her. Like I said. I'd take an exercise class led by Homer Simpson eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts if he could get me through the session.

[aggie94]

Actually, to be completely correct, the lawsuit was settled:

Woman settles dispute with Jazzercise over weight discrimination
Wednesday, May 8, 2002

(05-08) 01:09 PDT SAN FRANCISCO (AP) --

Jazzercise Inc. says it will no longer require instructors to look trim and fit, settling a woman's complaint that she was refused a job because she weighed 240 pounds.

The change in company policy, based on a settlement with the San Francisco woman and mediated by the city's Human Rights Commission, was announced Monday.

"Recent studies document that it may be possible for people of varying weights to be fit," Jazzercise said in the settlement. "Jazzercise has determined that the value of `fit appearance' as a standard is debatable."

Jennifer Portnick, 38, complained that San Diego-based Jazzercise refused to hire as an exercise-class instructor her because her build -- 5-foot-8, 240 pounds -- would give students the impression she was not in shape.

She filed a complaint in February alleging discrimination under San Francisco's "fat and short" law, which bars discrimination on the basis of weight and height.

Portnick said she works out six days a week and has mastered the complex dance steps required to teach Jazzercise. She now runs her own fitness program and said she does not plan to re-apply to Jazzercise.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with this outcome," she said. "I'm lucky to live in San Francisco, where there's a law to protect people like me."

In a letter to Portnick last year, Maureen Brown, Jazzercise's director of franchise programs, wrote that "Jazzercise sells fitness."

"Consequently, a Jazzercise applicant must have a higher muscle-fat ratio and look leaner than the public," Brown wrote. "People must believe Jazzercise will help them improve, not just maintain their level of fitness."

[SandyM]

Thanks Eva.

I still see this as a "win" for her.

[aggie94]

Oh definitely, Sandy! I do too, and I'm sure she does as well. The lawyer in me just wanted to clarify. :D

[SandyM]

.....and I'm glad you did! I searched CNN and USAToday and didn't find anything. I heard it in passing on the radio, and I really did want to know what happened.

So thanks!!!:D

[mochadelsol]

What JeAnne said !!!!!

I don't give a poop what the instructer looks like give me a break. If I sign up for a class it's for me. I only need the teacher to help me keep the beat, because I'm so uncoordinated. I play soccer with women who are sometimes twice my size who beat the pants off me. Bieng fit isn't always about bieng THIN.

[dcornelius]

That's great! I am glad to hear she "won". :D

[food girl]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I can't believe that people who are all for this chick's lawsuit can lump a bunch of people together in a group like "Barbies".

I am sure that most of you don't like to be generalized by WEIGHT, hair color or how you dress.

Lisa

( I like to think I'm more like "Skipper" anyway)

[MaryH]

This is from today's SF Chronicle.


Jennifer Portnick, a 240-pound San Francisco aerobics instructor rejected by Jazzercise because of her size, has reached an agreement under which the firm will drop its requirement that instructors look fit.

After weeks of mediation with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, Jazzercise Inc., the world's biggest dance-fitness organization, agreed to change company policy.

The case, which drew international attention, was the first to be settled under San Francisco's "fat and short" law, an ordinance barring discrimination on the basis of weight and height.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with this outcome," said Portnick, 38, a computer systems training manager who works out six days a week and has sufficient stamina to lead back-to-back aerobics classes.

"I'm lucky to live in San Francisco, where there's a law to protect people like me."

Busy running her own fitness program, Portnick said Monday that she no longer intends to apply for work with Jazzercise.

"My goal in filing the complaint was to make sure that no one else would have to be discriminated against based on their so-called lack of fit appearance," said Portnick, who to her astonishment found her measurements fodder for daytime talk show commentary after her complaint was filed.

"From now on, the evaluations of applicants will be based on their skill."

JAZZERCIZE CHANGES STANDARD

In the settlement, Jazzercise acknowledged: "Recent studies document that it may be possible for people of varying weights to be fit. Jazzercise has determined that the value of 'fit appearance' as a standard is debatable."

The terms of the agreement were announced Monday to great jubilation at a "street circus" at Justin Herman Plaza celebrating the 10th International No Diet Day. The message: Health and fitness are what counts, not size.

The rally featured rotund cheerleaders waving pompons, poetry about poundage and assorted fat activism: "Two-four-six-eight, we do not regurgitate.

Three-five-seven-nine, love your body, it's just fine."

Amanda Piasecki, 27, a graduate student in Oakland, wore a lavender slip, fishnet stockings and a photo of herself as an anorexic teenager. Shackled by a chain on her ankles were two scales.

"A lot of women are shackled to the scale," says Piasecki, who weighs 225 pounds. "I went on a lot of extreme diets. I ate 800 calories a day for two years. I'm now at my natural body size, and I'm a lot happier."

15 YEARS OF AEROBICS

At the rally, Portnick, with characteristic bounce and high spirits, led onlookers in a few aerobics routines.

A semivegetarian who stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and wears size 16 to 18, Portnick had been doing high-impact aerobics for 15 years.

Last spring, her Jazzercise teacher was so impressed by her stamina and ability that she invited Portnick to audition to become a Jazzercise certified instructor.

But a company manager said Portnick would have to develop "a more fit appearance."

Portnick won certification through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Her attorney, Sondra Solovay, who specializes in weight-discrimination cases and is the author of "Tipping the Scales of Justice," said the settlement is a victory not only for the fitness industry but for civil rights.

"The reality is there is very little protection from weight discrimination in this country," she said.

The YMCA of the East Bay recently hired Portnick to work as an aerobics teacher and consultant.

"About 65 percent of the adult population does not exercise," said President and CEO Robert Wilkins. "Many people will look at Jennifer and say I can be healthy too."

[lorilei]

All I can say is: good. Good. Good. Good. Let's get away from this tendency to judge others on the basis of weight. Weight does not equal health.

In the words of Debora Burgard, Ph.D. (BodyPositive):

"If you are not "weight neutral," you might be perpetuating the myth that you can "read" a person's character from the size of her body. This is a form of prejudice in which we are all well-schooled. You might be perpetuating this myth on yourself as well, associating "good" traits with thinness and the "bad" ones with fatness. In fact, all of us are capable of a whole range of behaviors regardless of our sizes."

[Jessica]

I like that quote, lorilei. I think it is important to remember to give ourselves the same break we give others. If we want to stop judging others by their size, we first have to stop equating our own size with our moral worth.

[jportnick]

I noticed this message board had linked back to my website and I wanted to respond. Hope that's OK:)

Just to clarify, I did not file a lawsuit against Jazzercise. Rather, I filed a complaint through the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. In a happy ending for all involved, Jazzercise and I came to a mutually satisfactory agreement in which they have eliminated the "fit appearance" requirement for applying and current franchise holders/instructors. As a result I have withdrawn the complaint.

It is not my position that people should try to look like me, or even to be like me. However, as a strong and fit person who teaches six high energy aerobics classes a week, and someone who takes dance and aerobics classes on top of that, I did believe it was wrong to deny me an opportunity just because of the way I look. Fortunately, as I say, the complaint was resolved in a satisfactory way for all involved.

If you have questions for me feel free to post them, I'll try to check back here in the next few days.

[lorilei]

Originally posted by jportnick
...as a strong and fit person who teaches six high energy aerobics classes a week, and someone who takes dance and aerobics classes on top of that, I did believe it was wrong to deny me an opportunity just because of the way I look.

I think this was the primary thought that many of us wanted to express in this thread.

I'm sure I speak for many of us when I applaud you for taking the time to stand up for your right to pursue your interests. AND for making the world a bit more accepting. :)

[jportnick]

Lorelei, thanks for your message and also for quoting one of my heroes, Deb Burgard. I highly recommend her website for anyone interested in reading more about the "health at any size" message. She is at: http://www.bodypositive.com

[BosunsWife]

All I have to say is jportnick, "you go girl"! There are way to many people that stereotype we "big girls" as being lazy slobs. I may be overweight, but generally I'm in better shape and condition than a lot of my "skinny" friends. I say generally, because right now I'm in my ninth month of pregnancy and not feeling in any sort of shape except HUGE!