Instructor Fitness

[Rickster]

Instructor Fitness

I was weight training with an associate in a health fitness gym when we had taken notice of a large man, oddly shaped, but not grossly corpulent.

My associate stated that the fellow was the center's Tai Ji instructor. Followed by another on how he did not approve that such a person be capable of teaching Tai Ji.

My question to him was;

To be a teacher in such, one has to be in top shape?


Followed by another,

Does a teacher has to have been a student or a person of example?

In other words, can a teacher or coach be one that has not played the game? (In this instance-be in shape)

Respectfully looking for replies.,

[EviesEarth]

I believe that there are different types of instructors that each in turn will offer students something different. For example, one instructor may be more more developed physically, while another may be more mental/spiritual. I can't say that one is better than the other, as they both have something important to offer a student. Of course as an instructor, one strives to offer students both. There may be times when a person ,due to age or other physical disability, are unable to perform in the same way they expect their students to. This should not be looked down on, after all, it is the experience they are passing on as a teacher that matters.
Just my opinion here....

[Rickster]

So, can a instructor be out of shape and still teach?

[EviesEarth]

Well, what is your definition of out of shape? Would that be some with a disability that is simply unable to perform certain moves? Or would that be someone who eats junk food and never exercises and is simply lazy?
In my opinion, the later (the lazy one) would not make a good instructor as they are not setting a good example.

[chipinoh]

I've seen this as well. Personally, I try not to judge a person by their weight/appearance, but it is so hard! I'd give him the benefit of the doubt & see if he met my needs as an instructor. Who knows, maybe he started his journey @ 500 lbs, and is now in the best shape of his life!