Having nutrition education for our members is a really important part of the comprehensive services a health club needs to offer. But sometimes it’s necessary to look in our own house and be sure that everything is in good order.
While we may be telling our members how to eat right, it is possible that our staff is not aware of how to eat healthy themselves. Perhaps the trainers are the most knowledgeable, but even they might admit that they could use more information. Then, we have lots of other staff members who may need anything from a few tips to all the basics.
It is important to not assume that because someone works in a health club they know about nutrition. I was recently invited by our General Manager to speak with her staff about some simple eating strategies, and it was definitely time well spent. In fact, each individual decided to meet with me one-on-one to talk further about their particular needs.
There is also another, more troubling side of this issue. We are in a primarily service-oriented industry where personal trainers and group exercise instructors are often the ones maintaining direct contact with clients. As role models, many trainers and instructors feel intense pressure to look lean and toned, and especially thin regardless of their natural tendencies. Women fitness instructors in particular seem to be at an increased risk for developing eating disorders.
Because of the intense societal pressure to achieve a certain look, some women may choose unhealthy methods to achieve an ideal body type and size. In addition to dieting for weight loss, excessive exercise may be used as a supplement or replacement for restricting calories. When some male and female instructors exercise excessively, they may be setting an example for members who will assume that it is acceptable behavior.
I am sure that we have all seen some cases of poor body image and disordered eating in our clubs. Since these behaviors are so common in the health and fitness industry, we should try to take special care of our staff just as much as our members. Everyone should have access to information about healthy eating. Everyone should be aware of the complicated relationships between body image, eating and exercise.
It would be very helpful to let staff and members know that restricting calories and over-exercising can actually lower the body’s metabolism and make it more difficult to keep weight off. Such conditions can cause the body to go into “starvation mode” where metabolism will decline in order to conserve energy and maintain vital functions. So be sure that this information is well known by staff and members alike.
Judith Samuels, M.A. is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and master personal trainer at Sport&Health Clubs in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. She can be reached via e-mail at judi@judisamuels.com.
