News Flash! Basingstoke Postnatal Fitness instructor DOES NOT HAVE BANGING BODY! 

Recently, I stumbled upon a comment on social media that really riled me up and triggered me. This is because I know I am a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor, actively teaching, who doesn't fit the typical mold and it struck a nerve.

The comment came from someone I admired in the fitness industry, someone with vast experience. She is known worldwide, a qualified PT, body life style coach for the high flyer and a physiotherapist.

She proclaimed that unless a PT "looked the part" and lived the fitness lifestyle, they couldn't be trusted. She went on to say how PTs should absolutely be in good shape, a good fitness level, take pride in their body, live healthy and not to be trusted if they don't. This sentiment has left me feeling awful and compelled to write a ramble of my thoughts on the matter.

I defy the "Typical Look"

Picture this: I'm a Basingstoke-based PT, a mum of three *cough* amazing children  (they are but man alive to they drive me up the wall!).

My youngest is just 21 months old and I am still grappling with post-childbirth complications and a body that doesn't quite resemble my pre-baby self, to be honest I forget what this looked like and I am also juggling the responsibilities of work and parenthood.

Time to myself is a luxury I cannot afford. And then, this comment comes along, shattering my self-esteem and undermining my expertise.

Let me paint a picture of myself for you.

I am not your average personal trainer in the local gym.

I am not skinny, athletic, strong, or slim. In fact, I'm the complete opposite. I am overweight, late 30's exhausted, hardly brush my hair, never in make up and often in "hold it all in" lycra" 

It takes me 86 attempts at a selfie without grey hairs, 6 chins, shiny skin and wearing something that looks vaguely like a smile.

But does that make me any less qualified as a PT to help you, teach you, hold a class, work with postnatal (and antenatal) mummas and run my own fat loss program?

Absolutely not. I have accumulated years of experience and knowledge, and I know my stuff inside out. My qualifications are rock solid.

However, because my appearance doesn't conform to society's fitness standards, I am dismissed by some. 

This makes me really sad and I actually pity those that disagree with me.

To add some self-deprecating humor to the mix, I used to have a personal trainer who was petite and skinny. Whenever I stood beside her, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed about my own body and fitness level. I spend hours looking at people in the business and wishing I looked like her but right now that feels impossible.

But here's the thing: appearances can be deceiving. My clients, the incredible individuals I have the privilege to work with, relate to me on a deeper level. They appreciate the empathy and understanding that comes from shared struggles and experiences.

They don't care, or at least I hope they don't? As mums, with young children, winging our way through life self gratifications, confidence and to loves ones self comes from so much more than a banging body.

It comes from support, friendship, laugher, not being judged, love and dare I say it nothing to compare ourselves too and feel judged over. 

Body image frustrates me and I try my best to empower my clients.

My frustrations lie in the toxic nature of body image stereotypes. Shouldn't qualifications and knowledge be the ultimate indicators of a trustworthy PT?

It's disheartening to witness the shallowness that permeates the fitness industry. The amount of idiots I see posting their workout on social media, giving advice on what their routine looks like, detailing their daily 700 calorie diet or telling people what to do with ZERO qualifications or training.

Don't get me started on Joe Wicks getting postnatal mums to jump around and risk  damaging an unrehabilitated delicate postnatal pelvic floor! 

So, here's a shout-out to all my amazing clients who refuse to be swayed by surface-level judgments. Together, we break free from these harmful stereotypes and embrace the journey of self-improvement, whatever our starting point may be.

In my Basingstoke mum and baby classes and postnatal fitness sessions, I witness the transformations that transcend the superficial. I witness mothers who are juggling a million things at once, just like me. They give their all, and I am honored to be a part of their journey.

We celebrate small victories, laugh off setbacks, and prioritize their overall well-being amidst the chaos. My job is to help these exhausted mums with little time to themselves feel amazing, regardless of societal expectations.

Perhaps us Hampshire & Surrey MummaBfit mums are made of tougher stuff?!

Perhaps to feel good I don't need to be sat in my Dubai house answering an Instagram question putting others down?! (although to be in Dubai would be nice!)

Let's challenge the notion that a personal trainer's worth is solely determined by their appearance.

My journey as a PT has shown me that qualifications, knowledge, and empathy trump aesthetic looks any day. So, let's celebrate our diverse bodies, embrace our unique strengths, and lift each other up. Together, we can redefine what it means to be a trusted and effective personal trainer.

Remember, the next time someone tries to put you down based on appearance alone, laugh it off and prove them wrong.

You are so much more than the sum of your physical attributes. Keep shining, keep inspiring, and keep breaking those stereotypes.