When Your Fitness Instructor Gains Weight

When I started teaching fitness classes almost five years ago, I was 46 years old—and about 15 pounds lighter. Every once in a while, when I step on the scale, I catch myself thinking, What happened?

I work out five days a week. I teach classes. I move my body for a living. So how could I possibly have gained weight?

Over time, I’ve come to recognize a few honest truths. I’ve grown older. My metabolism has slowed. And while I’m still active, I’m not moving in quite the same way—or with the same intensity—as I once did, even though I’m teaching classes regularly.

The reason I wanted to write this post is simple: I want you to know that you are not alone. Even your fitness instructor struggles with her weight.

Could I make a few small tweaks to my diet? Definitely. Is that on the docket? Totally.

Could I add more stress-lowering practices into my life—like intentional breathing, scripture meditation, quiet moments of stillness, and activities that nourish my soul as much as my body? Absolutely. And yes, that’s also on the docket for this year.

But the heart of this post isn’t about weight loss plans or fixing what feels "wrong." It’s about peace.

If you’ve noticed weight gain as you’ve grown older, please hear this: your body is not failing you. Our bodies are meant to shift and change over time. They widen, soften, and sometimes carry a little extra padding here and there.

And the question I want to gently ask is this: Are our bodies still good?

Yes. A thousand times, yes.

Your body is still strong. Still capable. Still worthy of care, movement, and kindness. It still carries you through your days, holds your stories, and allows you to show up for the people and purposes you love.

So if you’ve been feeling discouraged, embarrassed, or frustrated with your body lately, let this be a deep breath of reassurance. You’re not behind. You’re not broken. And you’re certainly not alone.

We keep showing up. We keep moving. We keep learning how to care for ourselves in this season.

And that—right there—is more than enough.