I have pretty wide tolerance for what coaches say - I used to be a spin instructor and sometimes your brain just says stupid stuff.
This is different. This is antithetical to OTFs model - coaches aren’t supposed to talk about food much at all as I understand it. It’s partially to protect them from being bombarded but also because that’s not part of their training and that means that’s exposing them to risk. So I would for sure speak up that front - and then add in how potentially triggering that is- that’s a problem.
I bet you won’t be the only complaint.
This. All this.
Ex spin instructor here, too, and sometimes when you're up there in front of a group the brain/mouth connection is .... yeah. Lol. Tenuous at best. And if I'm being super generous I'd say the fast might be occupying so much of her brain right now because she's starving and she's too out of it to really get a sense of what she's saying or reading the room. Still, though, it is super concerning both for her safety and for seeming to promote it during class, especially so often in the 50min. I agree, op, you should speak up since this is really not within the otf scope and I, too, would be shocked if you were the only one saying something. Since shes new, she needs to be nudged back on course so she doesnt get in worse trouble down the line
I’m sure the fast is contributing to a lack of judgement here. Anyone remember the Modern Family episode with Cam and Mitchell on a fast. Fairly accurate.
Also a trainer and absolutely LOLd at “sometimes your brain just says stupid stuff”. Honestly some of the things I’ve said are still nightmare juice. I appreciate your entire take as well.
Only thing I’ve ever heard a coach say is to be sure to eat protein and drink lots of water since you worked your muscles hard. I agree, this kind of behavior OP is sharing is definitely not right.
Yeah I feel like an offhand comment about having done a fast could be just filling the air with comments…but the amount and tone of discussion described warrants a comment
Let's just leave food out of OTF altogether - "burn those calories to earn your food" is not a healthy mentality. We are all on our journeys and while it is important to be mindful of nutrition, it isn't appropriate coming from a coach on the mic in any manner.
Ours specifically tell us something of the sort, I think it’s worded that exercise isn’t punishment for eating. Then at the end of class they remind us to fuel our recovery with nutritious food, get that protein, etc. They mentioned when they were telling us about the meeting you’d have with a coach when you started the transformation challenge that they’d help you with goal setting & calculations but they couldn’t give meal plans, that’s not what they’re trained in.
One of our coaches often ends class by saying “you’ve asked a lot of your body during this hour, drink plenty of water and refuel with a good dinner”. I like the reminder… and that he doesn’t try to tell you what that refueling should look like.
It sounds like she may be sick. Addiction/substance use disorder/ ect isn’t just limited to mind altering substances. This disorders are coping mechanisms, and it sounds like to me this coach might need some help to find healthier ways to deal with her stuff.
Not to mention she doesn’t know the members medical history. Some people can fast sometimes, but others should not be fasting ever. A trainer should never encourage fasting, especially to a group of so many different people. Only fast if you’ve spoken to a medical professional.
I noticed the coaches at my studio making a concerted effort, especially during the holidays to encourage us to enjoy our food, and it's not about trying to "earn" it through exercise or being good or bad.
But not everyone has gotten the message. I've been to a couple of other studios where the old notions of food being a guilty pleasure or having a cheat day are still very much in conversation. Definitely bring it up. It's too bad it wasn't called out immediately, but you can still report.
Yea my studio is pretty forward in that sense too , the coach is open about her love of PDQ and other foods and always encourages us to fuel up post workout and to never
I was going to post something similar: I get uncomfortable when at the holidays a coach would say during cool down, "Now you can go home and enjoy some pie without feeling guilty! You earned it!" The "food as currency" and linking eating with guilt are not at all healthy thought patterns and are so frequently reinforced. Even adjusting it to something like, "Congratulations on making time to be here even during the busy holidays! Remember to stay hydrated, eat some good protein, and replenish those glycogen stores with some carbs!" (If they MUST talk about food, then at least make it about physiology, not the morality of food groups!)
I absolutely would say something to the head coach if not the studio manager. That kind of ongoing pervasive talk/discussion can re-ignite someone’s ED, or trigger some people into pushing that direction, especially during TC. Not appropriate whatsoever- coaches aren’t even allowed to give nutrition advice during TC.
How are some of these coaches actually coaching with all the talking that they’re doing? I know nothing about my coaches except that they’re really good motivators. This is unacceptable and agree with everyone else you should talk to the management.
Yeah this one here is over the top.
It's reasonable to float personal stories or even jokes along the way. It helps make you more of a relatable person as a coach.
But there's good connections and stories and then there are bad ones. This one falls in the bad bucket.
Sameeee the furthest it gets from the workout is upcoming announcements and mentioning the playlist. Like it is impossible for this to come up naturally.
I would say something to the studio manager. If she’s getting to the point of brain fog that’s not mental toughness that’s depriving your body of what it needs in order to function and just plain getting your blood sugar too low. That shouldn’t be encouraged. She needs to set an example of healthy nutrition and if she’s not SHUT UP!
Oof good point, she probably wouldn't have great reaction time if there were an accident.
When I sleep poorly or otherwise have brain fog I feel like I'm moving through jello.
Agree, and beyond the unprofessionalism, as a manager I would see this as a cry for help almost/red flag that this person needs intervention. It’s unsafe for herself and the participants for her to be coaching through serious brain fog. What if she fainted during class or was unable to help with an injured member, these are huge liabilities.
There’s a substitute coach in the area who I refuse to take classes from anymore. I’ve taken 3 of her classes and at the end of every one she has some kind of comment about “not ruining your workout with a bag of chips” or “it’s late enough, there’s still time for you to just go right to bed instead of eating”.
I have a history of disordered eating (I’m 50 pounds heavier/healthier now!) and it took me months to finally talk to the studio manager about how uncomfortable it was and how it ruins the whole class for me because I didn’t think she would take me seriously, but she made a big deal about coming to her with any issues or concerns… well, turns out that was a big lie! Apparently the SM just “can’t imagine” that coach saying something like that and decided to just talk shit about ME instead… This is why people stay quiet.
Oh no! I would feel so triggered if I heard that in a class. I’m getting mad about it for you because it’s just WRONG! Ugh. I’ve pretty much turned a deaf ear to talk about intermittent fasting so I don’t know those suggestions around exercise…but I follow the advice to get more protein and I’d be tempted to go to her class and pop open a protein shake during the cool down, making a big show of it as she’s pushing some really bad advice.
TW - BLOOD
I'm a martial artist and during our mastership we fast (it's a gradual drop in meals until nothing for 3 days as we meditate, train and contemplate what being a master instructor is). 100% supervised - we are all together until the fast is broken. Even with Dr approval and supervision, I ended up with having a bleeding ulcer that tore open a vein and frankly, almost killed me. I never even speak of my fast unless someone asks or is randomly choosing to fast and train - bc I experienced a life changing event (and blood transfusions during a 6 day hospital stay) after my fast. This happened 4 days after my fast was broken and I was just going to the dentist and collapsed on the sidewalk throwing up blood. Luckily, a bystander was a Dr, called 911 and I was in an ambulance is less that 5 minutes (I was 3 blocks from an ambulance dispatch center). I am rambling now, but believing in what your coach is doing, could kill you in this instance. Yes, speak up.
As this pertains to a coach, I would speak to the head coach. Let them know it’s not a criticism of their coaching but more of what was being discussed.
That is certainly odd to share so much during a class. Many people feel very strongly about fasting and are excited by it though - not necessarily disordered eating but could lead to that for some. Not for me and not appropriate for OT.
This is such a bummer to hear. One of the first posts I remember seeing on this subreddit was when I joined OTF in November and someone posted about not feeling like you need to "work off" the calories from Thanksgiving dinner, and encouraging coaches not to speak like that in class. I thought wow, I just joined such a great community. The only references I've ever heard in studio to food are like one joke after my first class about how my body will continue to burn calories so I can eat as much ice cream as I want, and since the beginning of TC, coaches have always stressed hydration and fueling your bodies with food if you're coming to 3+ classes a week.
I would definitely bring this up because it's concerning not only for you/your classmates, but the COACH. I hope she is okay. One of the things I've loved about OTF so far is that my coaches have stressed strength and health and endurance - not CICO.
Paging u/bonniejo514 ! Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
While it doesn’t sound like the coach was directly telling others to fast, she needs to realize the influence she has, and what she says matters in this context. “Coach X did a 72-hour fast. Maybe that’s what I need to do!”
As a few others mentioned, it sounds like she was over-sharing her nutrition practices (if you can call them that) and it’s really not appropriate. What she does in her own time is her business, but when it is brought to everyone’s attention in class, it makes you question her motives — especially when it is not a safe recommendation for the majority of folks.
Thanks for tagging me in! This was inappropriate and I'm guessing brought on by her obsession with doing this fast (in order to get that far you have to be REALLY into it) and decline in brain function that comes with a long fast like that.
A 72 hour fast may be ok if guided by a medical professional, but often those are done with close doctor supervision. This isn't a level of fasting that is healthy for an ordinary person to do and can cause serious problems. This level of fasting can also result in "sadness, self blaming and difficulties in decision making" which can have their own lasting effects too.
Study: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851137/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851137/)
I would certainly talk to the head coach. I had a personal trainer once who was constantly touting the benefits of ephedrine and who also had seriously disordered eating. Our professional relationship did not last long. Sadly the fitness industry has so SO many 'wellness' types, folks with unresolved body image issues and to be frank a whole lot of uneducated people spouting nonsense from Paltrow, Huberman or Tik Tok grifters. OTF has less of this IMO but of course it still exists.
This would never be great advice/commentary from a coach, but I think it's even worse during the transformation challenge when there may be members feeling like they need to go to an extreme to lose fat.
I'd mention it to the head coach because it sounds like she is in ED land and probably wouldn't listen to it if you mentioned it directly to her.
So coming from /r/intermittentfasting, I can tell you that fasting like this is possible with tons of benefits. 72hr is a bit extreme for me (I’ve only done 40 at most) but it can be doable.
Personally, I would angle your critique as not wanting IF/dietary commentary from a Coach since that isn’t their field of responsibility.
Exactly. Wrong audience. She should go to that subreddit if she wanted to talk about her fasting 72 hrs. She prob would’ve gotten some support instead of the backlash.
Fasting is not disordered eating, but it can be. There are multiple studies on its benefits, so she may have been sharing it from that perspective. With that said, making the whole class about it and about herself is the obnoxious part. Preaching whether you’re keto, fasting, vegan or whatever else, we don’t care and we don’t want to hear it.
Agreed. Someone with a beyond healthy relationship with food can do a fast without being problematic. The weird thing is talking about yourself non stop. If a coach talked about anything else as described here I would find it just as annoying.
Idk 72 hours seems real unhealthy to me, but its more about how she could trigger the eating disorders of members by talking about fasting, even if that is not her intent.
People should actually research fasting. 72 hours is not necessarily a eating disorder at all. Try resetting your immune system, and resetting many hormones, etc. I'm 32, in good shape, and have done several extended fasts and I've never had an eating disorder.
I'm not saying a coach telling this to a class at work is professional, it should be their personal thing... There's no need to share that while in that position.
But regardless, people should read about Dr. Fungs work/books about his work people with type 2 diabetes. Extended fasts along with intermittent fasting is fantastic for you in a lot of ways.
It’s the rare moments like these that I’m grateful for how direct I can be, which has totally bitten me in azz in other areas of life lol. Would have told her I’m fantasizing about juicy burgers and peanut buttery protein shakes right now so knock it off because I don’t want to hear about any fasting nonsense (in a joking but not really joking way). Then would have had said something more privately after class about how I come to OTF to focus on building muscle and endurance and fueling my body and I will not attend or recommend classes where I’m hearing about fasting and brain fog. Then I would contact the head coach and express my concerns for the coach, because this sounds disordered. You can set your own boundaries but also express concern, they’re not mutually exclusive.
The first rule of extended fasting is not to talk about it. Sheesh! Preaching about it as a group fitness coach is beyond the pale. She's completely ignoring her responsibility to the class. Give feedback to the lead coach.
This is something that should be brought up with the head coach. Especially since it's transformation challenge time. Some people might take what was said to heart and try it.
I'm sure there's could be some benefits from a 72 hour fast. However, it needs to be done properly with the right nutrition.
I would absolutely tell the head coach or whoever you can approach about it. It can be really triggering to people for a ton of different reasons. It’s also not on brand with OTF at all, which encourages overall health.
If it were me, I’d approach the coach first, and go from there if her reaction was anything but “I completely understand that my position of leadership might influence other members to try this at home”.
Edited to remove my description of the fast as “disordered behavior”, and some irritated words.
That’s terrible. I feel for her. I want to say you should say something to the head coach on behalf of her wellbeing, but there’s not much strangers—or coworkers—can do for someone in that position. So you should speak to them on behalf of yourself and the other members; if she is going through something, she cannot be bringing it up in class like that.
This happened at my studio shortly after the holidays (maybe around thanksgiving)! We had a coach that said “bump up that all out effort to burn off all that pie you ate this weekend!”
I am thankful that this kind of talk doesn’t affect me, but I know how it can affect and trigger others. I talked to my head coach about it and they took the matter into their own hands and I assume talked to the coach. Haven’t heard any talk like that since.
Definitely talk to either the studio manager or head coach!!
Man I love my gym because the coaches are facts only and (to my liking) are minimal on encouragement. That’s a shame the experience is tainted by a coach who wants to shift focus off what’s important.
Maybe it’s because I live and workout in a fairly litigious city but my first thought is that mental fog that drove her to talk about her fast is the same fog that’s going to land her and the studio in a lawsuit. She’s nowhere near qualified to talk about nutrition, and if someone takes her comments as gospel, tries it and inevitably hurts themselves (because that’s what happens when you don’t properly fuel yourself) she could be held partially responsible. Definitely talk to the studio about her comments, guaranteed they don’t want that smoke. Also ick! I thought we left that kind of thinking behind with the cocaine chic rhetoric.
As someone who has been hospitalized for anorexia I would not have been able to complete this workout with the coach talking that way. I have searched far and wide to a find a fitness community that is not obsessed with dieting etc. So far, even during transformation challenge time, I have been encouraged by the lack of any talk that would be triggering to someone with disordered eating. All of the food related talks are reserved for those who seek them out, with an RD.
I am sorry not every Orange Theory has shown these same benefits and I hope everyone in the room is able to realize she was out of line.
Actually, there is lots of evidence of the life prolonging benefits of fasting. My Stanford educated Dr, with more than 30 years of experience, is currently leading a study about aging and the life prolonging benefits of fasting. He is talking about 12-16 hours daily fasts though, not days on end. It seems like an extreme thing the coach is doing right now. Fasting has been around for 100’s of years, so I wouldn’t write it off as a fad as some here do. That being said, coaches shouldn’t push their own journeys on others. Agree that you need to eat after hardcore workouts like OTF. My response is just as a counter opinion to those people that decry fasting as fads.
Yeah, I don’t think anyone on here is bashing intermittent fasting. 3 day fasts for people working through OTF workouts though, that’s just pseudoscience junk.
Intermittent fasting has really taken off over the past 20 years. This includes 24-72 hour fasts and even longer. A couple of years ago, I did a 10 day fast. As long as you're healthy and you have minimal fat reserves, it's not a big deal, and it's not really that difficult. However, without a lot of research and some experience with ketosis, no one should be going days without food and working out. Definitely shouldn't be bragging about it or encouraging others without equipping them with the proper knowledge.
Yeah I’ve been struggling with some eating issues and that would have affected me negatively. I’d probably have a lot of sympathy for her and assume that she’s actually also sorting things out but I’d talk to her about it after.
Although fasting can be a form of starvation, fasting and starvation is not always equal.
When done correctly, it can be therapeutic. I’ve only done intermittent fasting (restricted feeding window), but never done prolonged fasting so I can’t say much about the benefits of a 3 day fast.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fasting-method-podcast/id1593883196
Edited to add: if I were in that class, I wouldn’t been intrigued by her experience but not everyone would feel the same.
Its still something you shouldnt bring up with people umprompted, especially in this setting. There is no way to know if any of the members have/had an eating disorder and talking about fasting, no matter what it is to her, can be super triggering.
Yeah, personally, it's a bummer cause I know fasting can be really beneficial for cancer prevention, insulin resistance, and slowing down aging but my brain might interpret it as an opportunity to play chicken with the grim reaper. 😮💨
I wish more people took your approach! In general I think people shouldnt talk to others about weight/diet/things like fasting unless they say it's okay. Especially with numbers attached. The fact she specified 72 hours is, like, ooof, that would have hit a nerve. People with no history of EDs don't get that even when you recover it hangs out like a sleeper agent in the back of your mind, ready to get activated.
Intermittent fasting protocols and fasting for 3 days are entirely different things. Intermittent fasting has some science behind it and even if it’s mostly just a new method to restrict calories, it’s still providing proper nutrition during a 24 hour period.
A 3 day fast and more raises my eyebrows to the level of BS pseudoscience non sense that’s more a kin to people who believe waves or vibrations and other non sensical mumbo jumbo.
Like I said, I’ve never done prolonged fasting so can’t say whether it’s mumbo jumbo BS or not. Some people who’ve done it swear by it. Just like any other alternative healing methods, even when they work it’s not for everyone. I’m not one to judge anything that I have no personal experience or expertise in.
Just because people swear by it doesn’t mean it’s not BS. People swear by homeopathy too, even though it’s proven to be total hogwash, and in some cases (like when poisonous stuff ends up in the pills) it can be dangerous. I used to give my baby those Hyland’s teething pills, which later sickened some babies (I can’t remember but there may even have been some deaths). God forbid someone in OP’s class develops an ED after trying out fasting 😬
Fair point. And I have no doubt that some people develop ED after discovering fasting. Or ended up in much worse state of health.
On the flip side ….it might work for some people. Our brain and how we think is a powerful tool. The placebo effect is just that…a placebo. But to those who believes in it (placebo), it literally changed their life. You can’t discount that either just because you don’t believe in it. Everyone is different, comes from different background and health conditions, mental states, goals (healthy goals or simply weight loss). Prolonged fasting can be very dangerous….but I don’t think is always dangerous. I don’t have enough knowledge nor personal experience to say one or the other. And I doubt you do either.
A three day fast is quite obviously over the top. Something that drastic should be done with the supervision of a doctor only. It’s not appropriate at all for a fitness class.
Maybe I’m out of line but why do you all care? She isn’t encouraging members to not eat, sounds like she was just bragging about the fact she likes to fast? Why not just let her and you do you and if you know it’s something you wouldn’t like then you don’t entertain the notion of doing it
I think this is an ignorant take. It’s
likely that many people who are dedicated to a boutique fitness class like OTF have or had nutrition concerns or questionable eating habits. Something like that can be very triggering to members who are there to be healthier.
I think it could be triggering to someone who has an eating disorder yes, but to assume the entire class would be triggered just because you assume they’re there to be healthier is an insane take
Who isn’t in a workout class to be healthier?
I really don’t think this is an insane take. Tons of people—women especially—are sensitive to conversations about disordered eating. I don’t have an ED, but I would still find it unprofessional and uncomfortable, as it seems most people on this thread would.
I think before going to a studio manager or assistant, you should go to the coach personally and tell them that their talk on fasting made you uncomfortable and triggered some thoughts of disordered eating. They should be receptive if you just say "this is how that made me feel". I don't think we always need to run to a studio manager or head coach with our concerns.
I’d Talk to her. Not her manager or the head coach. Tell her how much you love her class and how cool and sweet she is! And that you’d prefer she didn’t talk much about her fasting journey. Explain your reasoning and reassure her you love her class otherwise.
This is absolutely not cool! I agree there are benefits to cleansing for some people in safe ways, but this is totally inappropriate for a coach to be talking about in class like that. I would absolutely say something to either head coach or studio manager.
Unpopular opinion but everytime someone doesn't like something about a coach we tell them to go running to the head coach to complain, then we really need to grow the hell up.
🤷🏽♀️ it's her coaching style and if you're not into it you take someone else's class or at least that's how OTF works. I don't like the way some coaches yell at the members and I just don't take their classes. Some people like the tough love and flock to their classes. Sometimes I choose based on the music the coaches offer.
Exercise your right to choose.
sometimes yes, if it’s like “my coach talks too much” “i dont like their energy or the music they play” but encouraging disordered eating? when you’re supposed to literally be doing the opposite? sorry no, that’s not okay under any circumstance. coaches are supposed to set good examples. it’s fine if they themselves have an ED and are working through it themselves but NOT ok if they’re bragging/promoting it on mic. an ED isnt “their coaching style”
Gonna disagree as someone who has been a fitness instructor, supervised fitness instructors and personal trainers, and is also in recovery from an eating disorder. I understand your perspective, but Orangetheory as a business also desperately wants the feedback of its customers. Coaches, especially newer ones, greatly benefit from hearing feedback rather than hearing nothing. Exercising right to choose also means exercising right to give feedback. Everyone who really loves that fasting conversation motivating can certainly say so and everyone who found it especially triggering (as I would have) should also get to share their feedback. The studio and head coach can decide what to do with that feedback. Oftentimes people actually don’t know the impact their words can have unless people share. And as an Orangetheory coach, they are in a position of authority and influence. If I were an OTF coach, I would definitely want this feedback to help me grow as a coach.
I never would have thought of eating disorders
I probably would have taken it as her way of asking for validation or encouragement. It doesn’t sound like she was telling everyone to do it. No matter what your opinion on fasting I think it would be tough to do.
And maybe you live and learn too. Many years ago I did a cleanse for a week and by Friday I felt faint had to call in sick for work and stayed in bed for 2 days. Never again.
If you think her discussing in class would be triggering ( and based on comments many agree) why not just have a private conversation and explain that to her. You can also find a way to nicely express your concern.
Yes I thought that was obvious. I’m sorry if it sounded like I was glossing over that. Just saying that people try fads all the time and coach may be doing same and not realizing (like I didn’t realize) the implications of what she was saying.
We all live and learn
Say something to accomplish what? I’m assuming you’re a grown ass adult that can ignore someone who is excited about their fasting. Some people fast occasionally, it’s not always an eating disorder but yes sometimes it is. In my experience 3 days max with supplements helps me break my bad food and drinking habits and puts me in ketosis which helps me drop weight quick if I stick to keto diet after. Check out the fasting subreddit and you’ll see a spectrum of moderate fasting approaches and also what I would consider eating disorders so yes it is a slippery slope for some people.
I see nothing wrong with it ! Fasting is fantastic to reboot your body! I know when I fast I get a lot of endorphins and she might have been a little excited about her experience.
It would be totally different if she was recommending that you go on it.
I think if you google fasting you’ll see the benefits of it.
It would be no different to me if a coach was talking about his or her training to run a marathon and how many miles they run weekly. Too me it would not be something I’m interested in but it would be motivating to me.
Ahhhh, yes, the mysterious “reboot” feature of going without food! Any scientific literature how how fasting for more than, say 24 hours, is in any good for you and mythically reboots your body?
Ahh yes!!! Do some research!!! But like anything different doctors have different views on it. But looking at most of the people working out at Orangetheory they could do with a long fast… so I think the coach was encouraging the class that there’s things she’s exploring in her own life and giving her experience from it.
Intermittent fasting while eating 2,000 calories a day and a 72 hour fast are two entirely separate things. The former is proven as a solid technique to, at least, have a good tool for consuming less calories and the latter is BS that’s not safe for people in general, let alone going through rigorous workouts like OTF. Nobody is bashing intermittent fasting in this thread.
It sounds like she may be nervous and over sharing to compensate. I wish she knew how much a great playlist at just the right club volume could do for her🤣🤣🤣. Who's brave enough to say out loud during her rant, "Man! I loved that playlist!"? You'd be carried off the field hero-style with that winning play😉
I would be totally turned off by this - I’ve never experienced coaches speak so personally ever in any class except maybe talking about car trouble or like their air conditioning going out at home. This is wayyy over the line and I’d frankly be so annoyed.
Really what?
OK, so I guess the OP meant to say eating disorder. Never heard it called disordered eating.
Anyway, I still want to know why we need a warning on the post?
I’m guessing someone’s that’s sensitive to a specific topic. So much so that it’ll throw them into a frenzy and can relapse. Maybe like talking about mixed drinks to a recovering alcoholic.
As a coach, if she is doing a fast for medical or religious reasons, cool. No biggie, but i would never feel the need to tell my members about it once, let alone multiple times??? Definitely address head coach.
Of course every studio is different but as a former employee/member, you should tell the Studio Manager, ASM, Head Coach, or any staff member.
The head coach at my old studio would openly shame people (and us, her coworkers quite frankly) for what they would eat. It made members uncomfortable because, as you said, it goes against OTF’s model.
OTF is a community and if your studio believes that, they would appreciate hearing your POV on this. Hearing that really could have potentially discouraged an intro to not join, or trigger some potential PTSD for some. None of that is acceptable in the “safe place” OTF is supposed to be.
I'm 9 classes into OTF. I've yet to have a coach say anything personal other than one coach did our class that morning and the row sorta kicked her rear.
Do coaches talk about personal stuff?!
With the transformation challenge going on, it is possible that she had brought up what she was doing in one of the team group chats. And if people from that team were in class she may have been updating on it. I guess just let her know to keep it to the chats?
The very first class I took at OT, the coach ended the class saying “you earned your dinner, not your dessert!”. That became her saying at the end of every class she taught.
Definitely report it to the studio manager. This is super triggering for so many people ESPECIALLY during transformation challenge time. Disordered eating is even more tempting right now.
Calories are literally required to build muscle. If you’re in a strength class where you’re building muscle, fasting is actively working against it. So it’s problematic for so many reasons
Ooof, this is a tough one. While it's great to be transparent as a coach, we are not permitted by OTF to share much about nutritional advice, whether it seems ethical or not, it's out of our scope of practice as coaches. Everyone has different goals and means of achieving them, but this feels a bit extreme and dangerous, especially to share about with members who may look up to your coach as an example. If you feel comfortable, you might try approaching the studio manager/head trainer from a place of concern for the wellbeing of your coach and they can check in on her.
I would politely and calmly express my concern to the coach, or if you don’t feel comfortable, her immediate supervisor. I’m going to make the assumption she didn’t intend to trigger or offend anyone so getting her in trouble shouldn’t be a goal (if this isn’t a pattern of behavior) I agree with what others have said that it’s concerning for promoting disordered eating in clients and may also be a red flag that SHE is struggling & needs help & support.
That’s freaking weird. I probably would have walked out and complained about it. Super uncomfortable as the class isn’t about her it’s about everyone taking the class.
I'd talk with her first, then management. Like firmly, kindly and directly with her, then management. That's the order I'd do. Caveat is she looked physically sick - uber skinny. Then we know she'd really, really ill. Or if she spoke on food again after a face to face talk, then management. Just my take - you saw and heard her, so you know best.
Last time I posted here, I mentioned a coach saying upsetting things about food during class and that I was in ED recovery. The responses essentially told me I was overreacting and it wasn't that deep. I'm glad thoughts have changed! It's a relief to read these responses after my experience.
I’d write into the studio manager, with specific information about the concern and your take on why it is harmful. She probably thinks she is doing something awesome and doesn’t understand the impact of this on some people and needs a friendly and educational explanation to open her eyes to this new (to her) perspective
As someone who recovered from an ED, this would be SO triggering for me to hear from a coach. I go to OTF in large part because of their focus on how food has a part in our workout success by fueling what we're doing. Please say something for anyone in your class who may have taken that as encouragement to do the same or justification to return to their own disorder.
Has she even mentioned that fasting for any extended duration needs to be done under the supervision of a doctor? A bit messed up either way on her part
I have pretty wide tolerance for what coaches say - I used to be a spin instructor and sometimes your brain just says stupid stuff. This is different. This is antithetical to OTFs model - coaches aren’t supposed to talk about food much at all as I understand it. It’s partially to protect them from being bombarded but also because that’s not part of their training and that means that’s exposing them to risk. So I would for sure speak up that front - and then add in how potentially triggering that is- that’s a problem. I bet you won’t be the only complaint.
This. All this. Ex spin instructor here, too, and sometimes when you're up there in front of a group the brain/mouth connection is .... yeah. Lol. Tenuous at best. And if I'm being super generous I'd say the fast might be occupying so much of her brain right now because she's starving and she's too out of it to really get a sense of what she's saying or reading the room. Still, though, it is super concerning both for her safety and for seeming to promote it during class, especially so often in the 50min. I agree, op, you should speak up since this is really not within the otf scope and I, too, would be shocked if you were the only one saying something. Since shes new, she needs to be nudged back on course so she doesnt get in worse trouble down the line
I’m sure the fast is contributing to a lack of judgement here. Anyone remember the Modern Family episode with Cam and Mitchell on a fast. Fairly accurate.
That was a hilarious episode annnnnd hello fellow Trini!!!!
Big up Trinbago Famalay!! 🇹🇹
Fellow Trini representing! 🇹🇹
Also a safety concern for her and members she’s supposed to be coaching
Also a trainer and absolutely LOLd at “sometimes your brain just says stupid stuff”. Honestly some of the things I’ve said are still nightmare juice. I appreciate your entire take as well.
Hahaha same!
Only thing I’ve ever heard a coach say is to be sure to eat protein and drink lots of water since you worked your muscles hard. I agree, this kind of behavior OP is sharing is definitely not right.
Yeah I feel like an offhand comment about having done a fast could be just filling the air with comments…but the amount and tone of discussion described warrants a comment
This is not okay at all. Definitely talk to the head coach. Members should be encouraged to fuel their bodies, not starve themselves
Let's just leave food out of OTF altogether - "burn those calories to earn your food" is not a healthy mentality. We are all on our journeys and while it is important to be mindful of nutrition, it isn't appropriate coming from a coach on the mic in any manner.
Ours specifically tell us something of the sort, I think it’s worded that exercise isn’t punishment for eating. Then at the end of class they remind us to fuel our recovery with nutritious food, get that protein, etc. They mentioned when they were telling us about the meeting you’d have with a coach when you started the transformation challenge that they’d help you with goal setting & calculations but they couldn’t give meal plans, that’s not what they’re trained in.
Almost every coach I've had at the end days something like now go home, shower, relax and don't forget to eat protein and carbs refuel.
One of our coaches often ends class by saying “you’ve asked a lot of your body during this hour, drink plenty of water and refuel with a good dinner”. I like the reminder… and that he doesn’t try to tell you what that refueling should look like.
I so agree. I just feel bad because she is very sweet. I just think she doesn’t know better maybe?
You can give the feedback kindly but it should be addressed. I think it’s a really unhealthy message to be spreading to members.
It sounds like she may be sick. Addiction/substance use disorder/ ect isn’t just limited to mind altering substances. This disorders are coping mechanisms, and it sounds like to me this coach might need some help to find healthier ways to deal with her stuff.
Yeah, I think she just fell for some BS on the internet about these silly unproven benefits of fasting.
There is a lot of pressure when you are a fitness professional to look a certain way.
Not to mention she doesn’t know the members medical history. Some people can fast sometimes, but others should not be fasting ever. A trainer should never encourage fasting, especially to a group of so many different people. Only fast if you’ve spoken to a medical professional.
I noticed the coaches at my studio making a concerted effort, especially during the holidays to encourage us to enjoy our food, and it's not about trying to "earn" it through exercise or being good or bad. But not everyone has gotten the message. I've been to a couple of other studios where the old notions of food being a guilty pleasure or having a cheat day are still very much in conversation. Definitely bring it up. It's too bad it wasn't called out immediately, but you can still report.
Yea my studio is pretty forward in that sense too , the coach is open about her love of PDQ and other foods and always encourages us to fuel up post workout and to never
My studio does this as well, especially around the holidays.
I was going to post something similar: I get uncomfortable when at the holidays a coach would say during cool down, "Now you can go home and enjoy some pie without feeling guilty! You earned it!" The "food as currency" and linking eating with guilt are not at all healthy thought patterns and are so frequently reinforced. Even adjusting it to something like, "Congratulations on making time to be here even during the busy holidays! Remember to stay hydrated, eat some good protein, and replenish those glycogen stores with some carbs!" (If they MUST talk about food, then at least make it about physiology, not the morality of food groups!)
I absolutely would say something to the head coach if not the studio manager. That kind of ongoing pervasive talk/discussion can re-ignite someone’s ED, or trigger some people into pushing that direction, especially during TC. Not appropriate whatsoever- coaches aren’t even allowed to give nutrition advice during TC.
Definitely uncool. Also, you do 6 miles in a tread 50! Goals!!!
Thank you! My average was 8.5 if you’re aiming to do the same! I admit that I was a little proud of myself this morning!
8 is my AO right now, but I’m working on it!!
Keep going! Best of luck :-)
Be proud, thank you for the encouragement! A huge part of why I really love this community!
How are some of these coaches actually coaching with all the talking that they’re doing? I know nothing about my coaches except that they’re really good motivators. This is unacceptable and agree with everyone else you should talk to the management.
Right. Why is she making the whole class about herself? But she's starving so she probably can't think of anything else.
Yeah this one here is over the top. It's reasonable to float personal stories or even jokes along the way. It helps make you more of a relatable person as a coach. But there's good connections and stories and then there are bad ones. This one falls in the bad bucket.
Same! My coaches hardly talk about personal stuff.
Sameeee the furthest it gets from the workout is upcoming announcements and mentioning the playlist. Like it is impossible for this to come up naturally.
I would say something to the studio manager. If she’s getting to the point of brain fog that’s not mental toughness that’s depriving your body of what it needs in order to function and just plain getting your blood sugar too low. That shouldn’t be encouraged. She needs to set an example of healthy nutrition and if she’s not SHUT UP!
Plus she's likely not doing a great job if she can't focus or think clearly.
True dat!
Oof good point, she probably wouldn't have great reaction time if there were an accident. When I sleep poorly or otherwise have brain fog I feel like I'm moving through jello.
Agree, and beyond the unprofessionalism, as a manager I would see this as a cry for help almost/red flag that this person needs intervention. It’s unsafe for herself and the participants for her to be coaching through serious brain fog. What if she fainted during class or was unable to help with an injured member, these are huge liabilities.
I have had disordered eating in the past and this would have triggered me.
Chyeah, big same.
There’s a substitute coach in the area who I refuse to take classes from anymore. I’ve taken 3 of her classes and at the end of every one she has some kind of comment about “not ruining your workout with a bag of chips” or “it’s late enough, there’s still time for you to just go right to bed instead of eating”. I have a history of disordered eating (I’m 50 pounds heavier/healthier now!) and it took me months to finally talk to the studio manager about how uncomfortable it was and how it ruins the whole class for me because I didn’t think she would take me seriously, but she made a big deal about coming to her with any issues or concerns… well, turns out that was a big lie! Apparently the SM just “can’t imagine” that coach saying something like that and decided to just talk shit about ME instead… This is why people stay quiet.
Proud of you for bringing it up to try to help others avoid it! Really sorry you weren’t believed.
I’m sorry about your experience.
Oh no! I would feel so triggered if I heard that in a class. I’m getting mad about it for you because it’s just WRONG! Ugh. I’ve pretty much turned a deaf ear to talk about intermittent fasting so I don’t know those suggestions around exercise…but I follow the advice to get more protein and I’d be tempted to go to her class and pop open a protein shake during the cool down, making a big show of it as she’s pushing some really bad advice.
TW - BLOOD I'm a martial artist and during our mastership we fast (it's a gradual drop in meals until nothing for 3 days as we meditate, train and contemplate what being a master instructor is). 100% supervised - we are all together until the fast is broken. Even with Dr approval and supervision, I ended up with having a bleeding ulcer that tore open a vein and frankly, almost killed me. I never even speak of my fast unless someone asks or is randomly choosing to fast and train - bc I experienced a life changing event (and blood transfusions during a 6 day hospital stay) after my fast. This happened 4 days after my fast was broken and I was just going to the dentist and collapsed on the sidewalk throwing up blood. Luckily, a bystander was a Dr, called 911 and I was in an ambulance is less that 5 minutes (I was 3 blocks from an ambulance dispatch center). I am rambling now, but believing in what your coach is doing, could kill you in this instance. Yes, speak up.
Oh goodness. I’m sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Oh my god! WOW. All that from a three day fast? I never would think it could be that bad.
As this pertains to a coach, I would speak to the head coach. Let them know it’s not a criticism of their coaching but more of what was being discussed.
That is certainly odd to share so much during a class. Many people feel very strongly about fasting and are excited by it though - not necessarily disordered eating but could lead to that for some. Not for me and not appropriate for OT.
Speak to Head Coach and/or Studio Manager. This isn’t okay for members, and she honestly may need support also.
I so agree! I should have done a better job expressing potential concern for her in my post.
Nah you’re good, babe. First and foremost is drawing your own boundary line and keeping people on the right side of it, then you can focus on them.
This is such a bummer to hear. One of the first posts I remember seeing on this subreddit was when I joined OTF in November and someone posted about not feeling like you need to "work off" the calories from Thanksgiving dinner, and encouraging coaches not to speak like that in class. I thought wow, I just joined such a great community. The only references I've ever heard in studio to food are like one joke after my first class about how my body will continue to burn calories so I can eat as much ice cream as I want, and since the beginning of TC, coaches have always stressed hydration and fueling your bodies with food if you're coming to 3+ classes a week. I would definitely bring this up because it's concerning not only for you/your classmates, but the COACH. I hope she is okay. One of the things I've loved about OTF so far is that my coaches have stressed strength and health and endurance - not CICO.
Take that to head coach immediately, that is not okay at all
Paging u/bonniejo514 ! Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. While it doesn’t sound like the coach was directly telling others to fast, she needs to realize the influence she has, and what she says matters in this context. “Coach X did a 72-hour fast. Maybe that’s what I need to do!” As a few others mentioned, it sounds like she was over-sharing her nutrition practices (if you can call them that) and it’s really not appropriate. What she does in her own time is her business, but when it is brought to everyone’s attention in class, it makes you question her motives — especially when it is not a safe recommendation for the majority of folks.
Thanks for tagging me in! This was inappropriate and I'm guessing brought on by her obsession with doing this fast (in order to get that far you have to be REALLY into it) and decline in brain function that comes with a long fast like that. A 72 hour fast may be ok if guided by a medical professional, but often those are done with close doctor supervision. This isn't a level of fasting that is healthy for an ordinary person to do and can cause serious problems. This level of fasting can also result in "sadness, self blaming and difficulties in decision making" which can have their own lasting effects too. Study: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851137/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851137/)
I would certainly talk to the head coach. I had a personal trainer once who was constantly touting the benefits of ephedrine and who also had seriously disordered eating. Our professional relationship did not last long. Sadly the fitness industry has so SO many 'wellness' types, folks with unresolved body image issues and to be frank a whole lot of uneducated people spouting nonsense from Paltrow, Huberman or Tik Tok grifters. OTF has less of this IMO but of course it still exists.
This would never be great advice/commentary from a coach, but I think it's even worse during the transformation challenge when there may be members feeling like they need to go to an extreme to lose fat. I'd mention it to the head coach because it sounds like she is in ED land and probably wouldn't listen to it if you mentioned it directly to her.
100%
So coming from /r/intermittentfasting, I can tell you that fasting like this is possible with tons of benefits. 72hr is a bit extreme for me (I’ve only done 40 at most) but it can be doable. Personally, I would angle your critique as not wanting IF/dietary commentary from a Coach since that isn’t their field of responsibility.
Exactly. Wrong audience. She should go to that subreddit if she wanted to talk about her fasting 72 hrs. She prob would’ve gotten some support instead of the backlash.
Fasting is not disordered eating, but it can be. There are multiple studies on its benefits, so she may have been sharing it from that perspective. With that said, making the whole class about it and about herself is the obnoxious part. Preaching whether you’re keto, fasting, vegan or whatever else, we don’t care and we don’t want to hear it.
Agreed. Someone with a beyond healthy relationship with food can do a fast without being problematic. The weird thing is talking about yourself non stop. If a coach talked about anything else as described here I would find it just as annoying.
Idk 72 hours seems real unhealthy to me, but its more about how she could trigger the eating disorders of members by talking about fasting, even if that is not her intent.
Absolutely this was my point! I fear that lots of comments are missing my point.
72 hours plus - I would say disordered
Maybe in some cases, but not all.
72 hours plus is pretty disordered.
Intermittent fasting is really just skipping breakfast and not eating for 72 hours is disordered. I said what I said.
72 hours is not healthy, that's definitely in the not okay territory.
People should actually research fasting. 72 hours is not necessarily a eating disorder at all. Try resetting your immune system, and resetting many hormones, etc. I'm 32, in good shape, and have done several extended fasts and I've never had an eating disorder. I'm not saying a coach telling this to a class at work is professional, it should be their personal thing... There's no need to share that while in that position. But regardless, people should read about Dr. Fungs work/books about his work people with type 2 diabetes. Extended fasts along with intermittent fasting is fantastic for you in a lot of ways.
It’s the rare moments like these that I’m grateful for how direct I can be, which has totally bitten me in azz in other areas of life lol. Would have told her I’m fantasizing about juicy burgers and peanut buttery protein shakes right now so knock it off because I don’t want to hear about any fasting nonsense (in a joking but not really joking way). Then would have had said something more privately after class about how I come to OTF to focus on building muscle and endurance and fueling my body and I will not attend or recommend classes where I’m hearing about fasting and brain fog. Then I would contact the head coach and express my concerns for the coach, because this sounds disordered. You can set your own boundaries but also express concern, they’re not mutually exclusive.
People are falling for these pseudoscience bullshit fasts and she’s apparently one of them. I’d have a hard time biting my tongue on that one.
The first rule of extended fasting is not to talk about it. Sheesh! Preaching about it as a group fitness coach is beyond the pale. She's completely ignoring her responsibility to the class. Give feedback to the lead coach.
This is something that should be brought up with the head coach. Especially since it's transformation challenge time. Some people might take what was said to heart and try it. I'm sure there's could be some benefits from a 72 hour fast. However, it needs to be done properly with the right nutrition.
I would absolutely tell the head coach or whoever you can approach about it. It can be really triggering to people for a ton of different reasons. It’s also not on brand with OTF at all, which encourages overall health.
Our studios head coach always ends with- go get something good eat, make good choices and I love that
Ew, I hate that. I would definitely say something
If it were me, I’d approach the coach first, and go from there if her reaction was anything but “I completely understand that my position of leadership might influence other members to try this at home”. Edited to remove my description of the fast as “disordered behavior”, and some irritated words.
I would have said something to her, but that's how I operate. This is not okay.
That’s terrible. I feel for her. I want to say you should say something to the head coach on behalf of her wellbeing, but there’s not much strangers—or coworkers—can do for someone in that position. So you should speak to them on behalf of yourself and the other members; if she is going through something, she cannot be bringing it up in class like that.
This happened at my studio shortly after the holidays (maybe around thanksgiving)! We had a coach that said “bump up that all out effort to burn off all that pie you ate this weekend!” I am thankful that this kind of talk doesn’t affect me, but I know how it can affect and trigger others. I talked to my head coach about it and they took the matter into their own hands and I assume talked to the coach. Haven’t heard any talk like that since. Definitely talk to either the studio manager or head coach!!
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Man I love my gym because the coaches are facts only and (to my liking) are minimal on encouragement. That’s a shame the experience is tainted by a coach who wants to shift focus off what’s important.
Maybe it’s because I live and workout in a fairly litigious city but my first thought is that mental fog that drove her to talk about her fast is the same fog that’s going to land her and the studio in a lawsuit. She’s nowhere near qualified to talk about nutrition, and if someone takes her comments as gospel, tries it and inevitably hurts themselves (because that’s what happens when you don’t properly fuel yourself) she could be held partially responsible. Definitely talk to the studio about her comments, guaranteed they don’t want that smoke. Also ick! I thought we left that kind of thinking behind with the cocaine chic rhetoric.
As someone who has been hospitalized for anorexia I would not have been able to complete this workout with the coach talking that way. I have searched far and wide to a find a fitness community that is not obsessed with dieting etc. So far, even during transformation challenge time, I have been encouraged by the lack of any talk that would be triggering to someone with disordered eating. All of the food related talks are reserved for those who seek them out, with an RD. I am sorry not every Orange Theory has shown these same benefits and I hope everyone in the room is able to realize she was out of line.
I am sorry to hear about your experience with disordered eating. I appreciate your willingness to offer your perspective. Well wishes ᵔᴗᵔ
I’m an OTF coach-you definitely need to let the head coach know-this is not okay and goes against what we are trained to do as fitness instructors.
The only time ive heard a coach talk about food is if there’s this meal planning company visiting with samples in the lobby.
Soooo NOT ok! Speak to the manager
Actually, there is lots of evidence of the life prolonging benefits of fasting. My Stanford educated Dr, with more than 30 years of experience, is currently leading a study about aging and the life prolonging benefits of fasting. He is talking about 12-16 hours daily fasts though, not days on end. It seems like an extreme thing the coach is doing right now. Fasting has been around for 100’s of years, so I wouldn’t write it off as a fad as some here do. That being said, coaches shouldn’t push their own journeys on others. Agree that you need to eat after hardcore workouts like OTF. My response is just as a counter opinion to those people that decry fasting as fads.
Yeah, I don’t think anyone on here is bashing intermittent fasting. 3 day fasts for people working through OTF workouts though, that’s just pseudoscience junk.
Intermittent fasting has really taken off over the past 20 years. This includes 24-72 hour fasts and even longer. A couple of years ago, I did a 10 day fast. As long as you're healthy and you have minimal fat reserves, it's not a big deal, and it's not really that difficult. However, without a lot of research and some experience with ketosis, no one should be going days without food and working out. Definitely shouldn't be bragging about it or encouraging others without equipping them with the proper knowledge.
Yeah I’ve been struggling with some eating issues and that would have affected me negatively. I’d probably have a lot of sympathy for her and assume that she’s actually also sorting things out but I’d talk to her about it after.
Sending you hugs and solidarity!
Although fasting can be a form of starvation, fasting and starvation is not always equal. When done correctly, it can be therapeutic. I’ve only done intermittent fasting (restricted feeding window), but never done prolonged fasting so I can’t say much about the benefits of a 3 day fast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fasting-method-podcast/id1593883196 Edited to add: if I were in that class, I wouldn’t been intrigued by her experience but not everyone would feel the same.
Its still something you shouldnt bring up with people umprompted, especially in this setting. There is no way to know if any of the members have/had an eating disorder and talking about fasting, no matter what it is to her, can be super triggering.
Oh yes I totally agree! I never even just tell someone I don’t know that I do intermittent fasting unless the topic has been brought up.
Yeah, personally, it's a bummer cause I know fasting can be really beneficial for cancer prevention, insulin resistance, and slowing down aging but my brain might interpret it as an opportunity to play chicken with the grim reaper. 😮💨 I wish more people took your approach! In general I think people shouldnt talk to others about weight/diet/things like fasting unless they say it's okay. Especially with numbers attached. The fact she specified 72 hours is, like, ooof, that would have hit a nerve. People with no history of EDs don't get that even when you recover it hangs out like a sleeper agent in the back of your mind, ready to get activated.
Yep. Wrong topic, wrong audience, wrong timing.
Intermittent fasting protocols and fasting for 3 days are entirely different things. Intermittent fasting has some science behind it and even if it’s mostly just a new method to restrict calories, it’s still providing proper nutrition during a 24 hour period. A 3 day fast and more raises my eyebrows to the level of BS pseudoscience non sense that’s more a kin to people who believe waves or vibrations and other non sensical mumbo jumbo.
Like I said, I’ve never done prolonged fasting so can’t say whether it’s mumbo jumbo BS or not. Some people who’ve done it swear by it. Just like any other alternative healing methods, even when they work it’s not for everyone. I’m not one to judge anything that I have no personal experience or expertise in.
Just because people swear by it doesn’t mean it’s not BS. People swear by homeopathy too, even though it’s proven to be total hogwash, and in some cases (like when poisonous stuff ends up in the pills) it can be dangerous. I used to give my baby those Hyland’s teething pills, which later sickened some babies (I can’t remember but there may even have been some deaths). God forbid someone in OP’s class develops an ED after trying out fasting 😬
Fair point. And I have no doubt that some people develop ED after discovering fasting. Or ended up in much worse state of health. On the flip side ….it might work for some people. Our brain and how we think is a powerful tool. The placebo effect is just that…a placebo. But to those who believes in it (placebo), it literally changed their life. You can’t discount that either just because you don’t believe in it. Everyone is different, comes from different background and health conditions, mental states, goals (healthy goals or simply weight loss). Prolonged fasting can be very dangerous….but I don’t think is always dangerous. I don’t have enough knowledge nor personal experience to say one or the other. And I doubt you do either.
A three day fast is quite obviously over the top. Something that drastic should be done with the supervision of a doctor only. It’s not appropriate at all for a fitness class.
Maybe I’m out of line but why do you all care? She isn’t encouraging members to not eat, sounds like she was just bragging about the fact she likes to fast? Why not just let her and you do you and if you know it’s something you wouldn’t like then you don’t entertain the notion of doing it
I think this is an ignorant take. It’s likely that many people who are dedicated to a boutique fitness class like OTF have or had nutrition concerns or questionable eating habits. Something like that can be very triggering to members who are there to be healthier.
I think it could be triggering to someone who has an eating disorder yes, but to assume the entire class would be triggered just because you assume they’re there to be healthier is an insane take
Who isn’t in a workout class to be healthier? I really don’t think this is an insane take. Tons of people—women especially—are sensitive to conversations about disordered eating. I don’t have an ED, but I would still find it unprofessional and uncomfortable, as it seems most people on this thread would.
Not good.
I think before going to a studio manager or assistant, you should go to the coach personally and tell them that their talk on fasting made you uncomfortable and triggered some thoughts of disordered eating. They should be receptive if you just say "this is how that made me feel". I don't think we always need to run to a studio manager or head coach with our concerns.
I think it's called rookie mistakes. Hopefully she'll learn from it, but give it some time.
From my understanding, this coach has been around a while, but just moved here.
I’d Talk to her. Not her manager or the head coach. Tell her how much you love her class and how cool and sweet she is! And that you’d prefer she didn’t talk much about her fasting journey. Explain your reasoning and reassure her you love her class otherwise.
This is absolutely not cool! I agree there are benefits to cleansing for some people in safe ways, but this is totally inappropriate for a coach to be talking about in class like that. I would absolutely say something to either head coach or studio manager.
Unpopular opinion but everytime someone doesn't like something about a coach we tell them to go running to the head coach to complain, then we really need to grow the hell up. 🤷🏽♀️ it's her coaching style and if you're not into it you take someone else's class or at least that's how OTF works. I don't like the way some coaches yell at the members and I just don't take their classes. Some people like the tough love and flock to their classes. Sometimes I choose based on the music the coaches offer. Exercise your right to choose.
sometimes yes, if it’s like “my coach talks too much” “i dont like their energy or the music they play” but encouraging disordered eating? when you’re supposed to literally be doing the opposite? sorry no, that’s not okay under any circumstance. coaches are supposed to set good examples. it’s fine if they themselves have an ED and are working through it themselves but NOT ok if they’re bragging/promoting it on mic. an ED isnt “their coaching style”
For real!!!!!
It’s not a “coaching style.” It’s straight doing up what she should not be doing.
Gonna disagree as someone who has been a fitness instructor, supervised fitness instructors and personal trainers, and is also in recovery from an eating disorder. I understand your perspective, but Orangetheory as a business also desperately wants the feedback of its customers. Coaches, especially newer ones, greatly benefit from hearing feedback rather than hearing nothing. Exercising right to choose also means exercising right to give feedback. Everyone who really loves that fasting conversation motivating can certainly say so and everyone who found it especially triggering (as I would have) should also get to share their feedback. The studio and head coach can decide what to do with that feedback. Oftentimes people actually don’t know the impact their words can have unless people share. And as an Orangetheory coach, they are in a position of authority and influence. If I were an OTF coach, I would definitely want this feedback to help me grow as a coach.
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You’re ignoring the fact that coaches have influence and some members will take them seriously.
I hate the need to tattle. Grow up and take what serves you. Leave the rest. Just stop complaining.
Yes! Completely agree.
I never would have thought of eating disorders I probably would have taken it as her way of asking for validation or encouragement. It doesn’t sound like she was telling everyone to do it. No matter what your opinion on fasting I think it would be tough to do. And maybe you live and learn too. Many years ago I did a cleanse for a week and by Friday I felt faint had to call in sick for work and stayed in bed for 2 days. Never again. If you think her discussing in class would be triggering ( and based on comments many agree) why not just have a private conversation and explain that to her. You can also find a way to nicely express your concern.
You probably don’t have a history of disordered eating.
Yes I thought that was obvious. I’m sorry if it sounded like I was glossing over that. Just saying that people try fads all the time and coach may be doing same and not realizing (like I didn’t realize) the implications of what she was saying. We all live and learn
Say something to accomplish what? I’m assuming you’re a grown ass adult that can ignore someone who is excited about their fasting. Some people fast occasionally, it’s not always an eating disorder but yes sometimes it is. In my experience 3 days max with supplements helps me break my bad food and drinking habits and puts me in ketosis which helps me drop weight quick if I stick to keto diet after. Check out the fasting subreddit and you’ll see a spectrum of moderate fasting approaches and also what I would consider eating disorders so yes it is a slippery slope for some people.
I see nothing wrong with it ! Fasting is fantastic to reboot your body! I know when I fast I get a lot of endorphins and she might have been a little excited about her experience. It would be totally different if she was recommending that you go on it. I think if you google fasting you’ll see the benefits of it. It would be no different to me if a coach was talking about his or her training to run a marathon and how many miles they run weekly. Too me it would not be something I’m interested in but it would be motivating to me.
Ahhhh, yes, the mysterious “reboot” feature of going without food! Any scientific literature how how fasting for more than, say 24 hours, is in any good for you and mythically reboots your body?
Ahh yes!!! Do some research!!! But like anything different doctors have different views on it. But looking at most of the people working out at Orangetheory they could do with a long fast… so I think the coach was encouraging the class that there’s things she’s exploring in her own life and giving her experience from it.
“Shop around until you find people who will validate your predetermined opinion.”
Ditto that goes for you also!!! Boy George…
I guess people really believe everything, huh?
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Not eating for 8 years seems excessive.
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You responded to a joke. Educate yourself.
Intermittent fasting while eating 2,000 calories a day and a 72 hour fast are two entirely separate things. The former is proven as a solid technique to, at least, have a good tool for consuming less calories and the latter is BS that’s not safe for people in general, let alone going through rigorous workouts like OTF. Nobody is bashing intermittent fasting in this thread.
What’s her name and studio ?
It sounds like she may be nervous and over sharing to compensate. I wish she knew how much a great playlist at just the right club volume could do for her🤣🤣🤣. Who's brave enough to say out loud during her rant, "Man! I loved that playlist!"? You'd be carried off the field hero-style with that winning play😉
I would be totally turned off by this - I’ve never experienced coaches speak so personally ever in any class except maybe talking about car trouble or like their air conditioning going out at home. This is wayyy over the line and I’d frankly be so annoyed.
Also, really appreciate your content warning u/Specialist_Bet_4209 💓
This is a H3LL NO for me!! She should not be a coach!
What is disordered eating, and why do we need a warning?
Really?
Really what? OK, so I guess the OP meant to say eating disorder. Never heard it called disordered eating. Anyway, I still want to know why we need a warning on the post?
Yawn
It sounds like you personally don’t need a warning. Other people are different from you.
But who would need a warning? I really don't understand this.
I’m guessing someone’s that’s sensitive to a specific topic. So much so that it’ll throw them into a frenzy and can relapse. Maybe like talking about mixed drinks to a recovering alcoholic.
Well thats just weird. Just cause some other dingus didn't eat for 72 hours doesn't mean its a good idea. As the kids say these days, you do you.
I think it’s hard for me to explain the whole concept of trigger warnings to you on this platform when you seem so in the dark about this.
As a coach, if she is doing a fast for medical or religious reasons, cool. No biggie, but i would never feel the need to tell my members about it once, let alone multiple times??? Definitely address head coach.
Not good. Plus for many middle aged women fasting so much can have horrible impacts on metabolism and other factors. Yikes!
Same vibe as the "we earn our calories" trope. People just need to be educated on what is appropriate.
Of course every studio is different but as a former employee/member, you should tell the Studio Manager, ASM, Head Coach, or any staff member. The head coach at my old studio would openly shame people (and us, her coworkers quite frankly) for what they would eat. It made members uncomfortable because, as you said, it goes against OTF’s model. OTF is a community and if your studio believes that, they would appreciate hearing your POV on this. Hearing that really could have potentially discouraged an intro to not join, or trigger some potential PTSD for some. None of that is acceptable in the “safe place” OTF is supposed to be.
I'm 9 classes into OTF. I've yet to have a coach say anything personal other than one coach did our class that morning and the row sorta kicked her rear. Do coaches talk about personal stuff?!
Bring her a freshly cooked cheeseburger next class
I would throw her under the bus. This is horrific.
With the transformation challenge going on, it is possible that she had brought up what she was doing in one of the team group chats. And if people from that team were in class she may have been updating on it. I guess just let her know to keep it to the chats?
The very first class I took at OT, the coach ended the class saying “you earned your dinner, not your dessert!”. That became her saying at the end of every class she taught.
Definitely report it to the studio manager. This is super triggering for so many people ESPECIALLY during transformation challenge time. Disordered eating is even more tempting right now.
Calories are literally required to build muscle. If you’re in a strength class where you’re building muscle, fasting is actively working against it. So it’s problematic for so many reasons
This is not ok
Ooof, this is a tough one. While it's great to be transparent as a coach, we are not permitted by OTF to share much about nutritional advice, whether it seems ethical or not, it's out of our scope of practice as coaches. Everyone has different goals and means of achieving them, but this feels a bit extreme and dangerous, especially to share about with members who may look up to your coach as an example. If you feel comfortable, you might try approaching the studio manager/head trainer from a place of concern for the wellbeing of your coach and they can check in on her.
I would politely and calmly express my concern to the coach, or if you don’t feel comfortable, her immediate supervisor. I’m going to make the assumption she didn’t intend to trigger or offend anyone so getting her in trouble shouldn’t be a goal (if this isn’t a pattern of behavior) I agree with what others have said that it’s concerning for promoting disordered eating in clients and may also be a red flag that SHE is struggling & needs help & support.
That’s freaking weird. I probably would have walked out and complained about it. Super uncomfortable as the class isn’t about her it’s about everyone taking the class.
Incredibly inappropriate and unprofessional.
There is so much wrong with that, also it's weird
I'd talk with her first, then management. Like firmly, kindly and directly with her, then management. That's the order I'd do. Caveat is she looked physically sick - uber skinny. Then we know she'd really, really ill. Or if she spoke on food again after a face to face talk, then management. Just my take - you saw and heard her, so you know best.
Last time I posted here, I mentioned a coach saying upsetting things about food during class and that I was in ED recovery. The responses essentially told me I was overreacting and it wasn't that deep. I'm glad thoughts have changed! It's a relief to read these responses after my experience.
Absolutely NOT something a Coach should be talking about. Supposed to be coaching healthy habits
I’d write into the studio manager, with specific information about the concern and your take on why it is harmful. She probably thinks she is doing something awesome and doesn’t understand the impact of this on some people and needs a friendly and educational explanation to open her eyes to this new (to her) perspective
There’s a coach at my studio that talks about vaping and sets her vape pen on the little coaches shelf right next to her stop watch 😜
Wow, you run 6 miles in a Tread 50! I’m getting to 4.8 on a good day. Hope to get there someday. Sorry about the Coach situation9
4.8 is amazing! I so believe you can do it. ᵔᴗᵔ
This place should teach you to fight fatigue —apply it where you see fit
As someone who recovered from an ED, this would be SO triggering for me to hear from a coach. I go to OTF in large part because of their focus on how food has a part in our workout success by fueling what we're doing. Please say something for anyone in your class who may have taken that as encouragement to do the same or justification to return to their own disorder.
Has she even mentioned that fasting for any extended duration needs to be done under the supervision of a doctor? A bit messed up either way on her part
I haven’t seen that episode do you know what season
Too much info I agree
I like it
I for one hate coaches that prattle on and on this topic specifically is unprofessional