Throw Them Off

**Medusa** · 02-19-2010, 07:02 AM

I taught exercise and aerobics classes to morbidly obese women. Most of them were 350 lbs. and over. One woman was 500 lbs. plus. I worked them hard and they really worked up a sweat so all BO was forgiven. UNLESS they came in for the next class and smelled bad before class began. It was unpleasant enough for the women standing next to them but b/c I was in front of them all and walking around to make sure that they were doing the exercises and routines properly, I got hit w/it from everyone in the class. I never wanted to embarrass them in front of others b/c it took enough courage as it was for them to join the class to begin with; they were self conscious about "jiggling" in front of others. But so much body heat was generated that sometimes I thought I'd pass out from the smell if one or more of them didn't bathe properly. You'd think that they themselves wouldn't be able to stand the smell but that was never the case. They'd always be shocked when I'd tell them that they'd have to spend more time on their hygiene.

**lizbud** · 02-19-2010, 06:41 PM

How hard could you exercise morbidly obese women? I would think they
would have to start out slowly till they began to lose some weight before
attempting more rigerous training.

**Medusa** · 02-19-2010, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by lizbud

How hard could you exercise morbidly obese women? I would think they
would have to start out slowly till they began to lose some weight before
attempting more rigerous training.

Yes, I did start them out slowly but after a while, they kept up w/me w/no problem. If I would be too easy on them, then they'd think they could get away w/it every time and I wouldn't be doing them any favors. And it wasn't training. It was an exercise class.

**phesina** · 02-19-2010, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by Medusa

I taught exercise and aerobics classes to morbidly obese women. Most of them were 350 lbs. and over. One woman was 500 lbs. plus. I worked them hard and they really worked up a sweat so all BO was forgiven. UNLESS they came in for the next class and smelled bad before class began. It was unpleasant enough for the women standing next to them but b/c I was in front of them all and walking around to make sure that they were doing the exercises and routines properly, I got hit w/it from everyone in the class. I never wanted to embarrass them in front of others b/c it took enough courage as it was for them to join the class to begin with; they were self conscious about "jiggling" in front of others. But so much body heat was generated that sometimes I thought I'd pass out from the smell if one or more of them didn't bathe properly. You'd think that they themselves wouldn't be able to stand the smell but that was never the case. They'd always be shocked when I'd tell them that they'd have to spend more time on their hygiene.

Where do people that large find bathtubs or shower stalls big enough to accommodate them? (A car wash?) Perhaps their hygiene wasn't all that could be desired because it was next to impossible for them to reach a lot of the places they needed to.. ?

**Medusa** · 02-19-2010, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by phesina

Where do people that large find bathtubs or shower stalls big enough to accommodate them? (A car wash?) Perhaps their hygiene wasn't all that could be desired because it was next to impossible for them to reach a lot of the places they needed to.. ?

Sometimes a car seat posed a problem but usually they fit everywhere just fine. I have a couple of friends now, one is 350 lb. and the other is 400 lb. and they have no problem whatsoever w/hygiene. The woman who weighed 500 lb. went to a truck stop and weighed herself on the scales there. That's what prompted her to lose weight. I was extremely proud of all the women in my classes. They worked harder than most, tried harder than most and were more successful w/their weight loss than most. They felt completely comfortable in my classes b/c they weren't being judged but encouraged even though I worked them like a second job. I, however, eventually wore out. I was teaching 6 one hour classes a day for a couple of years plus I was juggling family duties and trying to raise a good son. I just couldn't take the pace any more and I was in my early 30's then.

**pomtzu** · 02-20-2010, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by phesina

Where do people that large find bathtubs or shower stalls big enough to accommodate them? (A car wash?) Perhaps their hygiene wasn't all that could be desired because it was next to impossible for them to reach a lot of the places they needed to.. ?

If they are so obese that they can't reach certain parts of their anatomy - a hand held shower massage would work well for them. It's not like they are too large to even get out of bed, and as long as they can get around enough to be in public places, then they need to make themselves unoffensive to people that will be around them.

**Pinot's Mom** · 02-20-2010, 08:01 AM

I am one of those people that is extremely sensitive to smells. We have a couple who we've known forever and they are very good friends. They travel extensively to another part of the world where the culture is very different from the US and have taken on some of the habits; one of them is lack of hygiene. There have been situations where many of us have been very offended by the odor coming from these two, but what do you do? It's a tough situation. I agree with Sparks, though, that perfume (& men's cologne!) is equally offensive. We have another good friend that clings to his patchouli still - I don't think he smells it anymore, but boy do the rest of us!! For days afterward in our homes!!

I don't blame them for kicking the smelly guy off the plane. It makes people gag. Go take a shower!