The role of appearance in perceptions of personal trainers

Abstract

Purpose of this study was to investigate how personal trainer physique can influence perceptions of his/her: competence as a trainer, level of personal training knowledge, behavioral attributions, and sexual orientation. Participants were 191 undergraduate students within the professional studies school at a northeast public university. As a whole, muscular and non-muscular males were often rated more positively on competence, knowledge and behavioral measures than their female counterparts. Sexual orientation was a difficult construct to measure with the use of static pictures and the results should be taken with caution. Personal trainers, new graduates, and others who work in a field where their bodies are highly visible can use these findings to improve their business either by niche marketing or simply being aware of the stereotypes they may encounter.