Do Fitness Instructors Have to Be Thin?
S A N F R A N C I S C O, Feb. 26 -- Jennifer Portnick says she exercises six days a week — far more than the average American.
But she says Jazzercise won't let her teach its aerobic routines because she doesn't have the right image. And that, she said, has nothing to do with how much she works out — it's her size: 5 feet 8 inches, 240 pounds.
Portnick filed a complaint with San Francisco's Human Rights Commission alleging weight discrimination — a practice banned in the city under a May 2000 height and weight ordinance.
That ordinance could be put to the test in this case.
A Legal Right to Discriminate?
"Imagine if she went for a job as a lingerie model at Victoria's Secret," said San Francisco attorney Ian Zimmerman, appearing in front of the commission for the company. "Clearly, she is not appropriate and I think Victoria's Secret would have every right to legally discriminate."
Portnick, 38, says she just wants to be judged on her merits — and not her measurements.
"I am in good shape and I work out," she said. She's also able to master the company's complicated dance routines, and is certified to teach exercise classes by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.
Jazzercise sells the rights to teach its dance-aerobics moves to people who, among other things, "demonstrate appropriate fitness level and movement skills," according to its franchise application.
But according to a letter sent to her by the company, "A fitness level encompasses more than weight."
"Jazzercise sells fitness," the June 11 letter, signed by director of franchise programs Maureen Brown, reads. "Consequently, a Jazzercise applicant must have a higher muscle-fat ratio and look leaner than the public. People must believe Jazzercise will help them improve, not just maintain their level of fitness."
But Jazzercise teacher Kristi Howard told the San Francisco Chronicle Portnick has everything it takes to be a teacher. In fact, it was Howard that asked Portnick to audition to become a Jazzercise-certified instructor.
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