Just what Toronto needs: more discussion of Rob Ford’s weight. Some marketing geniuses at Nielsen Fitness have offered the mayor-elect a discount personal trainer all in the name of getting their names in the paper civic duty. (We’re personally uncomfortable with a “discount personal” anything, but to each their own.) The National Post’s Chris Selley has—ahem—weighed in, saying that comments about Ford’s girth are inconsistent with comments about other politicians. George Smitherman, for example, is many things, but model-thin ain’t one of them.
David Miller? Svelte enough these days, but he’s at least 50 pounds lighter than he was during the 2003 election campaign—more, I’d guess—when his considerable volume wasn’t an issue despite publicly acknowledging his love of the quarter pounder with cheese. (How’s that for setting an example?)
I don’t recall conservatives giggling and clucking about his belly while he (if you ask them) dragged the city down the toilet; can’t progressives return the favour while Mr. Ford (if you ask them) does likewise?
There’s also the point that the snickering usually backfires on the snickerers. A few years ago in New Jersey, Chris Christie’s Democratic opponents put out an ad making fun of his weight. Anyone wondering how that worked out can address his or her questions to Governor Christie.
For these kinds of comments to be more fairly distributed, we expect to see a few more discount offers out there. Can Dalton McGuinty and Stephen Harper get drama lessons? Can someone break Giorgio Mammoliti of his obsession with enormous poles and large mammals? And for the love of God, can someone please get Michael Ignatieff some free dancing lessons?
• Chris Selley: This is the last time I will bring up Rob Ford’s weight [National Post]
• Is Rob Ford ready to ‘cut the fat’ with Nielsen Fitness Personal Training? [Nielsen Fitness]
The news items (advert) on Rob Ford’s weight was childish and should never have been a media item.
If HE were a SHE, this would never have been allowed.
Toronto deserves better especially from our own media.
November 2, 2010 at 4:00 pm | by dan germainI appreciate your comment Dan, but think I should be clear that my offer to Mr. Ford is one of good faith. My goal is to help and not criticize.
November 2, 2010 at 4:08 pm | by Poul NielsenMy business provides in-home or on-location personal training, so we can come to Mr. Ford (at home or at City Hall) and help him find a solution that will fit into his busy lifestyle
If Ford gets on board with us, he has the potential to lose a significant amount of weight and feel great about himself – like so many of our clients
By doing so, I believe Ford will be setting a great example for the residents of our city.
Thank you,
Poul Nielsen
President and Owner, Nielsen Fitness Personal Training
I think Poul makes a very good point. Ford needs to see this as an opportunity to get in touch with his fellow Torontonians. ‘The Gravy Train’ needs to stop right now – for Toronto…and for Ford.
November 2, 2010 at 5:42 pm | by Robin StroudAn offer to assist someone towards good health is a good thing! Who doesn’t want to feel good both inside and out?
November 2, 2010 at 9:46 pm | by Marie MorrisFord was a football player at the university level,no small feat. Sure he’s the first person who understands the strict diet,and exercise routines given he coached high school football. Thinking he can practice what he preaches IF he wants? It’ll be great to see the Mayor fit as his schedule will probably require it. Gravy trains are heavy!
November 3, 2010 at 12:40 am | by lone woldThis company’s owner should be ashamed with what is obviously a blatant publicity stunt. If the services of this company hold so much value, why are they giving it away for free? Why are they insulting Mr. Ford by insinuating that he needs a trainer in order to lose a significant amount of weight and “feel better about himself”?
Hopefully the Mayor’s office ignores this whole thing and if he wants the service of someone to help him exercise and lose weight, he looks beyond someone like this so called “exercise professional” who obviously just wants his name in the paper.
November 3, 2010 at 2:20 pm | by Toronto TrainerThe schedule that Rob Ford endured since the time he put his name in as candidate – was so demanding that opportunity for healthy eating choices was seldom available. If I had to keep the pace he did – I probably would have gained a lot of weight chowing down fast food on the run. He has shown more stamina than many people who are in great shape. His time table was grueling. He has sacrificed and given so much to this city – that I am positively ashamed at the way he has been so maligned.
November 3, 2010 at 7:46 pm | by VoterNo wonder there are few good politicians. Who would want to endure this kind of abuse day after day? Mr. Ford – thanks for running. Your common sense and financial stewardship with right this leaky ship we call Toronto.
This is definitely the stuff of comedy. HILARIOUS.
Whichever what side anyone is:
FACT: Ford IS Fat
You can hate or like him for it, insult or support him for it, but it does not change the FACT that he is certifiably overweight/fat.
August 30, 2011 at 4:05 pm | by otarel