Living in this post Covid world we have seen a lot of things change for the better, and some for the worst. Covid forced a lot of industries, including ours, to rethink how we deliver our products and services in order to both stay in business and to help people to the best of our ability.
We wanted to write an honest pros and cons list of online personal training and nutrition coaching to help you discern if it is right for you, because it might not be. So we’ll start with the top 10 pros and cons followed by things to think about before diving into working with a coach in an online capacity.
Pros:
Convenience
Train or follow nutrition plans from the comfort of your home or while traveling.
Flexibility
Workouts and meal plans can be tailored to fit your schedule.
Accessibility
Access to top trainers and nutritionists worldwide, regardless of location.
Cost-Effective
Often more affordable than in-person coaching due to reduced overhead costs.
Personalized Plans
Custom training and meal plans designed to fit individual needs and goals.
Potential Time-Saving
No commuting to a gym required if you prefer to workout at home.
Continuous Support
Regular check-ins via apps, emails, or video calls keep you accountable.
Daily Communication
Use of preferred communication methods (texts, videos, voice notes).
Progress Tracking
Apps often include detailed analytics to monitor fitness and nutrition progress.
Focus on Self-Discipline
Encourages you to be proactive about your fitness and nutrition journey.
Cons
Lack of Physical Presence
No in-person corrections for exercise form or immediate feedback.
Motivation Challenges
Potentially harder to stay accountable without someone physically present.
Technical Issues
Dependence on stable internet and devices for smooth communication.
Communication Barriers
Misunderstandings or delays in responses can occur.
Time Zone Differences
Scheduling sessions or check-ins can be tricky with international trainers.
Self-Discipline Required
Success heavily depends on your commitment to follow the plan.
Overwhelming Options
Hard to discern reputable coaches from less qualified ones online.
Potential Isolation
Lack of in-person interaction may reduce the social aspect of fitness.
No Spotting
Lifting heavy weights without a spotter increases the risk of injury.
Lack of Environment Change
Training at home may not provide the energy boost of a gym setting.
These have probably already given you some things to think about but I wanted to elaborate a bit more because there are tremendous advantages of coaching online, but it still might not be a good fit for everyone.
The biggest advantages, I believe, in the online coaching space is the price and the access to a potentially world class coach no matter where you are. Let’s break down the pricing for in person training from my own personal experience working in a big box gym.
On average, the rates we charged were between $70-115 per workout. The pricing would fluctuate depending on the experience level of the trainer and whether or not you bought in bundles or just individual sessions. People need to be working out at least 3 days a week, so quick math, that ends up being around $1,200.00 a month for just the workouts, not other types of coaching like nutrition and lifestyle coaching. These other coaching meetings typically get billed on a per session basis of an average of $65-75 per session.
Right now the industry average for most online coaching, which is usually an all in one price for everything above, is around $3,000-5,000 for a 3-6 month contract. Once again the prices will range based on the coaches availability and experience. Due to our unique place in this market, we have a different model that you can check out here.
The other advantage is access to a world class coach (potentially). Most, but not all, trainers in a big box gym are entry level trainers. The only requirement that is asked of them is that they have a certificate from an accredited training program. I know because I got my first training job with little to no experience and only a pretty piece of paper saying I know what I was talking about. I can’t tell you how many times I have been in a gym while traveling and watching these trainers doing things that are both unsafe and totally unnecessary with their clients. This is a major problem with the industry at the moment. You have “trainers” who like working out, and therefore assume they are good at teaching others to workout. They end up being good drill sergeants, but not good educators.
Most trainers in the online space, definitely those here at HF, are both experienced and love teaching their clients the principles of healthy living. Beware, because there are a LOT of online trainers out there that are better marketers than teachers. But these are easy enough to find due to their obsession on their own abs over the health and success of their clients.
A quick way to ensure a close is legitimate is to look for client reviews, testimonials, and before and after photos.
Ok, now who would I recommend to NOT work with an online coach, or at least not start there.
These are typically individuals with little to no exercise experience who could really benefit from someone physically present with them to show them the appropriate form and technique. Other individuals are those with serious physical limitations who need a good trainer to get creative with their programming to ensure effective workouts within their limitations.
A good in person trainer can be incredibly helpful if you are handicapped or haven’t had any experience in a gym setting.
Something that I have recommended to some of my newer clients is to work with me, but pay for 2-4 sessions with a local in person trainer to walk them through the workout program I create for them for the first couple of workouts to ensure form is on point.
This post is really not supposed to be a hard sell to working with an online coach. Know that working with an online coach has its advantages and disadvantages like anything else. My hope is that you can make an informed decision now based on the pros and cons above and what your goals are for your health journey.
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