For many, hiring a personal trainer can be an effective motivation for weight loss, especially if you are struggling on your own. For others, however, it may not be a viable option. For starters, trainers can be very expensive, and finding the time around a busy lifestyle can be difficult to commit to a schedule.
A relatively new option alternative to a personal trainer is to hire an online one, which could seem like a strange concept. Usually, they will work by having a get-to-know-you consultation, which could be over a video call or online chat. During this consultation, you can talk about your goals and what you are hoping to achieve. After that, your online coach will come up with a plan for you to then follow on your own, and then you can report back your progress, check in for motivation or ask for advice.
If you are trying to decide whether an online personal trainer is right for you, let us take a look into some of the pros and cons which can help make your decision.
Pros
- Online training is much more flexible when it comes to time. You can schedule meetings around your daily schedule without having to leave the house.
- Online coaches are typically more cost-effective than a physical personal trainer.
- If used right, they can support you throughout your journey to reach your fitness goals. If you already work out on your own regularly, but just need a little guidance when it comes to formulating a workout regimen, this could be a great option.
Cons
- If you are new to working out, you need to take into account the fact that there will be no one there in person during your workouts to show you how to perform an exercise or make sure your form is correct.
- No in-person accountability. If there is no one physically there to encourage you to work out, it is much easier to skip a workout or slack every now and again.
- Quality varies online. It is so hard to tell with online trainers the sort of quality you are going to get, as sometimes a website or social media channel will make the personal trainer look a lot better than they actually are. If a personal trainer has been hired at a gym, you know that they are qualified to be there, but the same cannot be said for someone online. Check credentials and ask for references.
The Decision
Really, online personal training is only right for those that are not complete beginners when it comes to exercise. You have to already know the basics as there will be no one around to help you when you are actually working out. You also need to have no issues with motivation, as it is up to you if you will keep up your routine. Many people do find it easier to manage if they have at least a basic home gym set-up, which helps make it easier to squeeze in a good workout without having to go to the gym.
Lastly, you must be prepared to do some solid research into online personal trainers to ensure that you get someone that provides quality advice. The best way to do this is to read reviews and do some initial consultations and don’t commit to purchasing a large package of sessions until you have tried a few and are comfortable with your online trainer.
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