For many people who are serious about getting into shape, working with a personal trainer is an ideal choice because its gives them peace of mind that they will get the best plan to achieve their goals. In recent years, many personal trainers started offering their services online or via social media and apps. So is an online trainer best for you? This is a difficult question to answer because everyone is different and what works for one may not work for another. I would compare this topic to online school. Some people are excellent self motivators and thrive well doing school from home, while others need to be in a classroom. The topics below should help you in making your decision.
Cost
Typically, a single session with a trainer in person can cost $50-$100 an hour. In comparison, six or more online sessions range between $100-$200. Some online fitness challenge groups can be free. So if you are on a budget, then an online trainer is probably your best option.
Personal Attention
In person, a personal trainer can observe you and the communication process is instant. This same level of attention is not possible online. For individuals who are comfortable working out alone this may not be an issue, but for beginners personal attention may be needed. It is important to choose an online trainer that checks on your progress and tweaks your plan when necessary. It is important to keep in mind that it takes a different set of skills to provide training online versus in person. In other words, not all personal trainers will be able to effectively make the transition.
Location
One disadvantage of personal trainers is that you are limited to the individuals in your area. Depending on where you live, the choices can be very limited. Online trainers give you the option to train with any online trainer on the planet. This level of competition aids in lowering cost and improving the product.
Limited Time
One of the most common reasons that people don’t work out is a busy schedule and limited time. Some people simply don’t have time to go to a gym or a personal training session. Online personal training might work for these people because they can do everything at home or a location that’s convenient for them.
What to Look For
Hiring a online personal trainer should be a thorough process. You want to make sure you check the trainer’s qualifications, education, experience, certifications and any complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is no different than hiring a professional to do work in your home or on your car. You should never simply make your decision by advertisements or the amount of followers they have on social media. Also, look for certifications from respected industry organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Organization
