If you are not motivated to get up and start moving, or you don’t know what to do in the gym, or you want to improve the quality of your workouts, modern technology can help you. Try an online personal trainer who can help you find the motivation to get you going, or put together the workout plan you personally need.
But are online personal trainers as useful as live classes? Is it even still worth paying for an exercise plan that you follow from your phone? Trainers can answer all your questions about fitness and wellness and help you choose the best exercise option.
What is included in online training?
As with live coaching, you may be offered a coaching plan online that will lead you to your goal. However, there are different ways to find and interact with a coach. For example, apps like Trainiac and Future offer a wide variety of coaches, each with their own program. You tell the app your goals and level of training, and the coach makes a plan (often based on the database the app has). You will then be able to send information about how your workouts are going and what your progress is.
An alternative method of exercising with online personal trainers is to exercise without an intermediary. Many offer their services also outside the gym, so you can follow their programs anywhere. The trainer is likely to create a program of exercises, sets and reps for a month ahead, and send you videos teaching you how to perform these exercises. Then he will compare the expected results with the actual results and answer any questions you may have. In addition, some trainers use apps like True Coach, which allow them to connect directly with clients and personalize workouts for them without having to meet them in person.
What are the benefits of personal training online?
You get many of the benefits from virtual classes that you would get from training in person. What’s the catch? You need to be sure that the trainer you’re paying to actually offers personalized services, rather than giving out the same program to every client. The service or trainer should be honest about this, but you should also be able to check if the workout plan is really grounded for you. One of the main advantages of online classes versus live workouts is flexibility, because you can create any schedule you want for remote classes, and you can work out at home at a time you set for yourself. This means that if you’re traveling or have some family stuff to do and you only have 20 minutes to spare, you still have time to work out. By creating your own schedule, you will become more self-sufficient. In addition, you will begin to understand your body much better, because you will have to report information about how you feel.
Are there disadvantages to online exercise?
There are disadvantages almost always. Most importantly: If you need someone to help you in real time, give you instant advice, or inspire you to do the next exercise, the Internet can’t offer you that. But in the case of online training, you don’t lose money if you miss a workout, and no one is waiting for you at the gym. So, you have to rely only on your willpower to follow the program. What else should you consider? Thanks to the live sessions with a trainer, over time, a certain bond is formed that forces a person to continue exercising. It is impossible to obtain such an effect over the Internet, unless one studies via Skype.
How do I know if the online format is right for me?
Think about your motivation, goals, and fitness level. If you’re completely new to working out, you’ll benefit a lot more from a live class. Sometimes for beginners, you just need to have someone by your side. Thanks to this you can avoid injuries and reach your goal faster. In addition, if you are one of those people who can force themselves to appear at workouts only if there is an appointed time and place for this workout, then you should still use the services of a trainer at the gym. But if you’re motivated enough to go to the gym and the problem is that you don’t know what to do there, virtual workouts can do you quite well. Plus, if there’s no gym around, or you can’t reach your goals there, or you can’t reconcile your workout schedule with the rest of your life, online is your choice.
How do I find a good online coach?
First, check his certificate. He must have a certificate that certifies his qualifications. There is nothing wrong with asking a trainer to send a certificate. There are many charlatans with no proof of their experience and knowledge, which they simply do not possess. In addition, you need to make sure that the trainer continues his training after he received his diploma. You should not hesitate to contact the trainers you like on social networks, although it is worth making sure they have a certificate.
How do you squeeze everything out of online classes?
The coach should always ask questions about you, your goals, and your training experience. When describing your goals, include as many details as possible. Do you want to include running in your kits? Do you want to include a special exercise: pull-ups or jump squats, for example?
Be warned that when you get your workout plan in hand, you should make sure that it meets (and will continue to meet in the future) your goals and your fitness level: you need to know that you are really getting the individualized approach that you are paying for. In general, you need to make sure that the plan has both upper and lower body exercises, as well as basic movements, cardio, and, in general, a variety of exercises. Plus, the plan should progress each week. If you can’t reach your goals, don’t be afraid to discuss it with a trainer. Your workouts are all up to you – especially if they are done virtually.
