Should You Try Out Remote Fitness Coaching?

Along with our technological society, the online training industry is blooming and is currently one of the fastest growing segments of the fitness industry. According to recent studies, health and fitness app usage rose 62% in the first half of 2014, and it’s growing at a rate 87% faster than that of other industries.

Along with its increased popularity comes the importance to consider whether it’s a worthwhile investment. So, if you’re someone who hasn’t tested the waters with remote fitness coaching yet, no matter whether you’re new to the game or an industry legend, this article will take you through the pros and cons of this new phenomena.

The Benefits of Remote Fitness Coaching

Work On Your Own Schedule

Personal trainers all have their own schedule to accommodate for. Not being able to follow through on your workout routine because traditional personal trainers are booked out when you’re available can quickly become an issue. Whether you have to run across town, rush from work or force yourself out of bed on a cold winter’s morning, being forced to constantly accustom yourself to someone else’s schedule can deteriorate your motivation to pursue your fitness goals altogether. Contrarily, online coaching is far more flexible and allows you to create your own schedule.

Affordable

One-on-one training with a personal trainer can cost up to hundreds of dollars for a handful of sessions each week. Although this might be a viable option for some, the majority of us will be looking for a more sustainable, affordable and long-term solution. To give you an idea of the difference in cost, the price you’ll pay for a single session with an in-person trainer can give you a month worth of online personal training.

Limitless Access

With remote fitness coaching, your schedule and workouts are laid out for you each week and you can access them 24/7. So, if you’re the type of person that’s more comfortable in the privacy of your own home, you can complete your training in the garage or in the living room. While, if you’re someone who’s motivated by the energy and surroundings of a gym, you can smash out your session there.

Communication

How often do you think clients message their in-person trainer and ask for feedback? Most people wouldn’t, unless they were looking to re-schedule or organize a session. However, with an online trainer, you’re able to message your trainer at any time. Being online means that communication is always open. This will help you to get the most out of your training and ensure you’re putting in effort where it matters most.

Accountability

Although working with an online trainer might require some self-motivation, your coach will always be no more than a click away. An experienced trainer will be checking in with you on a regular basis to follow your progress and ensure you’re on top of your training. This communication creates a sense of accountability and can be a great source of motivation to help you stick with your fitness schedule. 

The Drawback of Remote Fitness Coaching

Like most things in life, there are both positives and negatives to an experience. Online fitness coaching is no exception. One of the first things you want to establish when it comes to deciding whether this is the right option for you is to know yourself. If you’re someone who’s completely new to training or if you require the presence of a trainer to assist your workout, this form of coaching might not be suitable.

Nobody’s There To Check Your Form

This is the most obvious downside of an online personal trainer. Very few remote fitness coaches offer the opportunity for an instructor to assess their clients via live video and in doing so, advise corrections based on their performance. This is a particularly important point to consider for someone returning from injury, or someone who has never had any previous experience working out.

The Conclusion

The benefits of remote fitness coaching clearly outweigh the disadvantages. With a number of crucial upsides like cost-effectiveness and real, trackable results, it’s worth giving it a shot for anyone who’s serious about improving their health and physique.

Since many different online options out there come without any long-term commitments, as well as a free trial, we believe it’s definitely a valuable investment.