Not surprising, with the rise of fitness sites, it is now possible to get an online fitness coach.
What does online personal training in general involve?
- Personalized workout programs
- Nutritional support, sometimes recipes
- Video and imagery support
- Support via forums from other members of the site
- Online calculators and charts for items like body mass index, heart rate and calorie counts
- Calendars for scheduling workouts
- Journals to keep track of progress
- Workout alerts by e-mail to remind clients
- The trainer’s e-mail for direct contact
No matter how funky or comprehensive an online personal trainer program is, it will, overall, never compare to the traditional set-up of face-to-face interaction, which includes a significant auditory component.
A client will become far more motivated and “pumped up” with enthusiasm upon hearing audible cues rather than reading e-mails or viewing canned pep talks by the trainer.
Nevertheless, online guidance has some perks:
- Flexible schedule-no appointments necessary. This takes the pressure off of having to schedule appointments and then stick to them, and having to cancel face-to-face appointments at the last minute because the dog is sick or the babysitter cancelled.
- Costs a lot less than a traditional training format.
- Workout program and other information can be accessed via computer anywhere in the world; ideal for frequent travelers.
- Eliminates a great degree of “intimidation” in self-conscious people. Additionally, a gym environment isn’t compatible with many people for a variety of reasons, such as blaring music, loud weight plate slamming, unpleasant odors, etc.
- Some sites provide informative fitness articles and newsletters.
- No lengthy and pricey contracts involving gym memberships