Can You Get Real Results With Online / Virtual Trainers?
It can be extremely tempting to buy the services of an online trainer who has rock hard abs and a firm online following. But, what are the costs involved? What should you consider when choosing an online fitness trainer?
Read on to find out what the benefits are, and what might cost you more than just hard earned dollars, but also your results.
Why is it tempting?
When it is online, working out is at any time! There is a wealth of videos, nutrition plans, recipes, exercise programs, articles and “reminder prompts”. This is often at any place too (with home workouts) so you really have a lot of flexibility on your side, and if you do not want to be working out in the presence of others, you really don’t have to!
On top of that, you can access experts even if you live rurally or just don’t have the right person to train you at your gym! That means that you now have access to the untapped potential of specialised coaches, regardless of your geographical location. Changing coaches also means not having to accidentally run into a coach in the gym after services have ceased.
But, and there is always a but…. the real answer to whether the results are the same, or better, than those at the gym depends on a number of things, including (most importantly) you.
Online might not be right for you if:
- You struggle with self-motivation: Email is not much of a prompt to go to a gym, so won’t solve motivational issues.
- You prefer or need human contact/accountability: Even in one-on-one online service plans, you are only communicating with your trainer remotely. Avoiding someone online is a lot easier than in person.
- Correct technique is your prerogative: If there are issues which need to be addressed, or you need a “spot” during your weights session, you might need to reconsider an online trainer.
- You spend your life on email (and kind of hate it): Reflect upon whether you like to communicate via email prompts and how often. If you are happy to be contacted in this way about your training, remember that the best companies are those that can discriminate between self-promotion and prompts.
- You want to measure yourself accurately: A virtual trainer cannot see whether you have put on extra kilos, even more so when you don’t send them results. If you want someone to give you real chat, you need a real person.
Here are some practical tips and considerations on choosing the best online trainer for you:
- Are you experienced? Past experience with personal trainers was shown to increased success with online training1.
- Look for tailored plans, suited to your goals. The best plans adapt the program through measurements and the tracking of your progress towards these goals. If you want to lose weight, you shouldn’t have the same exercise plan as people who wish to add muscle. Programs with more structure have been shown to provide better results1.
- Look for a fitness service that will answer your questions thoroughly and promptly, otherwise, you might lose interest quickly. Especially if the answer you seek stops you from continuing the plan until you find out. Remote access could spell a determent to the answers that you seek to your specific questions regarding your personal health.
- Are they what you need? Not everyone is inspired by a military workout, so despite someone being super-qualified, it might not suit you. Credentials and testimonials are gold. Look out for those whose clients are singing their praises (instead of those who sing their own). Their business should be built on consistent results, referrals from others, and happy clients.
- Seek expert advice. Online fitness services should be developed by professionals certified to present safe, effective exercise routines, so you don’t waste time and effort.
The best program in the world is not going to achieve the best results if you are not motivated to follow it, so choose wisely, and find what gets you amped to “beast” your workout! All the best in your journey.
- Gold, Beth Casey, et al. “Weight loss on the web: A pilot study comparing a structured behavioural intervention to a commercial program.” Obesity 15.1 (2007): 155-155.