Accessing Virtual Fitness: The Implications of Selecting a Digital Personal Trainer for You
Ditch the gym and job around the corner for a more kickass, budget-friendly, flexible workout regimen right from the comfort of your living room with an online personal trainer.
If you're feeling uninspired by your sluggish fitness progress or seeking a starting point for a stronger, healthier you, a professional online personal trainer can provide just what you need—accountability, motivation, and the tools to safely reach your fitness goals.
In our modern world, a plethora of activities can now be accomplished in the comfort of your home, and fitness training is no exception, thanks to video conferencing technology.
Let's dive into the super-easy, affordable, and flexible realm of online personal training!
What Does an Online Personal Trainer Do?
A personal trainer devises a personalized training plan for you to help you achieve your fitness goals. A solid plan involves assessing your physical abilities, health history, fitness goals, and workout preferences to ensure you're getting the most out of each workout.
Instead of meeting face-to-face, an online personal trainer uses video calls, text messages, apps, and digital platforms to monitor your progress. These trainers typically offer various packages tailored to your individual needs and budget.
A Peek at an Online Training Session
You can start with a basic 60-minute online, real-time assessment and receive weekly personalized training plans delivered via an app or other means. Most plans also come with daily check-ins through messaging, text, or emails.
As you progress, you might upgrade to packages featuring everything in the entry-level package, along with an additional 30-minute nutrition coaching session or weekly real-time training sessions guided by your online personal trainer, as well as the option to join live online fitness classes led by them.
Many online personal trainers use digital spreadsheets or apps to track workouts and progress. They often provide video demonstrations to perfect your form during your workouts.
Some online trainers offer appreciated benefits such as logging in to access your workouts and receiving all your instructions in one place via an app. Others meet with you via live video conferences and provide real-time feedback as they guide you through your workouts.
Perks of Online Personal Training
- Save valuable time by working out in your cozy home
- Stay connected to your personal trainer 24/7 via virtual/digital means
- Work out at your convenience—anytime, anyplace
- Usually cheaper than face-to-face training
- Access a global pool of experts who may reside outside your area
- Gain access to specialized trainers working in your preferred fitness niches
Drawbacks of Online Personal Training
- Miss out on face-to-face interactions with your personal trainer
- Internet connection is essential for seamless communication
Online vs. In-Person Personal Training: A Quick Compare-and-Contrast
In-person personal trainers typically work at gyms, while online personal trainers offer digital and virtual training options and services. Both types provide personalized plans and may offer additional coaching sessions, digital platforms, and accountability via regular check-ins.
In-person trainers customize workouts around equipment available at their gym, while online personal trainers develop flexible workouts based on the equipment you have access to. Online personal trainers usually offer more digital training options, such as pre-recorded fitness classes.
Finding an Online Personal Trainer
Keying "online personal trainer" into your search bar will yield a plethora of results. To narrow the options, take the following steps:
- Define your fitness goals: routine strengthening, Olympic-style lifts, half-marathon training, weight loss, or focusing on nutrition. Online trainers cover a wide range of expertise.
- Consider your age, gender, fitness level, and health background to help you make the best choice. Some trainers specialize in working with people with specific medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or high blood pressure.
Once you know your goals and health considerations, find trainers with certifications, experience, and specialized training that match your goals.
Now, more reputable certifications include:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
If that's still too broad for you, consider using fitness apps that connect and often match clients with personal trainers. Some apps match clients with trainers based on their preferences, while others let you pick a trainer based on their profile.
Online Personal Training Prices
Online personal training prices range from $80 to $250 per month on average. The final cost depends on the trainers' level of expertise, training packages, and personalized elements such as one-on-one virtual training sessions or nutrition coaching.
In general, budget-friendly options will offer a personalized training plan with digital and virtual communication. For more comprehensive plans with a higher price tag, you may get access to prerecorded or live fitness classes and additional nutrition coaching.
Top Tips for Specific Groups Seeking an Online Trainer
Women
A trainer who specializes in working with women can provide insight from their personal experiences and develop training plans tailored for a woman's unique physiology.
Athletes
Look for trainers with credentials in exercise science, conditioning, or corrective/recovery training. If you're competing at higher levels, a trainer who specializes in your sport can help you gain an edge.
Beginners
A certified online personal trainer offering generalized training programs can help you make excellent strides in your fitness journey, even if you're a newbie.
Older Adults
Trainers with experience working with older adults can cater to age-related concerns such as balance, flexibility, and toning.
Pre- and Postnatal Individuals
Trainers working with women might offer pre- and postnatal workouts designed with diastasis recti, cesarean delivery recovery, and pregnancy hormone effects in mind.
Teens
Find a trainer who connects with and understands teenagers and helps instill a positive body image to boost their overall confidence.
The Final Verdict
Online personal trainers are an affordable, super accessible option if you want personalized training and prefer a virtual experience. Train at home or while traveling, and connect with fitness experts when you need encouragement and support.
While online personal training isn't the cheapest option, it's one of the most affordable choices for personalized feedback, motivation, and coaching.
- For individuals concerned about osteoporosis, an online personal trainer can develop workout plans that consider such limitations to help maintain bone density and prevent further deterioration.
- Virtual fitness training not only offers flexibility in scheduling but also allows access to expert trainers from around the world, ensuring a wide range of specializations in areas such as weight management and nutrition.
- With online personal training, even the busiest individuals can stay committed to their fitness goals by working out during the convenience of their preferred time, staying connected with their trainers via digital platforms, and saving on travel time.
- Online training packages often include resources like digital spreadsheets, video demonstrations, and monthly check-ins, making weight management more manageable and accountability more accessible from the comfort of home.
