Online Personal Training: A Good Option for Beginners?
Online personal training has been around for a while but grew in popularity when COVID-19 gave people no option but to go virtual. Now it continues to be a popular option, but can all fitness levels benefit from working out over the internet?
What is Online Personal Training?
Many types of activities fit into this definition. One example of online personal training is when you find a coach online and after a discussion about your abilities, goals, etc, they’ll create a custom exercise plan for you. Many programs plan a month at a time, but plans may vary from weekly to every six weeks, depending on the coach and client.
A program from a virtual coach isn’t the only option. Thanks to the power of video calling apps, people from all over the world can meet with exercise coaches in real time for face-to-face workouts. Hundreds (if not thousands) of certified fitness professionals are developing their own techniques and tools to make virtual sessions work for people of all levels and goals.
At Sprout Wellness, we offer live private and semi-private exercise sessions, using Facetime, Zoom, or Google Meet to facilitate meetings. The entire workout, from warmup to cooldown, is done with your coach watching and providing demonstrations and feedback. In addition, we have a customized workout option for those who want a personalized routine but don’t care for face-to-face meetings.
Virtual Fitness Coaching for All Levels
To put it simply, online personal training can be a good option for beginners! There are no hard and fast rules that determine what works best for different levels of fitness. What matters is how well your fitness coach teaches to online clients. If a coach is used to clients who are familiar with more advanced exercises, or exercising in general, they might not have the skills or vocabulary to assist people starting fresh.
Knowing your preferences can help determine what suits you best. For example, if you do best with physical guidance, in-person training is likely your best option. However, there’s nothing wrong with trying out virtual fitness coaching if you’re curious!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get clarification on your form, or ask for a demonstration from your online coach. The more you work, the more you’ll get the hang of things. And if you aren’t happy with your experience, talk to your coach! Most will work to solve your problems, or find someone else who can.
What to Watch Out For
When searching for online personal training, there are a few things to watch out for before you sign up for sessions.
Is the Coach in Question Certified?
Realistically, there’s nothing to stop any random person from creating a website and selling their services. There are many certifications available, but go the extra step and look for one accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, such as NASM, ACE, and ISSA. Even if you find a certified coach (or CPT), see if their offerings match their education. Some exercise experts also offer nutrition advice that goes beyond the scope of a CPT.
Here at Sprout Wellness, Coach Katie is a NASM-CPT.
What is their experience?
Hiring a virtual fitness coach who has had in-person experience is ideal, but not necessary. Especially after COVID kept people home for two years, many new coaches weren’t presented with the opportunity before going digital. Don’t cross a coach off your list just because they’re new. Though they might have little hands-on experience, they’re often fresh out of their certification course and full of knowledge! Just keep this fact in mind as you learn more about them and decide whether your needs and goals fit their experience. If they have specializations that related to your needs, or have worked with clients who have similar needs to yours, they might be the perfect fit!
At Sprout Wellness, Katie has over three years of experience working with clients, over one of those years as a dedicated in-person coach.
Do they Have a Side Hustle Selling Supplements?
The last thing to watch out for is whether if your potential coach works for an MLM. This often relates to the nutrition side of things, but even if that’s not a service you’re interested in, they might try to push it on you. Of course, not every professional selling shakes and supplements is part of an MLM or trying to trick you, but plenty are.
Sprout Wellness isn’t involved with any other brand and won’t try to sell you things you don’t want or need! (Besides the occasional branded t-shirt, of course.)
When in doubt, ask questions, look at reviews, and reach out to friends and family to see if they have recommendations. There are plenty of certified coaches who know what they’re doing and just want to help you crush your goals!
The Takeaway
Beginners should not be afraid of online personal training! It’s a fantastic option for those who want to work out at home but want guidance from a professional. Pay attention to the experience and certifications while you’re looking for a coach that’s right for you. Don’t be afraid to pass if they don’t feel like the right option for you! Not every trainer is the same, and it’s okay to spend some time searching for your best options.
If you have more questions or want to see if Sprout Wellness is right for you, contact us or sign up for a consultation! If Sprout isn’t your style, we’ll try to find a coach who is!