Lets Talk about Online Coaching
Take a look at the workout below:
Warmup- 5-10 min of stationary cardio (treadmill/elliptical/bike)
Dumbbell Squats 3x10
Dumbbell lunge 3x8-10/leg
Some sort of ab exercise (swiss ball crunch, crunch, curl up, twist crunch)
Dumbbell Shoulder Press 3x10 (light weight)
Dumbbell Curl 3x10 (light weight)
Cardio- 10-20 min (stairmill, treadmill, bike)
Does this sound like a typical workout for you? If so, hiring an online trainer is probably perfect for you, and it will pay you back each time you go to the gym. Allow me to explain.
Personal training has become more widely accepted over the years, even though it's still considered a luxury by many. This mentality exists for a reason, as prices (especially here in Chicago) typically range from $80-$125 per session. So for those people who have room in their budget to hire an in-person trainer a couple times a week, by all means, DO IT. It's worth it. But for those of us who can't really afford that right now, consider hiring an online trainer. It's an affordable bridge for those who are motivated, bored with their current routine, and want to see results. Lets dive into some of the benefits of hiring an online coach.
Lets talk about money.
As I said, working with a coach in-person can be pricey. For some, it's just not an option. <Enter scene online training.> This comes to you with a huge discount; prices range from $50-$300 per month on average, depending on the type of program and how much personal attention you need. Seems like a much more comfortable expense, right? But even with that cheaper price tag, you still get many of the same benefits of working with an in-person coach. We'll dive into that in a moment.
How about scheduling? Did your boss call you in for a late meeting? Does your kid need to stay home from school sick? Do you not really have a legitimate excuse but you want to stay in bed and sleep an extra hour? Online. Training. It's no problem! You have more control, more flexibility, and more freedom over your schedule when you work with an online coach. Your training program is written and ready to use when you make it to the gym. You don't need to set an appointment, you just go when you can. Now, this isn't an excuse to skip the gym...your coach is still going to expect updates and progress reports. But you have more flexibility, and life gets just a little bit easier.
How easy is it to use?
In this world of apps that we live in, training online has never been easier. I use an app called Trainerize that allows me to build a custom program and attach videos demonstrating each movement. I can write custom instructions and notes for each of my online clients. I'll also receive a daily email letting me know which of my online clients "checked in" for their workout and I check on their weights used and read through any notes they left me. This is so helpful for me to track progress and it allows me to adjust the program as needed based on the feedback I can see. Plus, it keeps you accountable! You better believe that I will hold you accountable! But if apps are not your thing, don't worry. I still write programs out in Excel and share them via e-mail. There's nothing wrong with "old school" if it works for you.
But why hire a coach at all?
Well, people hire a coach for at least one of the following reasons:
Lose Weight/Burn Fat
Gain Muscle
Get Stronger
Prepare for a certain event (ex. wedding, weightlifting meet, race, etc.)
Move/Feel better
These are all valid and good reasons, but the real reason why you should hire a coach is because you get personal attention to your individual goals. An expert is helping you reach your goals. This is why you hire a trainer. You're paying for an expert's time (the most valuable thing there is) to focus on you and your needs and your limitations. You are getting a custom program built for you. You are gaining access to an accountability partner. It works, and it's worth it.
So stop paying attention to those junk internet work-outs, all those "10 minute abs" or "30 days to a 500lb dead lift". Let's be honest, these workouts are BORING. You're just "getting it in". Hire an expert to build a program that meets you right where you are and progresses at a natural level for you. Still don't believe me? Here's why one of my online clients had to say about training with me online:
"The thing I love about training with Ryan is that he can diagnose and treat an issue with limited lines of communication without physically being there or seeing the problem." - Matt Cox (online client of Training by Taylor)
Final Thoughts
The first step in making a change in fitness is to commit to it. Don't just think it--put it down on paper. Once you're ready and committed, take that commitment seriously. Ask for help from an expert. Hire an online trainer, or even better, hire an in-person trainer. There are such things as a combination of the two, by the way. You can have your cake and eat it too (not literally, don't eat the cake). Long story short, in today's crazy busy world, it shouldn't be hard to get fit and stay in shape. An online coach can help make it easy, providing the guidance, motivation, and accountability you need to get moving...all at an affordable price. Life is full of "what ifs", don't let your health be one of them!
