Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
Online personal training is all the rage these days. Its popularity kicked off after COVID-19 as everyone was stuck at home but still wanted to stay fit. This period highlighted the benefit of online personal training, so it stuck around. Now, there seem to be hundreds of options, some good and some not so good. We want to break down what to look for with online personal training so you can pick your best choice.
Table of Contents
- What is Online Personal Training?
- Online vs In Person Training
- What To Look For In An Online Personal Trainer
- Should You Use Online Personal Training?
- Is It Worth It?
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What Is Online Personal Training?
Let's first define online personal training. It can take several forms, but the premise is that it allows a trainee to connect with a trainer remotely online, even though the trainer may be in different cities or countries.
Before we go further, let's discuss some different types of online training.
Types Of Online Training
You can sometimes have two people talking about online training but talking past each other simply because they're speaking of two different things.
In reality, there are two main types;
- Personal training
- Online classes
Personal Training
When people hear about online training, they usually think of personal training. The rest of the article will be focused on this, so we won't go into too much detail here. However, it's basically a trainee communicating online through text and video. The trainer will write a program and deliver it to the trainee while helping them follow it and help with any issues.
Online Classes
Online classes are basically a big Zoom call with a head instructor. These are typically held in the same manner as any fitness class, except online.
You can find an array of online classes such as aerobics, yoga, and HIIT. Some of
Further, some will allow interaction between the participants (usually smaller classes), while some will keep this minimal (usually big classes).
At the same time, some of these classes have the same number of participants. This allows you to build friendships and relationships with the trainer and other trainees, and it will obviously allow discussion. On the other hand, some are massive revolving doors with random people coming and going.
Online classes are really no different from in-person classes. Obviously, you're online, but the main variable is whether you like the instructor and their style of coaching. The main question you'd need to answer is whether you want the community aspect or not.
Therefore, as mentioned above, the rest of the article will focus on the online training aspect, as this has the most variables and nuance.
How Does Online Training Work?
The trainee and trainer will usually have an initial consultation in which the trainer will (or should) go over the exact same questions as if they met in person. This includes asking questions such as;
- What are your goals?
- What's your training history?
- Do you have any injuries or mobility issues?
From here, the trainer would (or, again, they should) write a personalized program based on the client's needs and goals. They'll deliver the program, and from there, the relationship can vary depending on the paid agreement.
We'll list some different scenarios in ascending order of cost.
- Nothing. The trainer delivers the program, and that's it.
- There will be a monthly check-in (or six weeks) where the trainer and trainee will discuss their progress and any issues that arise. The trainer will address these and then tweak the program.
- The trainer will have weekly check-ins by text and monthly video check-in.
- The trainer will have weekly video calls and daily or weekly text check-in.
As you see, there are numerous options from which to choose. While not every online training program will have all of these options, the idea is to make it as flexible as possible to fit everyone's needs.
For example, an intermediate lifter may want guidance or expert help to prepare for a meet. They probably don't need weekly check-ins as they already have the experience and knowledge needed inside the gym; they just need someone to tell them what to do. They could just have a meeting and get a personalized program.
On the other hand, a new lifter may have many issues to address. They'll need more work and attention, so they'll need a more involved program.
Online Personal Training Vs. Personal Training
When deciding whether to get online personal training, the obvious question is how it differs from in-person personal training. We'll go over some of the biggest differences.
Cost Of Online Personal Training Vs. Personal Training
One of the biggest differences between online and in-person personal training is the cost. In-person personal training will almost always be more expensive, and usually by a lot. This is simply because personal training is more in-depth and requires more hours.
When you get a personal trainer, you'll pay $50-$100 per hour or more. That means that if you train just three days a week, you could pay upwards of $1000/month. Now, there are cheaper options out there, but the point is that it's significantly more expensive.
Now, this increase in cost could be worth it for some people, but it's up to you to decide what you need.
Hands-On Vs. Video Teaching
Central to the increase in price of in-person coaching is the access to hands-on training provided by in-person personal training. Training with a professional in person allows the trainer to provide tactile cues and demonstrate the movements. Further, the trainer can actually manipulate your body in real-time.
Online personal training can't give you hands-on coaching, but it does offer some alternatives, such as video analysis or actually monitoring a training session. This can be sufficient for many issues, but sometimes, being in person definitely has benefits. This is more so for newer lifters whose form is non-existent.
Another place this can be beneficial is having a proper spotter. You're probably thinking you could just ask someone. However, spotting does take some skills and experience (like on lifts such as the overhead press). Further, it's much more comfortable to push yourself to your limit, having someone who you trust to be there for you.
Selection Of Trainees
This is an awesome benefit of online training; you can access any trainer worldwide!
When using in-person training, you're limited to trainers in the area. If you live in Miami, New York, or any decent-sized city, you probably have access to top trainers. However, if you live in smaller and more rural cities, your options will be more limited.
On the other hand, with online training, you can work with anyone, including top-tier elite coaches. This can be very beneficial, especially if you train in a niche sport or fitness area such as powerlifting or bodybuilding prep.
Further, online training allows you to research certain companies or trainers. Often, a trainee using in-person training will walk into a gym and be assigned to a random trainer.
Flexibility
Another huge component of online training is its high flexibility. In addition to video check-ins, you can train when you want.
One issue with in-person training is you can be held liable for missing a training session.
Remember that you are setting up a time to meet with an individual. If something comes up and you can't make it, the trainer has still spent his time or possibly told another client they couldn't train them.
Different trainers and companies have different protocols for dealing with this, but either way, you're still scheduling "appointments" that you can't miss.
A major benefit of online training is that, apart from your video calls, you can train when you want to. Obviously, this means you're not getting hands-on experience, but it's a trade-off.
Anyone can benefit from this, but it's especially useful for businessmen/women or even parents, especially anyone who has stuff that comes up often.
What To Look For In An Online Personal Trainer
Once you start researching an online trainer, how do you know which one is good? Here are some things to look for.
Experience Online Training And In-Person Training
Finding an experienced online trainer is an obvious one. However, online training can be a different beast from in-person training, and they don't always complement each other. This means a successful trainer with in-person experience doesn't automatically mean they'll be a good online coach.
Some issues that could arise from an online trainer with no experience coaching online include;
- Maintaining communication.
- Not have the tools to address issues remotely.
- The ability to pick exercises that are best suited for the person. For example, they may prescribe the deadlift to new lifters yet do not consider that they won't be there to teach the movement.
At the same time, you want a trainer who has experience with in-person training as well. This one may be a bit more of a surprise, but it makes sense—and you'd be surprised that this happens.
One of the biggest red flags is that it suggests this person may have just got a training cert to get a remote job. This isn't always the case, but it would be hard to fathom a personal trainer who never wanted to train people in person.
Also, consider that many online coaching platforms require their coaches to have at least two years of in-person coaching experience.
Either way, you want a coach with a good mix of experience.
Their Policy On Communication
There's no right answer to this, but the expectations should be clear.
If you expect open dialogue but your trainer is strict on "1 text a week" (or whatever the policy), this will be an issue.
Now, while you would ideally want a trainer who's a bit flexible, you don't want a trainer who tells you to call them 24/7, 365 days a year! A good trainer knows their value and has boundaries, as their advice is valuable.
Therefore, if you see a trainer who is "too free," they're probably trying to compensate for their lack of experience or ability (not to mention they probably won't be as open once you sign up).
You want a trainer who is clear on their communication policy and understands it.
Their Ability Or Willingness To Teach
Obviously, a good online trainer should be able to teach you. However, are they teaching you or telling you what to do?
This one is big for us because we like to educate our audience and followers.
We have a ton of experience coaching people and have always been amazed by common traits in many people. To no fault of their own, these people have been training for a year or so, including personal training, but cannot write their own program or know what loads to use.
We believe that a good trainer, whether online or in-person, will provide valuable information you can keep inside your head.
It's the whole "Teach a man to fish, feed him for life" thing.
Personal Connection
This is another one that applies to any type of training, but it still needs to be said and has special implications for online training.
If you're going to have a successful experience working with an online trainer, you should probably like each other. Now, you don't need to be best friends, but having a connection makes communication easier and more effective. It can also open you up to things like asking for help or asking questions.
Online, things can get muddled with communication; perhaps the texting has no emotion or sarcasm doesn't come across. Either, having a true connection can ease all of these things and make the experience better.
Should You Use Online Personal Training?
Is online personal training right for you? Only you can judge, but we'll try to lay out some variables for you.
Do You Need Help With Form?
As mentioned above, probably the biggest drawback to online personal training is that the trainer is not present to provide hands-on help. Therefore, you need to ask yourself if this is an issue for you and, if so, how bad.
Not having perfect form won't automatically disqualify you from personal online training. There are really two possibilities;
- You could stick to machine exercises or workouts. For example, if you can't squat, you could use the leg press. Obviously, you want to work on your squat, but the leg press is a viable substitute.
- You could work with an online trainer in a special video call. This would require an experienced online trainer who is familiar with common form errors and teaching methods, so do your research.
All of this will depend on you, your form, and your ability to learn online. This works great with some people, but others need hands-on coaching.
Another option is to get an in-person trainer to help you with your form and then transfer to an online trainer when your form is worked out.
Regardless, really consider this when getting online help.
Do You Want To Save Money?
This is one of the best reasons to get online personal training if it's right for you. You're probably going to pay around 20-30% more for an in-person trainer, which will save you money and also allows you to have a trainer for longer.
A common practice for some is to get the top-tier program for a month—perhaps it includes weekly video calls, daily texting, and video analysis. This can help build your foundation and knowledge.
After the first month, you can move down a tier—maybe that means you get one video call a month. Keep doing this until you get to the lowest tier, which is simply your training program. As the trainer now knows you and your specific strengths and weaknesses, they can easily write a highly effective program for you. This might just be $100 a month or one in-person training session.
Do You Just Need Someone To Tell You What To Do?
We'll tell you a secret. Sometimes, even our coaches have coaches. Not because they don't know what to do, but because sometimes it's better to have another qualified person tell you what to do.
Maybe you just want a different training method, or perhaps you tend to slack on things you need to work on. Or maybe you just don't want to think!
All of these reasons are valid reasons to get an online coach. Now, if you were to do that with an in-person trainer, you'd be wasting a lot of money -- you're basically paying a trainer to walk around and encourage you.
So, Is Online Training Worth It?
One of the big questions people really have about online personal training is whether it's worth it. It depends on your needs and the trainer's qualifications, but assuming you mesh and the trainer is qualified, online training is 100% worth it. It can help you get started on your fitness journey or help guide you when your training stalls.
We will say that everyone should use some sort of professional training with a qualified coach at some point in their training life. Preferably, this is in the beginning to help save you time in the gym, so if you're thinking about it, definitely look into it and find someone you trust!
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Garett Reid
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