Online personal training is all the rage these days – and unsurprisingly so. After all, it is extremely convenient. Thanks to the power of technology, you can now stay fit and healthy without leaving the comfort of your home. Best of all, you will also have access to a fitness professional, so you can ensure that you are doing your workout the best possible way.
So, are you ready to jumpstart your fitness journey using Zoom or Skype? Our comprehensive article will help you get started.
Online Personal Training via Zoom or Skype: What You Need to Know
In online personal training, the workout sessions will be held virtually instead of face-to-face. Specifically, the sessions will be conducted using video conferencing apps like Zoom or Skype. Similar to a traditional training program, you will also be assigned a professional personal trainer.
Online fitness training has boomed recently, especially with the pandemic situation. Even though some of the gyms and fitness centres have reopened, many people are still uncomfortable with the idea of going out and interacting with others. Alternatively, some simply don’t have the luxury of time or effort to go to the gym. Whatever the reason, online personal training can be a fantastic way to stay on top of your fitness goals, particularly now that the importance of being healthy can’t be stressed enough.
Related article: Is Online Personal Training the New Normal For Fitness Goals?
Is Virtual Personal Training Worth It?
Several personal training apps exist – some are free, while others are paid. These enable you to learn more about fitness and create your own routines, among other things. Alternatively, there are also plenty of workout routine videos available online. You may be wondering: with these resources at your disposal, is it even worth it to hire a virtual personal trainer?
The thing is, these apps, programs, and online videos can only go so far. For example, many training programs don’t offer online coaching, which means that you won’t be able to directly interact with fitness experts. Some may also provide generic fitness plans, failing to take into account important determinants like age or sex. And, there is less accountability and an increased risk of performing the exercises incorrectly. All of these factors can be detrimental to your progress.
So, to answer the question: yes, virtual personal training is worth it. However, you will still have to factor in your needs, preferences, and situation. Hiring an online personal trainer, for example, may not be that useful for someone who is already well-versed in fitness and can already create their own nutrition plan and workout regimen.
To assess the value of virtual personal training in light of your situation, you may want to look into the pros and cons of this setup.
Some of the benefits of online personal training include:
- You will receive a customized workout and nutrition program – one that takes your needs, goals, fitness levels, and medical history into account.
- You will have access to your own personal coach. They will provide you with expert feedback and evidence-backed tips, as well as monitor your progress and keep you accountable every step of the way. It guarantees that you will be able to reach your goals in no time.
- By scheduling an appointment with your coach, you are less likely to skip your workout, helping you stay on the right track. Plus, an energetic trainer will keep you motivated, too.
- Your virtual personal trainer will ensure that you are performing the exercises correctly, reducing the risks of injuries and preventing you from developing a bad form.
- You can work out in the comfort and privacy of your home. Even better, you will be able to do so at a schedule that best suits you.
- The fact that the workouts are performed remotely helps you save precious time, effort, and money.
- Since everything is done online, you won’t have to worry about location proximity. It won’t even matter if your personal trainer is on the other side of the world.
- Hiring an online fitness trainer is typically more cost-effective than meeting with a coach in person, whether at home or the local gym.
Virtual personal training also has some drawbacks, such as:
- Finding the right personal coach is no easy task. In some cases, your personalities may clash or you may not be satisfied with their training styles. Alternatively, maybe you find someone you vibe with, but your schedules just won’t match.
- You won’t have any in-person interactions and guidance from a professional fitness trainer.
- It may not be suitable for absolute beginners.
- Some coaches are not qualified. With that said, make sure you choose someone who is certified by highly-acclaimed organizations, including the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), among others.
Related article: Avoid COVID-19 by Having a Personal Trainer at Home
Who Is Online Personal Training for?
Although convenient, online training may not be for everyone. Make sure that it is aligned with your needs and circumstances before committing to the program. If you are having a hard time deciding, you can also book a consultation with a fitness trainer or a gym near you. They can help you figure out which route is best for you.
Virtual personal training might be the best option for you if:
- You are not a complete beginner and have some experience exercising.
- You are not seeing tangible results from your current workout plan, whether it is something you created yourself or found online.
- You are bored with your workout routine and want to try something new.
- You are self-motivated.
- You want someone to hold you accountable, as well as push you to work harder.
- You want someone to teach you more about fitness.
- You want someone to evaluate your current goals – and help you tweak them if necessary.
- You are willing to do a bit of research to find out more about the workouts you should be doing.
- You feel uncomfortable at the idea of working out in the gym and feeling like people’s eyes are on you.
- You are swamped with work or family commitments, making it difficult for you to set some time aside to go to the nearest gym.
- You want to have control over your time when working out.
On the other hand, personal fitness training might not be the best choice in the following scenarios:
- You are an absolute beginner and have a hard time performing the workouts correctly. Maybe you have never even done any of them before. Online coaching, in this case, probably won’t suffice, and it may be better for you to meet with your trainer in-person to avoid developing bad form.
- Although an online coach can help keep you accountable and motivated, it is still a pretty low-pressure arrangement. So, if you struggle with motivation and consistency, meeting with a personal trainer may be a better option.
- You have special needs. Maybe you are currently undergoing post-rehabilitation or you have a medical condition that requires extra care and attention.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Online Personal Trainer?
In Toronto, an online personal coach will charge around $30 to $100 per hour for their services. However, the price range can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the trainer’s certifications, skills, and years of experience.
Related article: What Is the Cost of Virtual Personal Training in Toronto?
What Can You Expect From Online Personal Training?
In virtual personal training, an online fitness coach will coach you live via video calls. The workouts will last anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, although some gyms may offer 90-minute sessions. Typically, the workout plan will be composed of resistance, endurance, and flexibility exercises that don’t require the use of equipment. However, the exact process will vary from one fitness centre to another.
At First Class Personal Training, here’s how we do virtual personal training:
- The client will inquire about the program via call or email. During this time, they may also schedule a virtual consultation with one of our fitness experts.
- During the consultation, the client will be asked to talk about their medical history, dietary habits, fitness capacity, and goals.
- Once satisfied and ready to proceed with the program, a virtual assessment will be conducted.
- From the evaluation, our team will create a customized workout plan. Once ready, the workout sessions may begin at the scheduled time.
How Many Training Sessions Do You Need?
Generally, it is recommended to meet with a certified coach 2 to 3 times a week for at least 6 weeks. However, the number of workout sessions you need will ultimately depend on your situation. For some individuals, for instance, a weekly training session will suffice.
After a certain period, your personal trainer will evaluate your progress, especially in terms of your goals. From there, they will adjust your workouts accordingly, including the frequency and the duration of the training sessions.
Stay On Top Of Your Fitness Goals With Virtual Personal Training
The digital age has made our lives infinitely easier in several ways. The fitness industry is not exempt from this wonderful innovation. Thanks to the internet and video conferencing platforms, you can now stay fit and healthy without going to the gym. More importantly, it also gives you full control of your schedule and allows you to work with a certified personal trainer. This, in turn, can help you reach your goals faster and more effectively, whether it is to lose weight or to tone your body.
Want to get started with your virtual personal training? Contact us at 416-821-2384 or fill out this form to schedule your consultation today. We’re thrilled to hear from you.
Gera is the Founder and Head Trainer of First Class Personal Training with over 20 years of professional experience, not only as a personal trainer but also as a nutrition and wellness counselor and a post rehabilitation specialist.
