Before we get stuck into why you shouldn’t do Online Personal Training, here’s a quick overview of what it is.
What is Online Personal Training?
It is the digital equivalent of having an in-person Personal Trainer. They can conduct your assessments, provide tailored nutrition guidance, and create training programmes customised to your goals. If you find a good trainer, you’ll also get advice on improving your posture and fitness levels. So you can build solid habits by overcoming any mental blocks you’re struggling with.
Online Personal Training in Lockdown
Online Personal Training has really created a name for itself this year. Since the world shut down in early 2020, we all had to adapt, and focus on our health in different ways.
Shifting online for your health and wellbeing goals can really work well for some people. On the other hand, it can also lead to inaction. Leaving you trying another programme which just ‘didn’t work out.’
Should you do Online Personal Training?
Working in person with a Personal Trainer, or joining a group programme like a Martial Arts School may be better suited to you.
Either way, I’ll provide an objective view on who Online Personal Training is not for.
Here you will find out the main 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Do Online Personal Training, and what you can do instead. So, you can turn each reason into the right solution for you!
1 – You need too much Hand Holding
Since I began training people as a young child, I quickly realised that there are those who work hard, get the results they want.
Then, there are those who like the idea of training, only to then lose faith in the process, and inevitably themselves along the way.
Of course, with the right Online Personal Training programme, you will get just as much support and hand holding. But you won’t have your trainer turn up to the gym, and count your reps for you.
If you can overcome the need to be instructed on every detail, and stick with the right programme, from the right teacher, you’ll be ok.
But, if you know that you need someone physically there to motivate you and tell you what to do, then Online Personal Training won’t work for you yet.
Solution – Save your money and time! Find a Personal Trainer, Martial Arts School, or other health programme local to you, so you can have someone coaching you by your side.
2 – You’re Looking to Join an In-Person Community
For many people, a big part of their reason to train and get healthy, is to join a community of like-minded individuals. Those who share common goals, with a strong purpose.
Modern society has a substantial impact on the way we communicate with our peers. The meaning of community and helping one another is different than in the past.
This might be more meaningful to you if you’re a more sociable person. Or someone who craves connection with others in a genuine way. There’s nothing like when you get together and train with friends, whilst learning from each other in the process.
If you want to build friendships and contribute to something in person with your local community then Online Personal Training will not help you find that.
If you’re deciding between a Martial Arts community or an in person PT at the gym read our ‘Martial Arts vs The Gym‘ to find out what might work best for you.
Solution – Find your tribe when you have put in the work.
3 – You’re Not Ready to Be Self-Sufficient
When you are searching for a Personal Trainer, you need to be honest about what your problems and goals are.
Maybe you need to learn the fundamentals first. And if you aren’t willing to take the responsibility of actively learning, then you may not get results with Online Personal Training.
But, if you’re happy to learn and receive feedback along your journey, then you can safely say that Online Personal Training may be an even better choice for you.
Being self-sufficient with Online Personal Training is about taking action on the programme that has been designed with you in mind. You can’t rely on your coach to give you all of the pointers, instructions, or answers.
If you have a desire to ask questions, are open to being straightforward and upfront with yourself, you’ll have a better relationship with your coach. Then, your physical and mental progress will be much faster.
Solution – Consider asking yourself direct and sincere questions. Such as ‘What can I do to become more self-sufficient?’. Then you can see how you can make the shift to becoming more open with yourself. Now decide whether you still want to do Online Personal Training.
4 – You Can Find A Great Personal Trainer Locally
It may be the case that you can find the right Personal Trainer locally. And maybe everything aligns nicely. Whether that be your availability, travel time, or even just the vibe you get from them.
If you’re lucky enough to find the right coach for you, then don’t hesitate in taking this way instead.
Just be aware of what to look for in the right Personal Trainer. In short:
- Do they provide coaching rather than just babysitting you or counting your reps?
- Do they focus on your improving your posture and biomechanics (having good quality movement patterns)?
- Do they have a focus on mental and physical development?
- Do they avoid damaging methodologies like CrossFit, Bodybuilding, HIIT etc.?
- Do they provide a wholesome approach to building the right habits outside of your sessions?
The problem is that most Personal Trainers can’t fulfil the above criteria for you. It’s simply not what the industry teaches as important aspects to focus on with their students.
So as the student, you must do the research, and ask the right questions before you get started.
Solution – If you can find the right Personal Trainer locally, start training with them. If not, you will have a wider pool of coaches to choose from in the Online Personal Training space. They will work on everything you need.
5 – You’re Not Ready To Do The Mental Work
It could be the case that you’re just not ready and open to do the internal mental work. Which is needed if you are serious about transforming your body and mind.
Unfortunately, many of us are looking for the superficial things in life, and that doesn’t change when it comes to our health.
Many potential students come to us, and only want to achieve things like toning their arms or stomach. Whilst this is fine in principle, this doesn’t go deep enough. It doesn’t acknowledge why they are in bad health in the first place.
You must decide which camp you sit in…
Are you looking for superficial changes?
Or are you looking to change deep seated beliefs, patterns, and problems in your life, which are affecting your mental and physical health?
If you’re looking for the former, you’re better off saving your time and money. Just finding workout programmes online which you can practice in your own time.
But if you’re open to the latter, then Online Personal Training could work for you. As the right coach will spend time figuring out what it is you need to work on. Then together, you will come up with a plan of action.
Solution – Choose which camp you sit in, then make an informed decision about your training journey going forwards.
So, Is Online Personal Training For You?
Now, you should have an idea if training online is for you or not.
You should be able to decide what kind of coach you want, and how you want that coaching to be delivered to you.
And if you’ve read this far, I’m guessing you’re serious about what you want to achieve, and are ready to take that next step.
If you want to start Online Personal Training with FitRoots, then email us on info@fitroots.co.uk or call (+44)1753 373411 and we’ll discuss how we can help you get started!
