Online training? Face to face training? Having over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, competed as a bodybuilder in 4 different decades at a very high level and been subjected to so many different training styles and programs, here at Fit and Psyched located at 1177 Clare Ave., Unit #2, West Palm Beach, Florida we would like to share our views on this subject.
From shopping, to school, to numerous other services available on the internet, how does online training fare when compared to face to face personal training? Offering online training as well as face to face training gives us the experience and latitude to share with you the benefits or drawbacks of both.
First and foremost, the success rate of online vs in person is heavily in favor of in person. Hands down. Not even remotely close. I know we see these “awesome” online trainers and their clients transformations all over Instagram and Facebook that makes people gravitate to this style. However, when you look at the PERCENTAGE of successful, legitimate online trainers vs those posing as successful, legitimate online trainers, the numbers aren’t so lofty to say the least. In fact they’re laughable.
I know of more than a few trainers that operate mostly online that have “trainers” working for them, handling everything under the assumption that the client is dealing with the main person himself. One trainer I know of in particular that specializes in competition diets will only handle the “bigger” clients, meaning if you’re not high profile (pro or high ranking amateur) then you’re going to be working with somebody he chooses for you all while under the assumption it’s him. Or the online “guru” that’s been training a year or two with more fake pics, accolades and false promises that you can imagine. Now with all that said, yes there is a place and time for online training and there are some really good trainers online many of which “made their mark” training people in person, built a reputation and are very good at what they do. Do your homework and remember ANYBODY can make a profile on Instagram or Facebook, throw up some pics (real or not) and voila they’re a trainer! Not just anybody can build a solid reputation by training people face to face, day to day, week to week as well as year after year. Standing the test of time speaks volumes.
So before hiring a trainer here are a few points to help you in your decision.
- Speak to your prospective candidate. See how your goals or concerns mesh with his or her methods of operation. Either style of trainer should make themselves available for this simple, but very important free consultation.
- Visit as many training studios as possible. Is it a place you’re going to be comfortable going to 3-4x/week. Is it a private gym with independent trainers or is it a chain gym with employees and numerous gym members? Is it clean? Is it obnoxiously loud?
- Check out their website. Is it up to date and professional or is it a halfway done and grammatically challenged? Is it filled with accolades, testimonials and progress pictures or just promises, specials and nonsense? Or in some cases do they not have a website at all?
- The test of time. There’s a lot to be said for longevity as an independent trainer. While the major chains recycle trainers at will, to be independent with a long successful history speaks volumes.
Hopefully I’ve shed some light that will help you decide between online and face to face personal training. Take your time. Reasearch it. Commit to it. Succeed with it. If there are any other questions regarding this that you may have, please contact us at 561-223-1112 or visit our website.
