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Online programming is the next best thing
We are living in a time where access to information is unparalleled! But with that comes some negatives, it is a constant complaint I hear from my one-on-one training clients.
With all the information how there, how do you know what’s going to be the best fit for you? How do you know what is going to be right for your body, to get you the best results in the gym? The biggest bang for your buck!
Take a quick google search and I can find so many fitness articles that contradict themselves left right and center.
I can find so many programs by this and that fitness influencer, claiming to get you abs in a mere matter of weeks. Programs made for the masses, that never touch on the importance of proper bracing and breathing techniques. That never gives you the opportunity to assess your form and actually improve your skills, confidence, or strength in the gym. Programs that don’t take into account your current fitness level, or your actual life. It’s really designed as a one size fits all approach, made by a “coach” who may or may not have actual education or certifications behind their name. More on why I put coach in quotations later. But I will say this,
Big online fitness programs have a time and a place.
That’s where I started with my own fitness! So I don’t wanna knock that at all. I am so much more in favour of people simply moving their bodies in a healthy way than anything else! At the end of the day, I love seeing people step out of their comfort zone, try something new, and just get started on their health and fitness journey.
I did the mass-produced online fitness programs, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I was too embarrassed at the time to go to a gym. Having worked with a trainer in the past I didn’t get the education about my body or health in general that I needed. I was in the gym for six months with this trainer, and not once did I touch a barbell. This sounds crazy now because all I do day in and day out is work with barbells for my sport.
After a year of working out at home, I lost over 30 pounds. It gave me the confidence I needed to reenter the gym, I got in touch with my current coach, and the rest is history I guess! Well, not quite, but we don’t need to get into all that right now.
I’m thankful that these programs got me started, but that’s where it stopped.
Looking back at old videos of me lifting dumbbells in my living room is unbelievably cringey for me. I know I’m not alone in this. Many people, whether they go to the physical gym or not, have some less-than-perfect lifting videos during their first year. But my form was atrocious! Mainly because you guessed it, I didn’t have a coach. Simply, someone to show me how to do it properly.
I’m thankful I found the coach I have and was able to walk back into a gym space, but one on one personal training isn’t always the right fit for everyone. Maybe due to the location of the trainer you want to work with, or for other financial commitments. So what are the options left to you?
Online programming is the next best thing!
I wished I had known about this sooner, I would have gotten much better results faster. Even while still staying at home and lifting with just my dumbbells! I would have learned a lot more, I would have had a better support system when I was struggling with an exercise or the multiple mental challenges that come when you’re just starting to work out for the first time. Making a big lifestyle change like that is hard and I personally didn’t have much to learn on education-wise.
Getting a personalized online program from an accredited trainer is honestly where it’s at! Not only do personal trainers offer you professional feedback on form and technic, but they also care about you just the same way as they would with their in-person clients. I know I do! I love that I can talk to my clients through accountability, and habit coaching. I’m also there if we need to make modifications due to injuries or general life changes. I’m only ever a video chat away if we need to deep dive into a specific exercise. Something that a mass-produced online program cannot give.
You want someone in your corner that cares about you.
I know those online fitness programs often promote that you join an online group or community where you can ask your questions and concerns. Hopefully get some feedback, but you have to be careful. The people in these groups are not professional trainers. They can’t answer your questions the same way a coach with proper education can. I know they’ll talk with such confidence that it seems really compelling, it’ll feel like they’re giving you the right advice, but be cautious.
This brings me back to the elusive “coach”. I see the term coach thrown around on social media a lot. It’s not a protected term, anyone can use it. Lots of very popular fitness influencers online sell program after program to their followers and not one of them has the education behind their name to back up their claims. “Get a banging booty in 30 days”, “shredded 6 pack in 6 weeks”, and the list can go on and on. Not only is this misleading (because the chances of you getting that six-pack in 6 weeks are so slim) I’ll write another whole separate blog post on this later. But again, they are not certified, personal trainers.
Sit down with a trainer, but make sure you click!
Even though it’s just online make sure you can communicate with your coach openly. Online programming works best when you’re able to give lots of feedback, as we’re not there in person with you week after week to gauge how you are doing. Take lots of pictures and videos and send them to your coach. Be sure that you can trust your trainer, can you talk to them just like you would with a close friend? If you can, then that’s a great sign.
Online programming is the next best thing, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re ready to progress further from just getting your programming off of google, fitness influencers, or your friends. Whether you’re still in the beginner phase of your fitness or your five, even 10+ years in it’s a great option. If you’re not sure what the next step is for yourself and want to stop guessing. Consider personalized programming that you know will fit your needs. Both mentally and physically, it’s important to look at the whole picture and look at all your options. There is something and someone out there for everyone!
