5 Questions to ask

With the recent changes to gyms and training studios closing during COVID19, we have seen a huge increase in online training.  What is online training?  It varies from coaches, to type of program, to what goals you have set for yourself.  In finding if online training is for you, it depends on your answers to these five questions.

 

Should I hire an on-line personal trainer or coach?

 

For many people, the prospect of working with a personal trainer or coach is pretty attractive: customized programming, expert coaching, zero guesswork, and direct support through every rep and set.

 

But the truth is that not everyone has the time or money to spend on working with a coach one-on-one.  And to be honest, it’s not for everyone.  Some folks like training in groups while others enjoy following a program on their own.  For me, I love training on my own.  I enjoy the fact that I can pick and choose a program that feels good.  For me, it’s all about longevity, mobility, and strength.

 

Since the outbreak from COVID19, more trainers have now turned to offering their services through Zoom, email, google drive, and using various online training platforms.

 

As more trainers and coaches are hosting online services, what is going to work for you?  Which program is going to keep you accountable, keep you on track, and most importantly, get you results?

 

Background:

My wife and I started on this journey of helping others 6 years ago.  Since then, we have seen significant changes to the whole fitness industry.  We understand every woman has different wants and needs, and a unique workout personality—so what works for one woman might not for the next.  Currently, we train some of our clients through a mix of the two, coaching them in the gym once or twice a week while also giving them customized online programs that they can follow at home in between gym sessions.

 

To figure out the right fit for you, and if you should take the virtual plunge, consider these five simple questions.

 

1. What do you want to pay?

 

For example, our FIT&LEAN 12 week program (in person) averages $1500.   (3 training sessions per week with a customized nutrition program, and mindset piece)  ($41 per session) compare this to “the average trainer who may charge around $70 to $100 for an hour of their time.  Our alternative, provides you a personal training “experience” without paying personal training fees.   Since starting our F&L, we’ve had amazing successes with clients who lost 15lbs or more of bodyfat in 12 weeks or less and has given them the foundation to build this into a lifestyle.

 

However, to be able to accommodate more people, and keep it cost effective, we are now offering our F&L program online. Since going online with this program, it has now has taken on a life of its own with a much more robust program and still getting our clients results.

 

2. How much instruction do you need?

 

When your trainer is in the gym with you, checking you out from every angle and giving you real-time feedback…well, that’s a level of instruction you just can’t get from online training.

 

“From a coaching aspect, online training is definitely better for people who already have some exposure to exercise, form, and can be accountable.  However, with today’s technology, using Zoom or video recordings, we can now observe our clients and make proper corrections and recommendations.   This helps us as your coach, identify any trouble spots and figure out what coaching modifications need to be made due to poor posture, ankle mobility, wobbly knees, or other issues.

 

Since transitioning to online, we are now just as proficient as in person

 

 

3. What trainers are available in your area?

 

One benefit of online training is that you aren’t limited by geography, in other words; you can train with anyone you want in the world. Finding someone online who specializes in what you need is far easier than finding the same credentials within a 30-mile radius of your home.  You can see me here:  BENEFITS OF HAVING A COACH!

 

This tends to hold the truest for women living in small towns with a limited number of gym-affiliated or independent personal trainers. Consider if you need pre- or post-partum training, have any other health conditions or past body image issues your trainer will need to fully understand and take into account, or if you’re just really jazzed about working with someone whose work you have followed for years.

 

4. What motivates you?

 

Some people need the accountability and encouragement that comes with meeting with a coach in person three times per week, while others would rather revel in their time alone in the gym (like me), and get all of the motivation they need from weekly check-ins with an online trainer. Still, others want to get their motivation not just from their trainer, but also from other likeminded women who are going through similar fitness journeys—which is where online group challenges really shine.  Before the start of COVID19, we ran our nutrition and skill challenge and had great participation and support. Plus, members lost weight gained a new skill and created a positive atmosphere that established the momentum to continue.

 

 

Your needs and preferences are crucial when deciding how to train. After all, if you don’t complete your workouts, it doesn’t matter how expertly crafted they are. “You know yourself best,” We highly recommend being honest with yourself about what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past.  At KALFIT, this is done during our consult prior to starting.  Sit down with several coaches in a consult and see if you fit their program.  Also, do your research.  Review past clients, look at their results, and listen to their stories.

 

5. How packed is your day-to-day schedule?

 

Our 12 week F&L online coaching program is designed with you as the focus.  It can be performed at home, in the gym, or even outside. That way, you can do them whenever, wherever, and aren’t locked into working out according to your coaches or gym’s schedule.  However, you must remember, you have to do the work!

Having this flexibility is great for busy moms and students or anyone who has an unpredictable schedule

Here are some tips to find the right online coach and program for you:

Do your research

Before hiring an online coach, be sure to do your research.  Check their education, experience, certifications, and reviews.  Most importantly, setup a consultation.  We do ours in person or on Zoom.  Make a list of questions to ask, look at what the program offers, and be honest.  We can’t help you if you’re not willing to share your story.

I see far too often, people hiring online trainers based on how many followers they have or false promises made in person or on their website.  Look at the actual work they’ve done for people. Go to their website and review testimonials.  You should be able to find what you need.  Look at ours here:  LISTEN TO THEIR STORY!

All qualifications aside, ask questions such as, “How accessible will you be throughout the program?” “How will you customize my routine to fit my needs?” “How many clients do you have?” “What kind of results should I get”?  These are important questions to ensure you aren’t just another person with a cookie-cutter program that is blasted out to the masses. There is a ton of that junk on FB already.

To start your search, consider asking for referrals from your friends, family members, or even your doctor. Check into any trainers whose blogs, articles, or workouts you already enjoy and have found useful. Don’t stop until you’ve found someone who you truly ‘jive’ with and who fits your unique needs. It’s worth it.

 

What are your thoughts?

Have you tried any of these techniques before or found something else that has worked for you? I promise if you use these in conjunction with one another you will truly transform from the inside out.

And remember, Embrace the process.  Failure is good, we learn from it and apply changes.

Enjoying the journey and learning from it is as important as achieving the goal you set for yourself. Allowing the journey to unfold is the secret to balance, success, and an abundance of experience that you can share with others.

So, if we can support you in your decision toward your best life, just CLICK HERE to let us know, and we’ll get right back with you to schedule a free consultation with us. I would love to hear your story.

 

To Your Success,

Kipp – KALFIT Coach & Mentor

 

P.S. If you are ready, you made the decision, now you need to commit to it,

CLICK HERE regarding our upcoming 12-week Fit&Lean summer session – Lose 15lbs of bodyfat