As much as we try to plan for regular exercise, life is unpredictable. As weeks turn into months, gym memberships are underutilized, and maintaining consistency with an exercise class can become more stressful than enjoyable. Even if you are consistent, a plateau is guaranteed if your routine lacks variety and progression. While it would be nice to have a personal trainer on hand to keep us motivated and accountable, this service can be expensive and inaccessible to most. Fortunately, there is a new trend known as virtual personal training that is making specialized fitness accessible and affordable.
How Does It Work?
It’s this simple – All you need is a computer or smartphone and an internet connection.
A search through the app store will give you access to a ton of options for workouts designed by personal trainers.
Once you have established an account, you’ll enter basic information ranging from body composition to exercise history. Then you can choose from suggested workouts where each exercise is accompanied by video demonstrations to ensure proper form.
From there you can add more details focusing your exercises on specific equipment like the TRX or kettlebells. Other features include audio options with a voice coach pushing you through the workout as well as built-in timers to keep you working at an efficient pace. Finally, you can sync the app with your smartwatch to monitor your progress.
If you’re ready for a more personalized experience, connect with a live trainer. This route gives you access to a qualified fitness professional that will assess your fitness level, evaluate your goals, and design a workout plan specifically for you. When you are ready to schedule an appointment, your trainer will use video features like Skype to guide you through exercises in real time. There’s no room for cheating on reps or concern about performing exercises incorrectly with live supervision!
What Are The Benefits?
First, it is affordable. More than likely you’re already paying for a monthly gym membership. Add in the cost of a personal trainer and you are easily spending an additional $50-$150 per session.
Connecting with a trainer from a distance can slash rates in half withoutsacrificing direct communication. You still have full access to their expertise while they are working directly with you.
Downloading an app can save you even more money. Some apps are free while others require a one-time purchase fee with optional upgrades.
In addition to affordability, it’s a custom fit. Working with a virtual trainer gives you more than cookie cutter workouts. Generic workouts found on the internet are not for everyone. The risk of injury increases exponentially when we partake in exercises that are too difficult for our current fitness level or perform exercises incorrectly. Whether your goals are weight loss, training for an event or simply a desire to add variety to your existing regimen, a personal trainer’s mission is still aimed at addressing your individual needs.
Another benefit is accountability. Even though your trainer isn’t physically with you, they are always accessible for advice and support. You are still responsible for check-ins via emails, phone calls, text messages and social media.
Convenience is also a major perk with virtual training. You can work out anywhere and anytime without the stress of physically meeting someone in person. Your workouts are designed around your available equipment, giving you the option to exercise at home, at your local gym, or even outdoors. This is also perfect for staying active while traveling.
Results?
With all exercise, your level of dedication and effort will directly influence your results. Before engaging in this form of training, make sure you are ready to stay active as even the smallest financial commitments can mindlessly add up on autopay. If you’re on the decision-making fence, experiment with a trial version of an app to see how if fits into your busy life. When you have found the right fit, upgrade to a premium version to unlock extra features. When you’re ready for live interaction, search for personal trainers that offer a virtual option with their services.
Here’s the final verdict – If your schedule is packed and your funds are limited, this is definitely a viable option to stay motivated and strive for new levels of fitness anywhere, anytime!
Jacquelyn Jackson, LMT, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CYT is a licensed massage therapist, certified strength, and conditioning specialist, certified personal trainer and certified yoga teacher. She holds a degree from the University of Oklahoma in Health & Sports Sciences and is the visionary behind www.triplefit.com. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @triplefit.
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