Virtual vs. face-to-face: The advantages of online training

Whenever I meet someone new or catch up with an old friend I haven’t seen in a while, I get asked what this online training is all about and how it works. I go into my spiel explaining the ins and outs of online fitness and nutrition. It is usually followed by some sort of comment like, “I can’t work out on my own” or “I am not motivated enough to do that,” in which I counter with, “When you think about one-on-one training, do you think that one or two workouts a week with a trainer and no work or follow-through on your own time will give you the results you want?”

I usually get silence.

The online training market is growing in popularity. Many people have already tried various fitness and nutrition programs and tend to be somewhat familiar with what eating healthy looks like and what working out entails. It isn’t usually a lack of knowledge that holds people back from eating well and exercise, but rather just a lack of know-how – i.e. how to get the most bang for your buck.

When I first started in the online market, I instantly knew that I would love the program creation component – this turned out to be true, and I still love it! It is actually what I am most passionate about and one thing I thrive at. Initially I feared that it would disconnect me from my clients, but it actually does the opposite. In my 16 Week Polster Transformation Program and my 90 Kickstarter, I connect with people more regularly and learn a lot about them as individuals. I love being able to use my counselling background to work through mental blocks people encounter and help to get people to a place where they have enough knowledge and know-how to create new habits that translate into better behaviours for themselves and their families. Not only am I able to connect differently with people, but I get to see my clients achieve amazing results and surpass their goals, whatever they may be!

Online programs not only provide workouts and exercise information, but also nutrition help and the accountability needed for all 7 days of the week for the duration of the program. One-on-one training, on the other hand, is one hour a week. Now, let me be clear - I am not saying that personal training isn’t valuable. It is. I have clients who are intrinsically motivated to work out at home and can easily implement all their coach’s advice. I have others who use it as a check point and an opportunity to reset their workout and nutritional habits. It is a great way to get familiar with good form, get to know your coach and their style and what works for you too. Where personal training becomes a bit less valuable is when you rely on that one or two workouts a week as your only form of exercise, or you expect it to be the one thing that will create all the changes you want to see for yourself. Regardless, if you want success, there has to be a bit of self-motivation to follow the advice, use the tools provided and get’r done on your own.

Resistance to trying online programs usually stems from uncertainty. It is a new way of challenging yourself and working out, and the lack of face-to-face can make some people wary of the return on investment. But the benefits are plentiful, including:

1. Flexibility – you get to work out on your own time when it suits your schedule

2. Cheaper – online programs are often more affordable than one-on-one training in the long run

3. Results – online programs teach you how to manipulate the variables to get the most results out of your workout programs, and out of your gym membership (if you have one)

4. Nutrition – you learn how to optimize food and nutrition to maximize your results

5. Accountability – online programs give you a bit more hand-holding and support to hold you accountable

6. Upfront learning – you’ll learn a lot, but you don’t have to worry too much since workouts and personalized nutrition information are at hand.

Long story short - I don’t plan on giving up on either type of training. They both have their merits, and of course whichever method you choose to go with is entirely up to you! Different programs will work for different individuals. I do want to say that as our world and society becomes more and more online-based, it’s only natural that fitness and nutrition have followed along! Online programs are definitely worth checking out – hey, I have a whole list of testimonials to prove it!

Be sure to visit our services page here to learn more about recent changes made to both the ACTIVATE: 12-Wee 'Un-Diet' Plan and the 16 Week Transformation Program.