Remote coaching, remote training, remote personal trainer, virtual coaching, etc…you’re probably hearing these phrases a lot more lately as gyms and fitness professionals move their services online due to COVID-19 shutdowns and social distancing requirements. While all of these platforms might sound the same, they’re being executed in different ways, with varying rates of success. And even though many gyms are being allowed to reopen now, remote coaching is becoming the best, most convenient option for many people.
Last month, we wrote a blog post about what to look for in an effective remote coach. This week, we want to dive into what professional remote coaching isn’t.
1. It’s not templated.
If you’re paying for an online program and getting a workout plan that’s a plug-and-play template with movements switched out every week, you may want to reevaluate the service. Such a program might be fun for a while, but in order to be successful, you need a plan that’s made specifically for you—and comes with certain accountability. Additionally, issues inevitably arise, and your fitness training should be able to adapt to that, especially now.
2. It’s not for the masses.
There’s a reason that group classes are so popular—they’re a fun way to meet new people and get in a workout at the same time. Many gyms are taking their classes online to continue to foster that same sense of community, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But there is also a reason that the majority of people who only participate in group classes for their fitness eventually plateau and stop progressing toward their goals. Good remote coaching isn’t a workout for everyone—it’s a workout designed for you.
3. It doesn't start without an assessment.
It might seem like an assessment would be difficult to provide via remote coaching, and it’s certainly different from an in-person assessment, but it’s arguably even more important. If you’re not able to receive regular feedback from your coach in person, there’s a greater need for them to program appropriate movements and loads that you can perform on your own. The other valuable part of the assessment process is that your coach gets to know you, your preferences, your current routine, and more. This allows for the most personalized program and therefore the greatest opportunity for success.
4. It’s not personal training over Zoom.
The gold standard of coaching is a model that allows the client and the coach to be in sync, and hence successful and fulfilled. A trainer who has switched from running group classes or doing one-on-one personal training to hosting continual one-on-one Zoom sessions is going to find themselves even more exhausted than before. We all know that we don’t do our best work when we’re burned out, so how can you expect your coach to do their best for you when they’re hosting back-to-back video calls all day long? A good remote coach provides a program that you can complete safely and independently.
5. It’s not just a fitness program.
The gold standard of coaching is also a model that takes nutrition and lifestyle behaviors into account. If the only thing you're getting is an online workout program, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity for additional progress. The work that happens in the gym is only a small piece of the puzzle; after all, you probably only spend about five hours working out each week. A good remote coach will work with you on your nutrition and lifestyle behaviors like diet, sleep and stress so you can get the most out of your time in the gym.
Though some states are now allowing gyms to reopen, many people still might not feel comfortable returning to a gym, or have a home gym available. For those folks, remote coaching is the perfect option. To learn more about how you can continue to progress toward your goals with a qualified remote coach—wherever you are—schedule a FREE strategy session below!