The future is here my friends. Welcome to the wonderful world of virtual fitness training! Who would have thought we would ever be where we are at today?!
With closures and capacity limits to gyms, yoga facilities, recreation centers and private fitness studios due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many health and fitness providers have adapted by offering their services virtually. Personally, after making this pivot over a year ago, I am pleasantly surprised as to how well this transition has been. Of course, it is not exactly the same as being in the same space as your clients, but if done correctly, it's pretty darn close.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
As with any forced modification to an existing service, there will always be some drawbacks. However, here are some of the unforeseen benefits that my clients have reported since shifting to online training:
Time savings. Undoubtedly the number one reported benefit is how much more time efficient home workouts are. The biggest time savings is obviously in the commute to and from the traditional facility. Also, there are time savings in not having to get ready for a "public appearance". Grab some clothes, put your hair up in a ponytail or throw on a hat, and you're good to go. There is no need to be dolled up (shower after your workout!) when you are alone in your own home and someone is only seeing you on a screen across the internet.
No babysitters required. Childcare is always a concern for parents when trying to fit in a bit of “me time”. Some facilities offer childcare while you workout, but since the pandemic has started, most have suspended this service. With a virtual workout, if your children are old enough and somewhat independent, you can still complete your workout with them in your home.
Reduced (or no) snow days. Winter weather is always a concern when tackling your New Year's resolutions. Over the years I have had hundreds of classes and personal training appointments cancelled due to a snowstorm or other extreme weather events. In some cases, since switching to the virtual format, some clients and class participants have actually increased their participation rate due to bad weather no longer being a factor.
Privacy. Although not a huge factor for most experienced fitness enthusiasts, being self-conscious or shy in a traditional gym setting is a real barrier for a lot of people, especially if they are new to the game. When exercising in their home for the first time, many clients reported feeling a bit awkward. However, the sessions soon became the norm, and many actually preferred working out with the absence of wandering eyes. Some said they initially received a few strange looks from their pets, but after a few sessions, everyone in the household adapted nicely.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
The most obvious things needed to take part in virtual fitness training are a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and a screen. Depending on your goals, apart from that you only need a small space, yoga mat and generally a few light weights or exercise bands. Most qualified trainers or instructors can deliver a very effective workout with these simple and inexpensive pieces of equipment. Although not 100% necessary, I personally recommend a TRX suspension trainer for most of my clients because, for a very minimal cost, you can complete a very effective, full body workout in a very small amount of space.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF VIRTUAL TRAINING?
On demand. Probably the most common type of virtual training is watching on demand, pre-recorded workouts from a YouTube channel or other social media platform. The benefits are it is very cost effective (most times free), and it can be done you at anytime of the day or night, whenever it is convenient for you.
One of the biggest drawbacks to this type of delivery method is that oftentimes it is hard to find workouts that are appropriate for your goals and experience level. They are either too basic or generalized and don't challenge you. On the flipside, they can be way too complicated and intense for your fitness level or ability, and you end up getting frustrated and super sore, and eventually you quit. Does this sound familiar?
Also, this modality has no feedback or real time coaching. For beginners, they are basically shooting in the dark when it comes to performing the exercises with the proper form and this can lead to unwanted injuries.
Lastly, as there is very little (or oftentimes none) accountability, this method only works well for people who are highly motivated. Many participants start out with good intentions but it is all too common that people throw in the towel if they get off track or don't see the results they are looking for quickly enough.
Zoom. The newest type of virtual fitness training that has really taken off since the start of the pandemic is two-way zoom workouts between a trainer and the client, or an instructor and a group class. Since the fall of 2020, I have been conducting these types of sessions with one-on-one clients and with my TRX group training class. The transition into these types of sessions has been fairly smooth and has led to some great results! I believe they are here to stay.
Don't mistake these sessions for watching pre-recorded, on demand, cookie cutter videos…they are 100% live and interactive! Just like with my in-person sessions, I demonstrate the exercises, coach you while you complete them and provide real-time modifications and motivation. What a world we live in!
Also, a big part of these sessions is spent reviewing my clients’ goals and helping them with their desired lifestyle changes. This, in my opinion is the number one benefit of personal training and group coaching, both in person and virtually. When it comes to getting in shape, I believe the biggest misconception is that there is a magic set of exercises or ultimate program that will allow you to lose fat, gain muscle and get fit. In my opinion, exercise selection and intensity are a very small portion of someone's overall success. Undergoing gradual, progressive and sustainable lifestyle changes are what leads to achieving most health and fitness goals, not doing squats, high intensity interval training or bench presses.
WHAT CAN YOU ACCOMPLISH THROUGH VIRTUAL TRAINING?
Unless you have the proper equipment and a ton of weights, increasing maximum strength is probably not easily achieved through virtual fitness training. Common goals people tackle through this modality are fat loss, increasing general strength, increasing flexibility and mobility, improving cardiovascular fitness and increasing overall health and wellness.
As stated above, for general fitness goals, equipment and space requirements for virtual fitness training are minimal. The most important elements in improving your overall health are completing a program that is suitable for your ability, time constraints and current fitness level. The single biggest factor for long term success is CONSISTANCY; and this can certainly be achieved through the online model.
Is virtual fitness training for you? If today's world has thrown you for a loop, maybe it's something to look into. Reach out to me today for a free consultation and goal setting session. Thanks for reading!
Rod
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