Personal Training in a Pandemic - Online Coaching (Part 2)

As we continue to live through the global pandemic, it’s clear that the old way of doing things will need to change. It’s important that we adapt, and adopt new ways of living to stay fit, healthy and build up strong immunity.

The second part of the ‘Personal Training in a Pandemic’ blog series looks at online coaching. Although this method is not new, I believe we’ll see more and more people look to online coaches to get fit. It is not clear when gyms will reopen and what changes we can expect once they do. Fitness class numbers will likely be reduced, as will the total number of people allowed in a gym at one time. We may well see gym floor layouts change, and potentially less equipment available. Locker rooms and communal facilities may also need to be redesigned to maintain social distancing. I imagine  once lockdown restrictions are lifted, many will be hesitant to return to fitness facilities, and will look to online coaching as a way to get fit.

The multitude of free video conferencing technologies out there have removed so many barriers to entry into the fitness industry and helped make online coaching possible.

Here’s a few things to consider:

Pros:

Maintain social distance - You can avoid travel to gyms (once they reopen!) or outdoor spaces and maintain complete social distance and isolation, by taking your personal training sessions online with a fitness expert.
Personalised experience - Coaches can provide you with a personalised experience live and face to face on a camera. We can correct your form/technique and ensure you are following programs safely and effectively by watching and demonstrating exercises. I often even change up the music I play in the background, depending on the music taste of my client!
Motivation - Your coach can motivate you through the workout, as you have both the visual and the audio element. One thing I love, is that I can watch my client on camera, and hear them, so the verbal and non-verbal cues allow me to directly provide feedback, or motivation live in the moment. I can see if my client is fatiguing, or if they can potentially do more and make customisations live.
Building relationships - It’s also an excellent way to build a close relationship between the coach and client. Although you don’t have the direct physical contact, it’s a great way to build rapport and just be able to communicate both ways. I always start my online sessions with a 5minute check-in and it is so valuable. I ask about how they are feeling so I know how to adapt my coaching style for that particular session. If someone is tired, or not in a great mood, it allows me to hear and see that on camera, so I can immediately adapt. My clients can ask me direct questions related to their fitness programs, or nutrition tips and just generally get my honest opinion on latest fads, or supplements etc.
Accommodates time zones - It reduces time zone issues or barriers. I have clients in a number of different time zones, so it allows that flexibility for me, and clients. It also means when clients travel, we can still continue progressing towards their fitness goals. Virtual check-ins also help keep clients accountable, which ultimately gets them closer to achieving their goals!
Client privacy – Sometimes a client requires privacy or doesn’t feel comfortable training in a gym or outdoors. This may be a cultural thing, or sometimes body confidence. Online coaching creates a safe environment where they can train comfortably and still achieve their fitness goals.

Cons:

Lack of equipment - Majority of people don’t have lots of equipment in their homes. If you’re someone who loves the heavy dumbbell sets and technical movements with bars and weights, this method may not be of interest.
Internet connection - Sometimes you can plan the most incredible workout and everything is ready to go, and you lose connection! Unfortunately, sometimes technology does decide to play up and so both the coach and the client need to plan a back-up. You may want to check your current mobile data package to keep an eye on costs, and also don’t forget to charge up phones/laptops/speakers!
Environment not optimised - Home environments can be challenging sometimes! You can’t always plan for kids and pets to behave once sessions start. You just have to adapt and go with it. I have 2 cats, and they have sabotaged a couple of LIVE workouts I’ve done! If you’re easily put off by things like this, then I suggest opting for an outdoor session instead.