AUG 17, 2021

Why Taking Your Fitness Training Online Could be Right For You

Even though we’re now able to get back to training in the gym, it still may be too soon to look past the virtual offerings now available online.

By House Fitness

One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been the huge boost in innovation we have seen in the online fitness space. Fitness coaches, personal trainers, and gyms were all forced to go through huge changes — with many having to shift to an entirely virtual model over the course of the pandemic. Through this, the online offerings available to the general public have vastly improved. Even if you’ve taken a look at online training in the past (and might be looking to get back to training in a gym)... now might be the best time to take a second look at what the online training space has to offer.

How to Know if Online Training is Right For You

Online training has the potential to work for nearly any type of person. As long as you have a decently sized screen, a basic understanding of apps, and a stable internet connection, you’re good to go!

What’s interesting about online training, however, is that there are a few key areas where it actually trumps in-person training. Going virtual offers a few key benefits that most gyms can’t offer.

Privacy
Through online training, you’re able to train from the comfort of your own home. Stepping into a gym for the first time ever (or the first time in a long time) can be intimidating. Your home can provide a safe space for you to train and sweat it out without anxiety. As an added bonus, you may even begin to associate your home with the positive traits of health and fitness, impacting other lifestyle habits within your home.

Budget-Friendly Options
Not only will you be saving money from commuting (and finding a parking spot), you simply have more choices by going online. You can find a program or coach that fits your budget and needs (and even avoid the dreaded memberships or contracts that many gyms pressure you into signing up for.)

Accessibility
Because you’re not in a gym, many online programs call for little to no equipment. You don’t need to spend money on any fancy equipment or learn how to use equipment that you only have access to in a gym. This can be a great benefit because learning how to train just using your body is a powerful skill you can take with you for the rest of your life. You’re opening the door to being able to train anywhere at any time.

Flexibility
When it comes to flexibility, the online model for personal training cannot be beaten. Without leaving your home, you have 24/7 access to fitness training directly from the small device you carry around in your pocket.

In going online, you’re able to find the perfect program that meshes with your lifestyle. You choose how long you workout for and the days that you workout on. You don’t need to make going to the gym a half-a-day affair. You can simply sign on to an app, website, or zoom call with a trainer and get right to working out. And, as soon as you’re done, you can cool down and reintegrate right back into home life with your family

More Choices
If you’re looking to train in-person at a gym, you’re limited to the radius in which you live to find a coach that connects with you. Virtually, you have a limitless selection of coaches all around the world. You’re not limited to where you live to find the perfect coach that will help you reach your goals.

Addressing Common Concerns Around Taking Your Training Online

At House Fitness, we have several online offerings in addition to in-person training. These are a few of the concerns we have heard around training online and our response.

“I’m concerned that I won’t be as motivated through an online program.”

Beyond training, the concept of motivation is something that holds many of us back in life. We can’t wait around for motivation. Regardless of whether we’re training online, in-person, or through a hybrid approach, the skills needed to maintain and develop discipline, intention, inspiration, and motivation are something we alone need to achieve.

I won’t lie — signing into an app every day and following up with a trainer online does take a level of discipline. It canbe easier to show up to a gym to be held accountable — but, training virtually can be the perfect opportunity to develop the discipline needed to hold yourself accountable. This is a skill you can bring with you into all aspects of your life.

“I’m not sure I’ll be as disciplined unless a trainer is pushing me to do my hardest in person.”

Depending on the virtual offering you’re signing up for, accountability can be incorporated into the program. Many coaches offer direct lines of communication to them and will follow up with you and your goals, helping to keep you accountable.

Virtual training still includes coach feedback, 1:1 training, and customizable routines that are tailored to your specific needs.

“I’m worried if I train from home that I won’t be able to stay consistent.”

Consistency can be difficult regardless of whether you decide to train at a gym or online. However, there’s always an opportunity to develop behaviours around it. Building new habits can feel uncomfortable at first but building a consistent fitness routine will pave the way for greater health. Remember: Initial discomfort for longer-term ease.

Is There Any Reason Why You Shouldn’t Train Online?

Though online training is suitable for nearly everyone, there are a few scenarios where an in-gym experience may serve you better. We want to be completely transparent in that.

We do not recommend training online if:

You have a poor or unstable internet connection
You only have small screens to train from. Anything smaller than an iPad simply won’t cut it. You need to see your trainer and your trainer needs to be able to see you in order to deliver effective training.
You do not have enough space to train. You don’t want to restrict your movement by confining yourself to a small space. You should have enough room to move in order to get the most out of your workout and avoid injury.
You have a tumultuous home life. Similarly to not having the physical space to train, if you do not have the mental space to train with intention and focus it may be more appropriate to bring your training to a gym for a fresh environment.
You are new to exercise and would prefer a more hands-on approach. Lots of trainers and coaches use manual therapy techniques to round out their training skill set and to improve the client experience. Most trainers also rely partly on kinesthetic cueing or “hands-on” cues to help drive home a body position or movement.

In the end, deciding to train online, in-person, or through a hybrid model is your decision. We recommend that you weigh the pros and cons.

Checklist	In-Person	Online
Access to expensive gear and advanced equipment	✔
In-person guidance and adjustments	✔
Cost-Efficient/Budget-Friendly		✔
Easily Accessible/Convenience		✔
Privacy		✔
Broad offerings		✔
Communication with your trainer	✔	✔
Accountability	✔	✔
Customized Workouts	✔	✔
Working 1:1 with a trainer	✔	✔
Working with a small group	✔	✔