How To Choose The Best Online Personal Trainer
Kyle Waugh PTA, CSCS, CPT and Katie St. Clair CSCS, CPT discuss the legitimacy of online training, what characteristics your online program or trainer should posses, body image on Instagram, stretching, what the future holds for the fitness industry, and much more in episode 3 of Portal PT Talks.
Katie is a strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, precision nutrition certified, and PRI specialist. She specializes in range of motion optimization, athletic development, weight loss, and pain management. She has a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals while always taking their postural balance and joints into consideration. She believes that it is possible to restore the body while continuing to pursue any movements you love.
Scroll down to listen to the full podcast and read the five characteristics an online trainer should possess before you go spending your hard earned money.
Finding the right personal trainer is tough, but finding an online personal trainer can be even harder. The fact that you can’t meet this person and you only see the amazingly, perfect content they post can make it a real challenge. Let’s face it, no one wants to get duped and waste their money. Below, are five key characteristics to look for when shopping for an online personal trainer.
1) Educational Content
Sex sells. We all know it. There’s really nothing we can do about it. But, we can look past the body image that is flaunted through our social media feeds by fitness influencers. Now, I’m not here to shame anyone for working out and showing some skin. My goal is for you, the reader, to understand that just because someone looks good, doesn’t mean they’re a good trainer and deserve your money. A trainer that looks good is an added perk, but look to see if they’re explaining the “why” behind the content they post. If they’re explaining the science and research behind an exercise on their Instagram, then chances are this educational approach will carry over into the workout program they create for you. I don’t know about you, but the more I understand the “why” the more likely I am to be consistent with my exercise program.
2) Authentic
Social media is known for displaying only the best shots of your life. It makes it seem like someone’s life is absolutely perfect. Yet, in reality it’s probably a hot mess just like yours, mine, and everyone else. Try to find a trainer that accepts that they’re human. It doesn’t have to be on their social media feed, but hopefully from the text conversations and phone calls you have with this person you can pick up on how they view themselves. This isn’t a must, but it may make for a better relationship with your trainer.
3) Caring
Find a trainer that will go the extra mile. For instance, both Katie and myself have a 24/7 line of text communication with our clients. I personally will call someone to make sure they figure out an exercise or explain a concept if that will help my client stay consistent with the program. Find a trainer that will create a conducive, educational environment where if you put in your share of the the work, it’s impossible not to see results.
4) They’re Training In-Person Clients
Seek a trainer that not only does online training, but also trains people in person. This will guarantee they’re staying sharp with their coaching skills and always finding new ways to explain exercises and concepts. If a trainer is 100% online training then make sure they have at least 5-10 years of experience and have a hefty educational resume.
5) Referred
An online trainer that comes with a friend, family member, or co-worker’s blessing is that much more trust worthy. If you don’t have that, then your next best thing is to message a couple of the trainer’s clients that shared testimonials. See what positives and negatives they may have to say about the online training experience. You’ll quickly learn if the trainer is organized and worth your time.
In summary, online trainers are everywhere and will only become more prevalent with advancing technology. The above characteristics can be used as a way to sift through the fitness content and advertisements on social media. Do your research and remember that a large following doesn’t always equate to the person being a good trainer.