Online personal training
I agree that unless your client is experience in proper form and technique, online training can be dangerous and difficult to perform. In my opinion, online training can be extremely beneficial if you have clients with time restraints if you have worked with them one on one and feel confident that they can perform the exercises safely on their own. I do provide online training and try to be very specific about exercise mechanics and proper form. I think that online training will increase in popularity as more and more people are utilizing technology and just lack the time to go to a gym or meet with a personal trainer.
Patricia, CPT
www.commit2fitkc.com
I think it’s useful for some people. In much the same way that people were hesitant about the use of workout tapes in the beginning, same with on-line training.
I see it as just another modality or medium to help get people moving. I thnk some clients will love it, others will wan a more personal touch. It all depends on how it is used. Right now online training can be so many different things…Skype sessions, Pre-recorded sessions, private chat groups, etc….
I do think we’ll see more of this continue to change our industry.
While not optimal it is certainly useful. I agree that a true newbie to exercise of any kind would need more one on one attention. The online option does open up possibilities for a client who travels often or those who are moving and are reluctant to end the relationship with you. Face Time and Skye etc. do make the idea of ‘distance training’ a tad more acceptable in that at least you can observe your client and get a sense of how the program is working for them.
I imagine that this idea is only going to grow.
I often book my clients to work with me in the studio 2 days a week and encourage them to work on their own a third day, this way they can do certain things over and practice on things at their own pace. I provide them with an online resource to a virtual trainer that shows them how to do the exercises we did together in video format as well as in written form. My clients seem to be very compliant. I can also track to see if they’ve visited there account and hold them accountable. If nothing else, and I can’t get the workout routine made up in time for them or if they or I go away and don’t get it done in time , I will direct them to YouTube, which has excellent workouts, they seem to like them and the feedback I have gotten has all been very positive. They all hit their monthly body compositon goals and so I feel confident the online training is a definite hit and is being used.