HIRING AN ONLINE COACH
Hiring an in-person coach might not always be an option for you. Being able to commit to seeing a coach or trainer multiple times a week at a specific time may not work for the person who’s always on the go. Having an online coach allows you more freedom in your schedule to be flexible and not lose out on costly sessions due to that unexpected incident that caused you to cancel your appointment.
If you’ve searched the internet for online coaches, you’ve most likely seen a variety of coaches, programs, and prices out there. But how do you know which one to choose and what you should expect to receive from an online coach?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR AN ONLINE COACH:
Is the coach certified and licensed? There are so many people out there that claim to be a “coach,” but did they really do what is required to become certified by an accredited program such as ACE, NASM, NSCA or Precision Nutrition? Or are they just calling themselves a “coach” because they are part of a multi-level-marketing program selling products or they read some articles in a magazine and they workout?
Do they have valid testimonials and reviews? Many times, a coach will post testimonials and pictures of people on their website, but how do you know those people and results are legitimate? A reputable coach will not hesitate to put you in contact with some of their current or past clients so you can ask them questions about their own training experiences with that coach.
When it comes to cost, what is an acceptable price? If someone is just starting out, coaching as a hobby, or maybe not even certified, those prices will generally be on the lower side. If you are looking for a high-quality, reputable, results-driven coach, expect to pay a premium for their higher quality of service. But also make sure you’re getting what you pay for when paying that higher price:
Will you have full access to the coach? Will you be provided with a lot of information, options, and will you be able to go back and forth with the coach with any questions you have? If any dietary or exercise related changes are required, will they accommodate those for you or is it a program that is one-and-done? Another thing to look for is response time - you should expect to receive an answer back from the coach within 24 hours. Bottom line: what are you signing up for? Make sure all the details are clearly outlined and any questions you have are answered BEFORE you sign up.
PROS:
An online coach is less expensive than hiring an in-person coach.
Flexibility in program design and time schedule.
More contact with the coach: when dealing with an in-person coach, you usually have 30-60 min. of that coach’s time (including the workout), which isn’t a lot when you have questions or concerns that need to be worked in during your session.Depending on the program, most online coaches offer separate follow-ups, check ins, or even an open line of communication.
Comfort: many people feel more comfortable addressing concerns from the comfort of their own home vs. an office face-to-face or in the middle of a busy gym. The private and confidential nature of online coaching often helps the communication process and helps your coach to better identify and resolve issues which may be holding you back from success.
CONS:
Lack of in-person support and accountability
Lack of social interaction (if you workout at home)
Difficulty identifying a trustworthy and credentialed coach vs a self-proclaimed “coach”
If you are a self-motivated go-getter, then online coaching would be a great option for you! If you don’t know if you would have the determination to stay on top of yourself and get your programs done each week, then an in-person coach or even class might be your best option. Otherwise, ask the online coaches that you interview just how accountable they will hold you. If you feel you need that extra support, such as a weekly or even daily check-in, see if they offer that. Many online coaches even offer text, phone call, Skype or Facetime options! Don’t be afraid to tell that coach exactly what you feel is needed for you to succeed. If they cannot offer that, keep shopping until the right one comes along!
If you want to know more about online coaching and see if it’s right for you, please reach out to Stretch Fitness for a free consultation: CONTACT