How to Find an Online Personal Trainer

Working with a one-on-one fitness coach used to mean schlepping to the gym, shelling out big money, and trying to make the most out of a few 45-minute sessions per week. But now, thanks to online personal trainer technology, it’s become increasingly common, accessible, and affordable. Instead of having to hit your local brick and mortar, you can now get a personal trainer Haachikofitness in the palm of your hand.

“Working with a fitness trainer online provides flexibility in schedule and location, while still giving you the expertise and accountability of a trainer. It also integrates all things fitness into one place: your workouts, running, biking and anything else you like to do to stay active,” says Aftan Noon, “Beyond that, your trainer can also review and adjust your workout based on metrics like your heart rate, heart rate variability, and steps.”

Want to know more and see how an online trainer could work in your life? Read on for everything you need to know about hiring an online personal trainer and why it just might convince you to quit your gym membership once and for all.

How do I find the right online personal trainer?

Since you’re not actually meeting your trainer face-to-face, finding the right person might feel like a daunting task. A few tips to help you track down the right fit:

Be specific in what you’re looking for:

There are many different types of fitness trainers out there who may have different specialties and different approaches to fitness. Figure out what your goals are, and then work to find someone who best meets your needs and whose training style you best respond to. For example, if you’re training for a marathon, you probably don’t want to work with a bodybuilding coach; if boot camps aren’t your thing, you probably don’t want to work with a push-up lover.

Check out their background:

It’s easy for a trainer to look legit online (thanks, Instagram), but you’re going to want to look past their pretty pictures. Check out their degrees, which indicates how much training they’ve had. “If a trainer has taken the time to invest in learning their craft, you can expect a higher depth of knowledge, which leads to better coaching,” says Tripp.

Do your due diligence:

It’s best to get as much information as possible before you actually hire your online personal trainer, and there are a few ways you can do that. Read reviews online at the training app, ask for referrals from former clients, and (most importantly!) schedule a consultation call to make sure this person is the right fit.

What are the advantages of an online personal trainer?

In general, working with a personal trainer lets you to have a totally customized fitness program, and the same is true when working with an online personal trainer, as well.

In fact, there are many ways to do gym workout at home with someone digitally actually is even better than in face-to-face meetings.

1. Accessibility: In addition to being more affordable than a gym session, an online personal trainer gives you the freedom to access your personalized plan wherever you go. “Your trainer can create workouts for you to do anywhere with minimal equipment or customize workouts that you can take into your local gym, and even program activities like running or cycling workouts to do,” says Tripp. “All of this adds up to a health and fitness plan that is catered to you, led by your online personal trainer.”

2. Flexible communication: Unlike normal gym sessions, in which you really only have access to your trainer during your one-hour appointment, many digital fitness apps allow you to regularly be in touch with your trainer. “Having a flexible schedule and communication option is key for building long-term success with your health and fitness goals.”

3. Progress tracking: Since many online personal training platforms are connected to apps, you can easily track your fitness plan — and your progress — in one easy place.

4. Planning: With this type of all-in-one-place organization, you’ll be able to better plot and plan your workouts since you’ll know what’s coming weeks in advance. This allows a client to look ahead and ask any questions about workouts they may have in their programming.” Your trainer will also be able to give you workouts to do on days when you’re not working with them (many of which can be found in the apps), which will help you stay motivated.

5. Accountability: Having someone to answer to, whether digital workout at home or in person, will always make you more likely to show up.