WHAT IS ONLINE COACHING AND IS IT FOR ME?
Online health and fitness coaching has surged over this past few years. The development of relevant apps, software and communication technology had made online coaching a legitimate service than can help you along your health and fitness journey. That being said, it doesn't come without it's drawbacks too.
WHAT IS IT?
Well this can vary. There are many different models of online coaching out there but generally ranging from the low budget model which will involve equally low input from the coach. My honest advice is to avoid the cheapest services out there. You won't get any individualisation or contact time with your coach as the business model involves bringing in a high number of clients to make any kind of profit. You are for the most part treated as just a number.
Move across to the other end of the spectrum where you will have to part with a more chunky investment and you should find yourself in the hands of a coach that truly customises your training, nutrition and lifestyle plan to help you obtain the results you want. This means bespoke training, a nutrition plan that is tailored to you (this could be macronutrient based or more meal specific) and the guidance you need to help address the 23 hours outside of the gym, not just the 1 in it. They should also hold you accountable and regularly evaluate progress, whether that be email check ins, weekly calls, weigh ins, photo updates etc.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Online coaching works best for those with a good basic understanding of training who aren't fearful of walking into a gym environment. Those with little to no experience of training should seek a 121 Trainer first ideally. As an online client it's up to you to shoulder a lot of responsibility, you need to make sure the workouts get done and you must be honest with the Coach. They cannot pick the weights up or eat the food for you. If you find it tough to fit allocated slots with a 121 Trainer into your hectic schedule then Online Coaching might be great for you. You get all the structure of working 121 but get to train when it fits in best for you.
HOW I DO IT?
My online approach has evolved over time and still does much like my approach with each of my 121 clients. Some of the common components my online coaching involve are:
- Access to the Brisbournefit app where you can access and log your specific workouts.
- Weekly check ins evaluating the week previous and pre-empting the hurdles in week coming up.
- Initial diet diary assessment and relevant guidance moving forward (Myfitnesspal set up/meal plan templates etc).
- Detailed check in calls/Skypes/Facetimes varying from weekly to monthly.
- A number of 121 sessions if geographically viable (e.g. day one, half way point, completion date).
- 1/2 day workshops where I set aside time to go through specific, relevant content as well as spending some extra time getting to know one another.
- Nutritional sensitivity testing via blood draw.
- Basic supplemental set up.
- Hormonal assessment and custom supplemental protocol following this.
- Email/Whatsapp support as required within guide times.
If you're considering hiring the services of an Online Coach, do your research first. Run a google search, read some reviews, even speak to some of their current/previous clients if possible to get some insight first hand into what it's like to work with them. The fitness industry comes in all shapes and sizes and finding not just a coach who is knowledgable, but a coach that you get on well with and respect is massively important. Use the beer test. If you can imagine going out for a beer with them, chances are you will work well together. Well maybe, not a beer, but you catch my drift!