So you wanna make a change?
Most likely you’re in the same batch of people who believe you need a coach to make a difference? I have some news for you: Nope.
It doesn’t matter who you hire, their track record of success and how much they are costing; if you aren’t going to consciously make a change and stick to the plan they give you, then you are wasting your time, their time and your own money.
Now, If you are serious about this and you have tried to make a change at home on your own first, both with training and nutrition, and have either failed, been left confused, or have simply run out of ideas, then hiring a coach in some way is a great next step.
The next step after identifying your need for a coach is to decide on what sort of coaching you need or want.
This leaves you really with a choice of 3: 1TO1 coaching, Small Group, or Online. Note I have excluded bootcamps and such as they usually aren’t as private, or as intimate for guidance etc due to the increased number of people.
Deciding comes down to needs and costs. Some people are beginners to the gym completely and would prefer the privacy of 1TO1 coaching, especially if they don’t like the idea of people watching them etc. However, this comes at an increased cost to you to have this exclusive session with a coach, and sometimes this price can push people out of 1TO1 coaching.
Small group coaching (2-6 people) is the next step up, and it allows the same benefits and guidance as 1to1 coaching, but at the sacrifice of the privacy. However, the costs are also reduced, meaning this is one of the most popular choices for people getting started into personal training. It’s also what a lot of Personal Trainers aim to do as it allows them the chance to increase their client base and chances of success with clients for the same amount of money per day.
Finally, online coaching. This is deemed as the future of coaching as it allows a reduced cost to the client (you) but also allows flexibility for the coach to be able to update your plans and communicate with you at a time that suits them. It also allows them to train you remotely with no premises, and tailor your programming to suit your own needs, both with the equipment you have available, your dietary requirements and your work schedules. Online coaching is the most flexible package possible, but lacks that face to face contact the other packages offer.
The end result is that Online coaching means it can be the hardest to learn new skills or perform new movements as you do not have a PT there to demonstrate and guide you. This makes it better for a more experienced gym user, and less suitable for beginners. This is all client dependant of course.
Finally, there is the possibility of community. The world is online now. Online coaching and group coaching allows a building of a community, friendships and support from both an online community or your fellow peers in the training group, which can help you overcome plateaus or stepping out of your comfort zone when it comes to achieving PBs in the gym. This community can make all the difference and is a vital part of online coaching, because what you miss out in from 1to1, you gain in the online space.
Hopefully, this post can guide a little in identifying what package you need or want. Ultimately, everyone is different and if you want 1to1 or online, whether it suits you or not, or whether you need it or not, it’s your body and your money, time and effort and you can do whatever you want with it.
But remember, no matter what you buy or sign up to, if you don’t put the effort in, it’s not the PTs fault when you don’t achieve your goal; it’s yours. Prepare to start, get started, stick with it and if your PT is any good, the results will follow.
Happy Training and Stay Safe!
Irish Fitness 