Online personal training has become increasingly popular in the past few years. Both fitness enthusiasts and those new to working out see the benefits of leaving the gym behind and working out at home, outside or on holiday. However, just because you sign up for online training doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to see progress. We take a look at the top nine do’s and do not’s of online fitness training so you can ensure you see great results fast.
Do: Start with an One2One session with an online personal trainer
Before hopping into a group class and a new training regime, it’s always a good idea to start with a One2One session with your online personal trainer.
You’ll have a chance to discuss your specific goals and how you can get in the best shape of your life.
With your online personal trainer, you’ll have the chance to choose which classes will be the best fit for you. You’ll also have time to go over any questions you have about the program or individual exercises so that you can join your first class with confidence.
Don’t: Assume you know how to do all the exercises when starting online group fitness training
With online personal training, you’ll be doing mainly bodyweight exercises. However, just because weights and equipment aren’t involved doesn’t mean you can assume you’ll know how to do everything. Even something as simple as a bodyweight squat can cause injury if done improperly.
Whether you’re new to bodyweight training or a seasoned pro, never be afraid to ask questions. After all, you won’t see the same results if you’re doing exercises improperly, as you’ll likely be using different muscles than intended.
Do: Set short term and long term online fitness goals that make sense for you
Before jumping into a new workout routine, it’s essential to set both short term and long term goals. You’ll not only track your progress better, but you’ll also get the added mental benefit of reaching your goals.
A great short term goal is to attend three sessions per week and incorporate a long walk, jog or hike on your own. Long-term goals can be anything from weight loss to fitting into that snug pair of jeans. Whatever you decide on, make sure your goal makes sense for you and is challenging yet reachable.
Don’t: Only focus on the scale when looking at your online fitness progress
Scales can be your worst enemy, especially when you hop on every day. It’s natural for your body to fluctuate weight throughout the day and throughout the week, so it doesn’t make sense to weigh yourself every time you pass it and judge yourself based on the number you see.
Instead, focus on how your clothes fit, how much energy you have, and if you’re able to complete exercises more easily. If you want to check your progress on the scale, be sure to keep your timing consistent and don’t use it as the only way to judge your progress.
Do: Take advantage of the many classes your online fitness coach offers
The key to fitness? Variety in your workout. No one exercise is guaranteed to help you shed weight, gain muscle mass, and improve overall fitness.
Even if you notice a workout doing wonders, your body will soon get used to the exercise, and it will take less energy for your body to perform the exercise than it did initially.
By switching things up, you’ll constantly be challenging your body and working on a range of different muscle groups. With online group fitness classes, you can choose mobility and flexibility classes, online group personal training, outdoor workouts and advanced classes.
Don’t: Overdue it with too many online group fitness training classes
Like any new hobby, it’s easy to get excited, go too hard too fast and burn yourself out or injure yourself. Even if you’re feeling motivated to sign up for every class possible from the start, this will end up doing more harm than good.
Instead, start with two or three classes a week and increase from there. If you’re feeling good and want to get more exercise, head out for a walk or a nice jog to burn some energy and calories. Just be sure you’re not pushing your body past the point of exhaustion.
Do: Incorporate a good diet into your online fitness program
No matter how hard you workout, if you indulge in fast food and calorie-rich snacks, you won’t see any progress. In addition, if you’re not fueling yourself properly, you won’t have the energy to perform at your best, and you will not get as much out of your workout as you should be.
Your online personal trainer will work with you to ensure your diet and calorie intake is balanced between achieving your goals and ensuring you’re not left hungry. After all, starving yourself is not a sustainable way to reach your weight loss goals either.
Don’t: Multi-task during your online group fitness training
When it’s time to workout at home, one of the biggest challenges people face is putting aside other tasks and focusing solely on your session. It’s easier in a gym as there’s very little to distract you. Whereas at home, you may notice chores that need to be done or family members interrupt you.
When it’s time to start your session, be sure to leave your phone in a different room or switch off notifications and never try to squeeze in something else while you’re working out. Your session is a time to switch off your brain from life’s hassles and focus solely on the tasks at hand. You’ll feel better and have a clear mind to get back to work and life after.
Do: Ensure you set time aside for your online trainer and let your family or housemates know
To make sure you’re not interrupted mid-workout, find a quiet space in your home or head outside. Let others in your house know that this is your time and you’re not to be disturbed unless there’s an emergency.
It’s also helpful to block off the time in your calendar. This way, you won’t accidentally schedule a meeting or other appointment over your session. And finally, make your sessions a priority. If you have the ‘I’ll make it when I make it’ attitude, you’ll be lucky to see the results you want.
Ready to get the most out of your online personal training?
If you’re ready to take charge of your fitness and looking for the perfect online personal trainer, reach out to Shane at Body Fit today to sign up for a personalised online personal training session! With 18 years in the fitness industry and a former Commonwealth Games and World Championships competitor, Shane creates fun and effective body weighted exercise workouts so you can see results fast.
