Many of you reading this would’ve read about, heard of, or even nearly signed up to online training (unless you have been living under a rock).
Fitness has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade. The technology making all kinds of exercise totally accessible is just a click away on your phone- provided you own a smart phone.
Popular social media platform’s like Facebook and IG have opened a new playing field to growing, marketing and providing great content to help others. Practically gone are the days of advertising in the newspaper. Billions of active people are using social media. It’s easy to spot someone walking by with their head down and thumb scrolling, and it isn’t hard to guess as what they’re doing 99.9% of the time.
Of course, I’m included in this too.
I use these platforms to advertise both my online training and in-person training. I work every day with clients who have reached out to me via social media for help because they liked what they saw and knew I was the person they needed to hire to get fit and transform their lives.
As with all businesses, there can be some scammers which is the dangerous side to hiring a trainer. Something to be sure of when you are following someone who’s a fitness icon or that inspires you, is that you do your research. You don’t want to be just assuming that because they’re ripped, and lean, and walk around with the body of your dreams, that they automatically know what they must be doing. You want to filter out the noise, the fancy photos and the images of the perfect body to find out the key markers of a genuinely great trainer. Someone knowledgeable, passionate and properly experienced, before going all in and being disappointed and out of pocket!
I’ve highlighted below some of my red flags which should make you think twice before you hire a certain trainer, as well some good selling points to look out for.
STAY AWAY SIGNS
Talks about their own successes without a mention of his clients.
They haven’t got a testimonial- not one post!
Doesn’t walk the walk as well as talking the talk.
Still prescribes outdated training and eating knowledge.
Promotes supplements and preaches that they are the secret.
Their approach to health and fitness are miles away from yours.
More concerned about abs and biceps instead of what matters most in life: health and happiness and whilst looking good.
Sharing workouts with no specific focus, apart from burying their head in the ground and feeling burned out.
SIGNS TO HIRE
Posts real testimonials of clients on their socials (visual/verbal).
Inspires followers to stay in shape, move well and live as the best version of themselves.
Gives useful titbits to help people with both training and nutrition.
Stays up to date on the latest and greatest evidence based fitness protocols.
Posts safe and sensible workouts to follow.
Cares about sharing knowledge they have learnt to help others do the same.
Has a website with further info including a full breakdown of what you’re paying.
When it comes to receiving the actual programme, technology has moved on a lot from the days you’d receive a PDF plan for your training and diet and that would be it. Follow-up support was unheard of, so there’d be no making any changes if they were necessary. It was all so impersonal- really each plan could have been a copy and paste job to each client with no individual elements tailored to them at all.
Nowadays things are better, phone apps are a really convenient way of managing all your fitness related stuff in one hub. This makes communicating far easier, and the trainer can monitor your progress and be hands on straight away to kick your up the butt if you’re missing sessions or need something adjusting. With this platform you also get video exercise demos showing how to perform exercises perfectly right in the palm of your hand- something a PDF would find it impossible to do.
You literally have a PT in your pocket anywhere you go.
It’s great value too. If you can’t train with your trainer in-person any longer, or your circumstances change, you can still stay on knowing you can keep reaping the benefits and reach your fitness goals.
For some people having an in-person trainer just isn’t suited to their lifestyle, but they know they need the support. That’s where online training can be so useful, it really is the next best thing!
Summer is fast approaching, and Easter is sure to be filled with goodies and time spent relaxing for many people (including myself). So once we’ve all had a jolly and polished off our eggs we’ll be heading back to the office full of chocolate- that’s when our thoughts will turn to holidays in the sun.
If this has got you thinking that it’s time to get lean and work off those hot cross buns in time for swimsuit season then my online services are available now.
Check out my website in the link below and have a look through what each package offers and read over the FAQ’s.
Still not convinced? Check out some of my testimonials from past/present clients!
I’ve been in this game a long time, and I genuinely believe that I’m going to be able to help you in some way.
Trying to go it alone is so tough, and that’s why many people give up on their fitness journey in the first few months.
Purchase a plan and take all the stress away- let me handle things!
Link here again
Have a great Easter Weekend!
James