How to Find an Online Personal Trainer

COVID-19 sparked several permanent changes in how people live. At the height of the pandemic, many people chose to forego gym memberships and instead workout at home or outdoors. Because of this, the fitness industry has responded with more online and virtual training options than ever before.

While there are endless online classes and fitness subscriptions, personal training can provide you with a customized workout plan, nutrition guidance and one-on-one support from a certified professional. So, how can you determine if online personal training is right for you, and where should you look for an online personal trainer?

Benefits of online personal training

Personal training, compared to group classes or fitness apps, is particularly beneficial if you are struggling to meet your personal fitness goals, have an injury that makes it difficult to complete standard workouts or if you want accountability to help you stay motivated. A personal trainer will tailor workouts and nutrition guidance to your schedule, health history and goals. They will also check in with you regularly to keep you motivated and on track.

Traditionally, personal training is offered through private or public gyms. In this setting, you would meet up with a trainer several times per week to complete your workouts at a gym or fitness center. Online personal training can vary based on the trainer you work with. Some trainers prefer to do live sessions over conference calls, while others will send you a workout plan and be available to you if you need help throughout the week. 

Regardless of the format, there are several benefits to working with an online personal trainer.

Convenience: With an online trainer, you can workout from the comfort and privacy of your own home, which makes it easier to squeeze in a workout more consistently. 

One-on-one attention: Compared to other online fitness options, an online personal trainer guarantees that you will receive one-on-one time with a certified fitness professional to help you reach your personal health goals. 

Affordability: Working with a trainer online is typically more affordable than hiring a trainer through a gym, since you can bypass the gym membership fee. However, prices can vary. 

Flexibility: If you have a hectic schedule, working with a trainer online allows you to complete workouts at more flexible times throughout the day. For example, you could complete a workout during your lunch break, early in the morning or later in the evening, without having to worry about commuting to a gym. 

Parent-friendly:  Parents often try to squeeze in a workout during naptime, which means that driving to the gym is off the table. Working with an online trainer allows you to workout while your young kids are napping or older kids are playing independently. That way you can reap the benefits of a personal trainer, without having to hire a babysitter or coordinate childcare. 

What to look for in an online personal trainer

Hiring a personal trainer online can be a little more complicated than working with a trainer at your neighborhood gym, which is why proper vetting is so important. Here’s what you should look for when hiring a personal trainer online.

Certifications: A qualified personal trainer will have an active certification through a recognized accreditation organization, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) or American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Certifications are more than just a piece of paper. They ensure that your trainer understands the fundamental knowledge to prescribe fitness programs, avoid injury and customize training to your health history.

Experience: You’ll want to make sure that your trainer has proven experience working with other clients of your age and fitness level. If you have any special health needs, such as injuries or health conditions, ask a potential trainer if they have experience with your condition and how they plan to support you.

Testimonials: If a trainer doesn’t have testimonials on their website or social media, ask for them. If possible, speak to one of their current clients. Ask about their training plan, professionalism and personality. This will give you an idea of what it’s like to work with this trainer. 

Customization: Before hiring a trainer, ask how they will customize your training plan to your specific needs and goals. There are so many free and affordable online fitness options out there. If you are paying for a trainer, you are really paying for their expertise and customization.

Communication: If you are hiring a trainer for accountability, make sure to ask how often they plan to communicate with you, what mode of communication they prefer and what hours of the day you can reach them with questions or concerns. 

How to find an online personal trainer

There are several resources available to help you find and properly vet an online personal trainer.

Find Your Trainer can provide a list of highly rated personal trainers in Oklahoma City, and you can filter trainers who offer virtual and online sessions. When it comes to vetting, this website does most of the work for you by listing certifications, experience, specialties, pricing and more. 

FitnessTrainer.com can help you find an online personal trainer in Oklahoma City and provides vetting information on each trainer including their certifications, education, training style, rates and availability.  

Ryan Vivar is a personal trainer who has served the Oklahoma City community since 2009. He is an internationally awarded personal trainer with a truly personalized approach. He offers in-person and online personal training services. 

Lifetime Fitness in Oklahoma City offers both in-person and virtual personal training that includes a customized plan to help you build a healthier lifestyle and achieve real results. 

If you’re wanting to step up your physical fitness without having to join an in-person gym, online personal training may be the right option for you. For more healthy living, check out the INTEGRIS Health For You blog.