Why Online Fitness is Great for Mums!
This blog is written to show the benefits of online fitness training. It isn't the only option out there, but if you are struggling to find time to exercise, this may be the perfect option for you.
Over my years as a personal trainer, I have come across many reasons for not exercising. The number one reason is "I don't have time".
This reason is never more true than when training mums.
Mums often know that they need to do something for them, but after looking after a baby, doing school runs, homework, kids sports fixtures, working, and spending quality time with their partner, family and friends, exercise tends to sit at the bottom of the priority pile.
Most of my clients are mums who are the primary caregiver. Often an appointment is rescheduled or missed altogether due to a lack of childcare if a child is suddenly off school or the partner is late from work.
(apologies if this is sounding stereotypical, it is just what my experience has been based on my clients.)
This often affected their results and subsequent motivation to continue.
This is when I started to look into online fitness coaching & personal training.
In 2018 I made a move into a hybrid style of in person & online coaching which has proven popular, along with 100% online coaching for clients around the country.
There are always pros and cons to any kind of training so I thought I would go through them below.
Benefits of Online Personal Training
1. No Wasted Time, Traveling to & from the Gym
Part of the hassle of going to the gym, is the time it takes to get to and from the gym. An hour workout can easily take 2 hours once you account for travel time.
With online training, all you have to do is pop on your workout clothes, open the app and you're ready to go!
2. Fits Around Your Schedule
Now the travel problem is dealt with, you will hopefully have more time available. If finding time for a 30 minute or hour workout is still holding you back, talk to your trainer.
At Connect, we will split longer workouts into manageable chunks, or build short workouts to fit into your day.
Online training also works if you are having trouble meeting up with your in person personal trainer due to travel or shift work. You can take your plan with you on your phone and workout absolutely anywhere.
3. Expert Help
With online personal training, you're no longer restricted by who is in your local area. You can now search for a trainer who is just right for you, no matter where they're located.
For example, if you are looking for a trainer who is considerate of your recent hysterectomy, you don't have to hope your local gym is going to provide. At Connect, we help women all over New Zealand through online video calls & our mobile app.
4. More Support
When you go to the gym and see your personal trainer, you do your workout and then go home. That's it, until your next session.
With online training, despite having no physical contact with your trainer, you actually have access to them 24/7.
Our app breaks down each workout in your plan with a video, so you will see your coach breaking down each movement if you're not sure. You can also upload progress photos and measurements & message your trainer with any questions. We also invite you to join our VIP Facebook group, where you can share your workout upon completion, ask questions of the other members and also share your wins and struggles.
5. Workout Anywhere
Like I mentioned earlier, if you travel a lot, it can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Online trainers can give you a specific holiday program, or build your regular workout around your travel habits. Taking into consideration, availability of equipment and time available.
If you are going somewhere that doesn't have an internet connection, you can print off your workout sheet and update your coach when you return.
6. Cost Effective
Often, when you sign up for a gym, you will be invited to work with a personal trainer.
To get the best results it's recommended that you see them 3 times a week.
Say a personal trainer charges $60 an hour, you can easily be spending $180 a week before adding your gym membership
For $90 you can get a 1 hour online consultation every 2 weeks plus your app homework and the ability to message your expert trainer when you have questions.
Disadvantages of Online Personal Training
1. Can be Difficult to Stay Focused
This is the main issue with online training. You have to know yourself and how you work. If you need constant external motivation then online apps are not going to work.
Without the regular appointment with a personal trainer, it can be hard to stay accountable to your goals.
On the other hand. There are always options to catch up with a personal trainer on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis as you see fit but if you don't do the prescribed homework in between, things can get awkward.
A good coach can give you all the tools in the world. It's up to you to pick them up and use them.
2. Form Can be Compromised
If you are working from a book, an app or following along to a YouTube video, there is nobody there to check that you're doing the workout safely.
The same goes for online personal training. When we work with our clients 1:1, form can get checked via online calls. If we work as a group, all the client does is follow along.
Without that other person assessing you, it can be tricky to really get the best out of each exercise. Often it is a good idea to meet up with a trainer just to get the basic moves right.
3. No Real Life Interaction
If the point of you going to the gym is so you have time to yourself, or interacting with other adults, then working out at home with your phone isn't going to do the job.
At the end of the day, you have to know yourself and what's right for you.
Whatever you choose, make sure that you speak to your potential trainer first to see how they will work with you. If it doesn't feel right, try somebody else. There is always something out there for everyone.
If you would like to work with us online, please check out our programmes by clicking here.