Remote Training has become a hot topic since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Many fitness entities scrambled to provide remote training and online services to their clients through zoom or other technological entities. What was known as fitness of the future became the here and now, and if gyms weren’t prepared for the massive shift, they were likely forced to shut their doors. But while some fitness businesses were forced to close, others continued to deliver services to their clients via remote platforms. The degree of deliverables varies depending upon the training plan.
Peloton
Peloton’s main product is an internet-connected stationary bike that enables monthly subscribers to remotely participate in classes through streaming media. The Peloton bike costs up to $2500 with a monthly membership fee of $39, which includes access to online classes and additional features. The benefits of Peloton training is that the workouts can be conducted in the comfort of one’s own home, and there are many different class lengths ranging from 10 to 90 minutes. The platform also includes a huge variety of class options with different instructors ranging from yoga to cycling and even “strength training.” The video streaming app designs workouts that are both fun and challenging without the athlete feeling alone. The downside to Peloton training is the lack of individualization. Second, although there is an instructor on the screen, he or she can’t actually see the people joining the class so it’s impossible to ensure movements are up to standard and being safely executed. This can result in poor movement quality, injuries and even overuse injuries from muscular imbalances. Since most of the workouts involve cycling, it can be common to get knee or hip pain due to the overuse of the quadriceps while not emphasizing the importance of posterior chain activation. Like most fitness programs, there is a huge emphasis on the workouts themselves while ignoring other crucial components that result in a holistic program. Training is only conducted a few hours each week, but it's everything else in life that truly impacts long-term success regarding health and fitness goals.
Virtual Training
Virtual Personal Training, often used by Zoom, a cloud-based video communications app that allows individuals to set up virtual video and audio calls. This specific platform skyrocketed in 2020 not only for business meetings and social gatherings but also in the fitness industry. Many gyms did not have the infrastructure in place to move from in-person training to remote training and thus relied on Zoom video calls to conduct personal training and group classes.
The benefit is that it allows individuals to continue their workout regimens under the watchful eye of a coach despite not having access to a gym. It also allows for a level of personalization when conducted in a 1:1 setting, which is extremely important.
Unfortunately, like most training programs available today, using a virtual platform for working out excludes many important aspects of the health and fitness pyramid such as stress, sleep, and nutrition. Another fault to virtual personal training is the time constraints. Clients are restricted to workouts at specific times and days based solely on the coaches’ availability. Life is chaotic and things pop up and change constantly, so not having the fluidity to train at the client’s discretion can lead to inconsistencies over time, which in turn can have a detrimental impact on both short- and long-term goals.
Templated Programs
Most remote training programs that are delivered via an app are essentially workout plans that are distributed to the masses. Because there are thousands of plans online, it can be easy to find one that fits almost anyone's generalized goal. The benefits of enrolling in a templated remote plan include the ability to work out whenever is most convenient and often comes with very affordable pricing. Unfortunately, one of the more frustrating components of this type of remote training plan is finding one that encompasses all available equipment while also matching someone’s capabilities. When equipment limitations are not accounted for and the workouts do not take into account the client’s starting point, reaching specific personal goals can become more difficult. Not only are successes based on the hope that a program designed for hundreds of people will be the perfect one for you, but also having to constantly adjust the fitness regimen due to available equipment can be both time-consuming and irritating. What is the point of having a workout plan that constantly needs changes and adjustments? Sadly, these adjustments aren’t made by a professional coach but by the consumer themselves, which can lead to even more frustration, plateaus, and possible injuries in the future. The golden question is how to know if an app-based workout plan is templated or individualized? Keep reading to find out!
Central Athlete Remote Coaching
Central Athlete has been specializing in remote training since 2015 with an emphasis on individualization. It has taken all of the frustrations from other fitness platforms and obliterated their weaknesses. It is a remote training program that is delivered via the TrueCoach app and is 100% individualized to each client based on their equipment availability, capabilities, specific goals, personal needs, and more! Every coach has monthly consultations with each client to ensure nutrition, sleep, stress and all other important aspects of health are addressed in a way that meets the client where they are. Because it is personalized to each client's needs, the length of training can be adjusted as needed, and even the equipment included in each workout can change based on the clients location. For traveling professionals, this is crucial and something that puts Central Athlete's remote coaching above all else. If someone travels to a new place each week, having a workout plan that resembles the equipment available ensures consistency and personalization no matter where they are in the world. Clients have the ability to communicate with their coaches whenever they want through the app’s messenger component, which continues to set their remote training apart from almost all other remote training options.
With so many remote training options available today, it is important to understand what decision is going to support your personal goals and needs. For more information on picking the right remote coaching plan for you, check out these articles on what remote coaching is not, the 5 attributes of a professional and effective remote coach, and the top 4 remote coaching platforms. Your goals matter and Central Athlete is here to ensure that your personal needs are met regardless of location, available equipment, or starting point. For more information, schedule a free strategy session with a remote coach today to learn more!