Issues with "Online Coaching"

It appears to me that some online fitness people just amass a huge following by posting content of them being ripped. Then they say that have "a program to get you ripped" and lots of people buy it, thinking they'll get ripped too.

This is dangerous, could lead to injury, and the only that ends up "ripped" is the money out of your wallet.

A truly great coach invests just as much if not more into their clients. It can't simply be emailing out a program and getting automated emails saying you're doing great.

Here are some specific issues I have with online coaching:

ONE: are the people moving well? do they know how to hip hinge properly? can they squat properly? do they understand core tension? All of these things are necessary to lift weights; if you can't do these things, you're likely to not get results or, worse, get injured.

TWO: is there an opportunity for feedback? what if someone can't do a move? what if someone doesn't have the proper piece of equipment? can they contact you to make changes and can that online mega coach dedicate enough focus to help them?

THREE: what about the other aspects of health? does the coach go over sleep, hydration, nutrition (PLEASE GOD DON'T LET IT BE KETO), and habits that will help the person succeed?

FOUR: does this program align with goals of the client (other than looking ripped)? what if the client has a half-marathon coming up, will this program affect it?

FIVE: does the program actually have a methodology or is it just random stuff (aka remote crossfit)? My programs are designed as a progressive overload, meaning, it's basically the same 3 day or 4 day lift every time for a month. This allows people to get good at lifts and get stronger, rather than just doing random stuff.

I'm assuming the answer to most of these questions is a resounding F*** NO. (and I've bought online programs to check)

That's why I do things differently. Here is the procedure for clients that want remote coaching.

First, we have at least three sessions (in-person if local or over zoom if distant) to go over basics of movement, make sure they're moving well, figure out what kind of limitations they have, and discuss their goals. Basically, I want to build a relationship with them.

Next, I get them signed up for my online training app and write them a personalized program. In Andrew's case, he was recovering from an ankle injury so I had to limit the amount of single leg, plyometrics and explosive work I put in a program. (Yes, I've got some template programs, but even then I like to go in and customize those to fit the needs of the client.)

Finally, once the program is assigned, we have a phone or zoom call to go over the program set by set, workout by workout, day by day to discuss exactly what I'm looking for in the lifts. The workouts come with written instructions, but discussing and showing, I've found, can help drive the message home.

My client knows what the program is and can execute. In the app, they can leave comments to help track their weights, ask questions to me, and leave notes to refer back to.

Beyond just programming, I've got a 10 day lifestyle tracker that tracks everything about your day, from sleep, to water intake, to food, to exercise, and stress. This gives us both an idea of what your current habits are and where we can make informed decisions to help you get to the place you want to be.

I want you to actually get results. I hope most online influencers do to, but ya never know! If you're considering hiring an online coach, ask these questions first to make sure you get what you're looking for!!