Is a Virtual Fitness Trainer Right for You?
A virtual fitness trainer can really help when you want to act on your personal fitness goals, but it seems like life just gets in the way.
Perhaps you don’t have time to hit the gym because you work a full-time job, have young children to care for, or are chasing big goals in other areas of your life. Maybe you’ve joined a local gym but you don’t know how to structure your workouts so that they’re in line with your goals.
Have you been working out for months or even years without getting the results that you know a personal trainer could deliver?
If you wait for your calendar to clear or for your life to settle down, you will never find the perfect time to start exercising, improving your nutrition, and pushing your body to the limit. This is why many people are now seeking out virtual fitness trainers. They benefit from the expertise of a well-trained, experienced personal trainer without leaving the comfort of their homes.
Virtual Training Effects on Exercise
Researchers have found that virtual training significantly lowered pain and perceived effort during exercise. Possible reasons cited for this is that the brain is distracted or preoccupied away from pain signals, and that the redirected attention reduces anxiety.
Why is this important? It allows for an extended workout, and reduces negative sensations associated with exercise.
Virtual reality is currently used by professional sports teams, i.e. The Dallas Cowboys, U.S. Ski and Snowboard team for training.
You can find a virtual fitness trainer in your local fitness center, or purchase something for home use.
Should You Use a Virtual Fitness Trainer?
You may consider yourself an ideal client for an online fitness trainer if you relate to one or more of the following statements:
I would commit to a workout schedule if I didn’t have to drive through traffic to get to a training facility or workout during standard business hours for a gym. Some virtual fitness trainers provide customized workouts that you can do any time of the day or night. Complete the workout from your office, your bedroom, a home gym, or your hotel room while traveling. This is the most flexible way to work with a personal trainer.
I would pay for personal training if I didn’t have the added expense of committing to a gym. It’s just too pricey! Virtual training allows you to pay only for the personal training. You can use equipment that you have at home, eliminating the gym membership entirely. This makes most virtual training programs amazingly affordable.
I would
feel more comfortable with a personal trainer who is available to answer my
questions between workout sessions. This is one of the biggest advantages
to working with a personal trainer virtually. Most programs allow you to
connect with your trainer through social media, email, or even by phone. If you
have a question or are concerned about your progress, you can take it up with
your trainer without wasting time during a training session.
I know that I need the expertise and guidance of a personal trainer, but I’m also highly motivated and can commit to completing my workouts as scheduled. Virtual trainers aren’t standing by your side as you complete each workout, so you do need some level of self-motivation to succeed. You will need to show up for your workouts and push yourself to try your hardest without someone watching you in the moment.
There are some virtual training programs that use real-time streaming, allowing you to attend classes with other people from around the world or to connect with your trainer in the moment. These programs are often more expensive, but they’re a great option if you need the encouragement that comes with real-time training without the time commitment that is usually involved.
Your Goals On Your Terms
Having a virtual fitness trainer allows you to act on your fitness goals on your own terms. You can use virtual training apps that are always available or sign up for programs that offer customized workout plans created by qualified personal trainers.
The amount of contact that you have with the trainer will depend on the program that you choose, so think about how much personal attention you may need to succeed. It’s also important to communicate with your trainer to ensure that your workouts are in sync with your personal goals.
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The content of this website is for informational purposes only and not intended to be taken as a replacement for professional medical advice, care, diagnosis or treatment by a doctor, dietitian, physical therapist, nutritionist or fitness instructor.
DO NOT BEGIN ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM WITHOUT CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR UNDERLYING CONDITIONS THAT MAY PREVENT YOU FROM DOING SO.