The internet has a lot of things to offer and one of them is the chance to get fit. Many websites offer fitness coaching online. But does this really help? The answer is both yes and no. It all depends on the website that you choose and the quality of the fitness coach that you get. If you choose a reputable website and a good quality coach, then yes, it can help you a lot. But if you choose a website that is not so reputable or the coach is not so good, then it might not help you at all. In fact, it might turn you off fitness altogether. There are many things to consider when choosing a fitness coach. We’ll list some of the most important ones here. We’ll also give you a few reasons to choose BetterMe as your fitness coach.
Do You Need A Fitness Coach?
First things first, what’s the point of hiring a fitness coach? Couldn’t you just wing it and hope for the best? Perhaps you have a lot of knowledge about fitness and working out already. So, you wonder, do you need a coach?
The answer to that is that it depends on your goals. Hiring a fitness coach is a good idea if you can relate to any of the following:
You’re New To Fitness And Working Out
Needless to say, a coach will help you get started on the right foot and avoid any beginner mistakes. You could do your research and create a workout routine, but a coach will save you time and bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.
You’ve Hit A Plateau
So you’ve been training for a while but don’t seem to be making any progress. This is pretty common and it happens to even the most experienced athletes. A fitness coach will be able to help you break through that plateau and take your training to the next level.
You Have Specific Goals
Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, or just generally get in better shape, a fitness coach will help you develop a tailored plan to reach your goals.
You’re Losing Motivation
Let’s face it, working out can be challenging, even when you’re doing something you enjoy. There will be times when you just don’t feel like it and that’s where a coach comes in. They can help you stay on track and motivated even when you don’t feel like it.
You Don’t Have Time
We all lead busy lives and it can be tough to find time to fit in a workout. A coach can help you make the most of the time you do have and design a workout routine that fits your schedule.
Now that we’ve answered the question, do you need a fitness coach? let’s take a look at what exactly a fitness coach does.
Read More: 100+ Fitness Affirmations That Will Help You Stay On Track
What Does A Fitness Coach Do?
A fitness coach is a multifaceted professional. They need to have a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. They also need to be experts in exercise science and have a working knowledge of nutrition.
On top of all that, they need to be able to relate to people and understand what motivates them. They need to be able to give clear instructions and provide feedback that is both positive and constructive.
In short, a fitness coach will:
Assess Your Current Fitness Level
Your first session with a coach will usually involve some sort of fitness test. This will help them understand your current fitness level and where you need to focus your efforts.
Based on the results of the fitness test they will be able to design a workout routine that is tailored specifically for you.
If you have an online fitness coach, they will have forms that you need to fill out before your first session. These forms will ask about your medical history, current fitness level, and goals.
Create A Strategy
A good fitness coach will take the time to understand your goals and develop a strategy to help you reach them. This strategy will be based on your fitness level, lifestyle, and schedule.
The coach will also factor in any injuries or limitations you may have. They will then develop a workout routine and nutrition plan that is tailored specifically for you.
Teach You Proper Technique
A good coach will make sure that you are using the proper technique when performing exercises. This is important for two reasons. First, using the proper technique will help you get the most out of your workout.
Second, and more importantly, using proper technique will help you avoid injury (4). A coach will be able to watch you as you exercise and give you feedback on your form. They will also be able to demonstrate exercises if you are having trouble understanding how to do them.
Hold You Accountable
It’s easy to make excuses when you’re trying to work out on your own. A fitness coach will hold you accountable and make sure that you are sticking to your workout routine.
They will also help you stay motivated when you’re feeling like you can’t do it anymore. A coach will believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.
Provide Nutritional Guidance
Your nutrition is just as important as your workout routine when it comes to reaching your fitness goals (5). A coach will be able to provide you with guidance on what to eat and when to eat it.
They will also be able to help you develop healthy eating habits that you can stick to long-term.
Fitness coaches usually have a background in nutrition, so they will be able to answer any questions you have about diet and nutrition.
If you’ve mustered up the courage to crush your weight loss goal, let Betterme take the sting out of this demanding process. Our app will help you restructure your habits, remold your life and crank up your fitness results!
What Should You Look For In An Online Fitness Coach?
Not all fitness coaches are created equal. Here are a few things you should look for when choosing an online fitness coach:
Science-Based Approach
The best coaches have a science-based approach to fitness. They use exercise science and nutrition research to guide their decision-making. While you may not be familiar with all the scientific jargon, you should be able to tell that they know what they’re talking about.
If a coach is making claims that are not backed by science, you should be wary. Some warning signs are if they claim to have the “secret” to getting in shape or if they promise quick results with little effort.
Individualized Programs
The best coaches will create an individualized program based on your fitness level, goals, and schedule. They will also take into account any injuries or limitations you may have.
A one-size-fits-all approach does not work when it comes to fitness. What works for one person may not work for another. A good coach will understand this and tailor their program specifically for you.
Experience And Qualifications
When choosing a fitness coach, you should make sure that they have the experience and qualifications necessary to help you reach your goals.
The exact qualifications will vary depending on the coach’s area of expertise. However, most coaches should have at least a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field.
Coaches should also be certified by a reputable organization, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Good coaches will also have years of experience working with clients. You can usually find information about a coach’s experience on their website or social media accounts.
Reviews And Testimonials
When choosing a fitness coach, be sure to read reviews and testimonials from past clients. This will give you a good idea of what it’s like to work with them and whether they are likely to help you reach your goals.
You can usually find reviews and testimonials on a coach’s website or social media accounts. You can also ask the coach for references.
Cost
The cost of a fitness coach can vary depending on their experience and qualifications. It’s important to find a coach that fits your budget.
However, don’t let cost be the only factor you consider when choosing a coach. There’s value in investing in your health, so don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on a coach who you think will be a good fit.
Read More: AMRAP Workouts Crossfit Style: Take Your Fitness Game To The Next Level
How Can BetterMe Help Me With Fitness Coaching Online?
BetterMe is a health and fitness app that helps you reach your goals by providing personalized workout and nutrition plans, as well as tracking your progress.
The app also includes a community of like-minded people who can support and motivate you on your journey to becoming healthier and happier.
BetterMe is a great tool for anyone who wants to improve their health and fitness, and it can be especially helpful if you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or get in shape.
The app’s personalized plans and tracking features will help you stay on track, and community support can keep you motivated.
One of the main reasons why BetterMe fitness coaching works is that it’s based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. This means that it doesn’t just tell you what to do, but it also helps you change your thinking and behavior patterns so that you can reach your goals.
How CBT relates to weight loss and fitness in general: Research into CBT has shown that it can be an effective treatment for weight loss and fitness goals (1) (2) (6).
A large review of studies found that CBT was more effective than other treatments, such as diet and exercise alone (7).
CBT works by helping you change the way you think about food, exercise, and your body. It also enables you to change your behavior, such as by developing healthier eating and exercise habits. It’s effective because it recognizes the role that our thoughts and behaviors play in weight loss and fitness (e).
A common scenario is setting a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym 4 times a week, but after a month giving up because going to the gym feels like a drag.
Or trying a new diet, but after a week you feel so deprived that you binge eat. These are everyday situations that we can all relate to.
With BetterMe fitness coaching, you’ll learn to identify, predict, and change the thoughts and behaviors that are keeping you from reaching your goals.
CBT aside, BetterMe has simple, structured, and easy-to-follow exercise routines, meal plans, and challenges that will help you reach your goals. All of these are created by experienced fitness coaches and dietitians.
Reasons why BetterMe is a safe bet: a wide range of calorie-blasting workouts, finger-licking recipes, 24/7 support, challenges that’ll keep you on your best game, and that just scratches the surface! Start using our app and watch the magic happen.
The Bottom Line
Online fitness coaching can be a great way to reach your fitness goals. It’s important to choose a coach that’s qualified and experienced, and who you think will be a good fit for you.
Be sure to read reviews and testimonials from past clients, and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on a coach who you think will be a good fit.
If you’re looking for a fitness coach to help you reach your goals, BetterMe is a great option. With its combination of CBT techniques, experienced coaches, and simple workout and diet plans, BetterMe can help you make lasting changes to your health.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
BetterMe, its content staff, and its medical advisors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, misstatements, inconsistencies, or omissions and specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal, professional or otherwise, which may be incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any content.
You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your specific situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of BetterMe content. If you suspect or think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor.
SOURCES:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Evidence-Based Practice (2017, academic.oup.com)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to aid weight loss in obese patients: current perspectives (2017, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Personalized cognitive-behavioural therapy for obesity (CBT-OB): theory, strategies and procedures (2020, biomedcentral.com)
- Preventing Sports Injuries (n.d., urmc.rochester.edu)
- Role of nutrition in performance enhancement and postexercise recovery (2015, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Mindfulness and an Internet Intervention for Obesity: A Case Series (2018, frontiersin.org)
- The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses (2012, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
