I get this question a lot. Should I hire a coach I see in person, or does online training actually work? It’s a valid question, and the truth is, there’s no single right answer for everyone. The best choice for you depends entirely on your personality, your goals, your location, and your level of self discipline. I’ve built my entire coaching business around getting real, sustainable results for my clients, and that means using the right tool for the job.
The Power of In Person Training
There’s a certain magic to training with someone in the same room. It’s the original way coaching was done, and for good reason.
Real Time Feedback and Form Correction
The single biggest advantage of in person training is my ability to correct your form on the spot. I can see the exact angle of your elbow during a press, the subtle shift in your hips during a squat. We’re not guessing based on a video you sent me; we are perfecting the movement together, rep by rep. This not only maximizes the effectiveness of the exercise but also drastically reduces the risk of injury.
Unshakeable Accountability
Let’s be honest. It’s a lot harder to skip a workout when you have a scheduled appointment and you know someone is waiting for you. That commitment, that simple act of showing up, is one of the most powerful drivers of consistency.
The Energy of a Shared Goal
There’s an energy in a shared space that you just can’t replicate through a screen. When we’re training together, I’m not just your coach; I’m your training partner.
The Flexibility of Online Personal Training
Train on Your Terms
The most obvious benefit is flexibility. You’re not tied to my schedule or my gym’s hours. You can do your workouts at 5 AM before work, during your lunch break, or late at night after the kids are in bed.
Access to Specialized Expertise
Your local area might not have a coach who specializes in your specific goal. The internet removes geographic barriers, giving you access to top tier coaches from anywhere in the world.
Cost Effectiveness
Generally, online coaching is more affordable than frequent one on one in person sessions. This makes high level coaching accessible to more people.
The Hybrid Model: Getting the Best of Both Worlds
After years of working in both models, I’ve found that the most effective approach for many of my clients is a hybrid system. We meet in person for key sessions. Then, the rest of your training is delivered and monitored remotely. You get your full program through our tracking spreadsheets. We have daily accountability check ins via WhatsApp. For form checks, you send me videos and I send back a detailed Loom video review.
This hybrid model provides the hands on benefit of in person coaching with the flexibility and scalability of an online program. It’s a system I’ve refined through years of experience, starting with my own 160 pound weight loss journey, which you can read more about on my My Journey page. It’s the same system that has helped my clients achieve incredible transformations, as you can see on the Testimonials page.
A Real World Example: Our Contest Prep Collaboration
A perfect illustration of this hybrid power is the contest prep coaching collaboration I run with Tom Hemming. Tom is a UK based NFM UK Champion and a Level 4 Strength and Conditioning certified coach. Together, we offer a unified system for competitive bodybuilders. You can learn more at our Contest Prep page.
So, Which Is Right for You?
- How’s my self discipline? If you know you’ll skip workouts without a firm appointment, in person or hybrid is your best bet.
- What’s my experience level? If you’re brand new, starting with some in person sessions is a smart investment.
- What’s my budget and schedule? If your schedule is unpredictable, online or hybrid might be more sustainable.
- What are my goals? If you have a very specific goal like contest prep, seeking out a specialized coach is crucial.
Ultimately, the “best” training style is the one you can stick with consistently.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free, no pressure chat with me to discuss your goals and see if we’re a good fit.
