Online Personal Training for Bodybuilding | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

Online Personal Training for Bodybuilding

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Online personal training has changed the way we look at fitness.
  • There are many different types of online personal training.
  • Online bodybuilding personal training is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Online personal training is the new frontier of fitness. Take a look online, and you’ll find websites offering customized workouts plans and proven results — all for a price. In recent years, online personal training has exploded, and if you think about how often unsavory training occurs in person, the thought of venturing into unknown territory can be fear-invoking.

The convenience of online bodybuilding training is alluring, and with so many high-profile trainers starting to utilize e-commerce to grow their businesses, it’s understandable why someone would want to give it a try.

Before you open your wallet, here’s what you need to know about online personal training for bodybuilding. If you’re ready to get started, sign up for an Exercise.com PRO plan today for access to online certified personal trainers that can help you reach your bodybuilding goals.

Is Online Bodybuilding Training Right for You?

If you’re going to invest the time and money, you need to know that the trainer you choose will guide you in the right direction and help you reach your fitness goals, online and offline.

Just because someone has a personal training certification, that doesn’t mean they are the right trainer for you.

Before committing to an online bodybuilding personal training program, take a moment to answer the following questions:

  • Does the program and a trainer appeal to you and your specific fitness goals?
  • Does the trainer have before and after photos of previous clients who were successful?
  • Does the trainer stay abreast of the latest health and fitness trends?
  • Do they have an active online presence? Certification and qualifications are important, but so is accessibility.
  • Are there positive reviews available? What do people have to say about the program and the trainer?
  • Take an honest look at your budget. Is the trainer offering something you can’t get on your own?

The most important thing is that you choose a trainer who will help you achieve your goals. Similar to in-person, a good personal trainer is the one who does everything they can to help you be successful. Everyone wants to work with someone who is compassionate, and training online shouldn’t be any different.

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Membership Privileges

The most basic version of online personal training is private video access. For about $10 a month, you can log in and view “private” bodybuilding, nutrition, and motivational videos. Usually, personal trainers categorize their membership like you are joining a community. They may offer workouts that you can do at home or in the gym.

The Pros

It’s very affordable. Most people are more than happy to pay $10 a month for workout plans and nutritional advice. In addition, having access to videos whenever you want is also a huge selling point.

The Cons

Unfortunately, the program is not personalized. They’re presented as a one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s up to you to make it fit into your training regimen. These types of programs are hard for people who aren’t self-motivated. Aside from spending the money, there’s little to no accountability.

The Solution

Choose a trainer whose program is specifically geared toward your bodybuilding fitness goals. If you work out at home, don’t choose a gym-based plan.

Accountability Group

Next on the list is the accountability group. Typically, accountability groups vary in format and include training and nutritional information. These types of programs can range from $30 to $75 a month. The difference in price is reflected in the number of different bodybuilding workouts you have access to or the amount of feedback you receive.

Under this group, your trainer sends you workouts based on your fitness goals, or you can download them and your trainer then helps you arrange them into a program. Clients will report to the trainer via phone, email, or webcam. An initial assessment is usually performed at the beginning of these types of programs, so your trainer has a better idea of your fitness goals.

The Pros

You are held accountable, which plays a major part in your overall success. Most people are far less likely to eat tacos and pizza if they have to submit a food log every week.

The Cons

These programs work for people who are honest and serious about reaching their goals. Although that may sound like everyone, it’s easy to start embellishing workouts and fudging on food logs. For many people, it’s a huge commitment to track everything they eat or do, so make sure you’re ready to be accountable.

The Solution

Make sure to research different sites before making a final decision. Accountability groups, trainer-client contact, and timely feedback are wonderful perks. They are worth the money as long as you are truly committed to being successful.

Top-Tier Training

The most exclusive option is one-on-one, 100 percent personal training. If you have an unlimited budget and want someone with you every step of the way on your fitness journey, this option works quite well.

If you choose to participate, this type of program includes a customized program created just for you, ongoing feedback, a high level of accountability, and progressions or regressions when necessary.

You have ongoing contact with your trainer, possibly more than with a live trainer in the gym. These types of training programs run between $150 and $400 a month.

The Pros

Continuous access to your trainer can help you stay motivated. Since program adjustments are a significant part of reaching your goals, staying in touch with your trainer can keep you on the right track.

The Cons

Paying hundreds of dollars for an online trainer is an expensive endeavor. Furthermore, even with regular contact via phone and webcam, your trainer is not physically present to correct any mistakes you make. If you’re already an experienced bodybuilder, this probably won’t be an issue. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out, it might not work out so well.

Effective bodybuilding takes a lot of work and dedication, and even the strongest bodybuilders can benefit from having a spotter to prevent serious injury.

If you choose to go this route, money probably isn’t an issue. If you travel a lot for work, then an online personal trainer is an excellent option.

We Can Help You

If you’re a highly motivated individual who is also experienced in the gym, having a remote personal trainer is a viable idea. Although there is nothing better than someone being there in person, having an online personal trainer is the next best thing.

If you want to hit your muscle gains through an online format, sign up for Exercise.com PRO today! There will be a trainer in your corner (and wherever you take your smartphone).

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