Online Personal Training

Technology and Online Personal Training

May 8, 2024 by Kathryn Alexander

Technology and online personal training go together like honey + peanut butter like chalk + power bars, like creatine and protein powder. Yes, technology has completely transformed the landscape of online personal training, offering innovative tools and platforms that enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and convenience of online training.

I bet you’ve tried some of these, and maybe some are new to you. Let me know which work for you! Here are several ways in which technology is revolutionizing the field of online personal training.

Using TrainHeroic to communicate with my online personal training clients.

Virtual Workouts

Technology enables trainers to conduct virtual workouts in real-time via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. This allows clients to engage in personalized training sessions from the comfort of their homes or any location with an internet connection.

Virtual workouts offer flexibility and convenience, eliminating the need for clients to commute to a gym or training facility. These are great if you want to work with someone who is not close to you geographically.

Fitness Apps and Platforms

There are so so many fitness apps and platforms available that provide comprehensive training programs, workout routines, and exercise demonstrations. These apps often incorporate features such as customizable workouts, progress tracking, nutrition tracking, and goal setting, allowing trainers to deliver personalized training plans tailored to each client’s goals and preferences.

Examples include apps like MyFitnessPal, Nike Training Club, and Fitbit Coach.

Note that many of these auto generate or use AI for their training programs. These are different than customized, coach written programs.

Online Coaching Platforms

Online coaching platforms connect clients with certified personal trainers and coaches who deliver customized training programs, nutritional guidance, and support remotely. These platforms facilitate communication, progress tracking, and accountability through features such as messaging, video calls, and progress photos.

Examples include platforms like TrainHeroic, Trainerize, TrueCoach, ProCoach by Precision Nutrition.

If you need to find an online personal trainer, these platforms are great places to start. You can see a coach’s specialty and samples of other programs they have made. For example, here are all my plans and programs on TrainHeroic. If you want to look further, here’s an in-depth article on how to find the best online personal trainer for you.

Technology and online personal training — Here are two my teams, or training plans, on TrainHeroic.

Wearable Fitness Technology

Wearable fitness technology, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and heart rate monitors, provide valuable data and insights into clients’ activity levels, heart rate, calorie expenditure, and sleep patterns. Trainers can use this data to monitor clients’ progress, adjust training plans accordingly, and provide personalized recommendations for optimizing performance and recovery.

Common examples of these are Whoop Straps, the Oura Ring, and even features of the Apple Watch.

Online Assessment Tools

Technology enables trainers to conduct remote assessments and evaluations of clients’ fitness levels, movement patterns, and health metrics using video analysis tools, online questionnaires, and assessment protocols. These assessments provide valuable insights into clients’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, allowing trainers to design tailored training programs that address specific needs and goals.

Nutrition and Meal Planning Apps

Nutrition and meal planning apps offer clients access to personalized dietary guidance, meal plans, recipes, and nutritional tracking tools. Trainers can leverage these apps to educate clients about proper nutrition, support their dietary goals, and monitor their nutritional intake. Examples include apps like MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Lifesum.

Social Media and Online Communities

Social media platforms and online communities provide avenues for trainers to connect with clients, share educational content, and foster a sense of community and support. Trainers can use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to share workout videos, nutrition tips, motivational content, and client success stories, thereby enhancing engagement and accountability.

If you’re still wondering if online personal training is for you, check out this article about the benefits of online personal training. It might be worth exploring!

Technology and Online Personal Training

Technology has revolutionized online personal training by providing innovative tools and platforms that facilitate virtual workouts, deliver personalized training programs, track progress, support nutritional goals, and foster communication and community.

These advancements have made fitness more accessible, convenient, and effective for those seeking guidance and support in achieving their health and fitness goals.

TrainHeroic and Whoop Strap

I want to expand on the Whoop Strap and TrainHeroic. I’ve personally used both of these and found them very usable.

All my clients use TrainHeroic, whether they are in person clients, online personal training clients, or a hybrid.

The Whoop Strap

The Whoop Strap is a wearable fitness tracker designed to provide insights into an individual’s physiological data, sleep patterns, recovery, and overall performance. Here are some ways people use the Whoop Strap:

Monitoring Physical Activity: Users wear the Whoop Strap throughout the day to track their physical activity levels, including steps taken, calories burned, and active minutes. The device uses built-in sensors to accurately measure movement and intensity of workouts.
Sleep Tracking: The Whoop Strap monitors sleep stages, including deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep, as well as sleep disturbances such as wake-ups and interruptions. It provides users with insights into their sleep quality, duration, and patterns, helping them optimize their sleep habits for better recovery and performance.
Recovery Tracking: Whoop uses heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate (RHR) data to assess an individual’s recovery status. By analyzing these metrics, the device provides insights into the body’s readiness to perform, indicating whether an individual is fully recovered, moderately recovered, or under-recovered.

Note here that although I think the HRV is fascinating and I enjoyed tracking it, I encourage you to still think for yourself. If you are feeling great and you are ready to train, you do not have to change your plan because your HRV was less than optimal. These metrics are a supplement to your decision making, remember; they do not make the decisions for you.
Strain Monitoring: The Whoop Strap calculates a daily “strain” score based on the intensity and duration of physical activity, providing users with a quantitative measure of their training load and exertion. Users can adjust their training intensity based on their strain score to optimize performance and prevent overtraining.
Performance Optimization: By tracking physical activity, sleep, recovery, and strain, Whoop helps users optimize their performance and achieve their fitness goals. Users can identify patterns, trends, and correlations in their data to make informed decisions about training, recovery, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.
Personalized Insights: Whoop provides personalized insights and recommendations based on an individual’s data, helping users understand how their behaviors and habits impact their health and performance. The device offers actionable advice and suggestions for improving sleep, recovery, and overall well-being.
Community and Social Interaction: Whoop users can connect with a community of like-minded individuals, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts through the Whoop app. Users can share their data, achievements, and experiences, as well as participate in challenges, competitions, and discussions related to fitness, health, and performance.

People use the Whoop Strap as a tool for tracking, analyzing, and optimizing their physical activity, sleep, recovery, and performance. By leveraging the insights provided by the device, users can make informed decisions about their training, recovery, and lifestyle habits to achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being.

One more caveat about the Whoop Strap: I did find it measured cardiovascular strain better than it quantified lifting metrics. This is again an example of how we use this as a tool, and are not married to the data. Monitor it for yourself and see how well it quantifies your exercise.

TrainHeroic

If you’ve worked with me or read any of my blog posts, you’ve probably heard of TrainHeroic. TrainHeroic was made by strength coaches for strength coaches, and you can see that in it’s use and design. I’ve used it for many years and will continue for many more.

TrainHeroic is a comprehensive training platform designed to support coaches and athletes in achieving their fitness goals. It offers a range of features and tools tailored to enhance training programs and facilitate progress tracking. Here are some of the key features of TrainHeroic:

Customizable Training Programs: TrainHeroic allows coaches to create and deliver customized training programs tailored to the specific needs, goals, and fitness levels of their athletes. Programs can be designed for various sports, disciplines, and training modalities, including strength training, conditioning, powerlifting, weightlifting, and more.
Exercise Library: TrainHeroic provides an extensive exercise library featuring a wide range of movements, drills, and workouts with detailed instructions, demonstrations, and coaching cues. Coaches can easily select and incorporate exercises into training programs, ensuring proper form and technique.
Workout Builder: The platform offers a workout builder tool that enables coaches to design and schedule individual workouts or entire training sessions. Coaches can specify sets, reps, rest periods, intensity levels, and exercise progressions to create comprehensive and structured training sessions.
Performance Tracking: TrainHeroic allows athletes to log their workout results, track progress, and monitor performance metrics over time. Athletes can record data such as weights lifted, reps completed, distances covered, and times achieved, providing valuable insights into their training progress and improvements.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Coaches can analyze athlete performance data, track trends, and generate reports to assess training effectiveness and make informed decisions. The platform offers tools for visualizing data, identifying areas for improvement, and adjusting training plans accordingly.
Communication and Feedback: TrainHeroic facilitates communication and feedback between coaches and athletes through messaging, commenting, and feedback features. Coaches can provide guidance, support, and encouragement to athletes, while athletes can ask questions, seek clarification, and share feedback on their training experience.
Team Management: For coaches working with multiple athletes or teams, TrainHeroic offers team management features that streamline communication, programming, and administration. Coaches can organize athletes into groups, assign training programs, and monitor progress for each individual or team.
Mobile App: TrainHeroic offers a mobile app for both coaches and athletes, allowing users to access training programs, log workouts, track progress, and communicate on the go. The app provides flexibility and convenience for users to stay connected and engaged with their training wherever they are.

Overall, TrainHeroic provides coaches and athletes with a comprehensive set of features and tools to enhance training programs, track progress, facilitate communication, and achieve fitness goals effectively. Whether you’re a coach looking to optimize athlete performance or an athlete striving for personal growth and improvement, TrainHeroic offers a powerful platform to support your fitness journey.

Technology and Training for You

Work With Me!

If you are looking for a personal trainer in Austin, I’d love to talk with you! If you are not in Austin, Round Rock, or central Texas, let’s talk about online training.

Message me here for a free consult about personal training in Austin, Texas, or here for online personal training, and we’ll discuss your goals, background, equipment availability, schedule, and exercise preferences.

Let’s get you strong and healthy!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Benefits of Online Personal Training: How it Can Help You

April 30, 2024 by Kathryn Alexander

The rise of online personal training has revolutionized the fitness industry, offering convenience, flexibility, and personalized guidance like never before. In this article, I aim to explore the numerous benefits of online personal training, highlighting how it can help you achieve your strength fitness goals more effectively and efficiently.

With just a few clicks, you can now access world-class trainers, cutting-edge workouts, and personalized guidance from the comfort of your own home. This unprecedented accessibility has opened doors to a new era of training, where convenience, flexibility, and individualization are within reach for everyone.

And I do mean everyone! Online personal training can work for you!

a happy client: benefits of online personal training, from trainer Kathryn Alexander (Austin, Texas) — A message from a happy online personal training client of mine (Alexander Training)

Convenience Redefined

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and online personal training is a fantastic “new” way to access a coach and training program that works for you. Let’s explore how this innovative approach to fitness has redefined convenience in three significant ways.

Accessing Workouts and Guidance Anywhere, Anytime

Gone are the days of being tied to a specific location or schedule for your workouts. With online personal training, you have the freedom to access workouts and guidance from anywhere with an internet connection. And sometimes even without!

The app I use, Train Heroic, logs data offline so you can use it even in an untethered location. Whether you’re at home, traveling for work, or on vacation, all you need is a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to connect with your trainer. This level of accessibility ensures that fitness remains a priority, no matter where life takes you.

I have clients message me from all over so that we can modify their training as they travel. They simply send me a video or pictures of the facilities they can access, and I design their program from there.

Technology really facilitates great online personal training opportunities!

location flexibility, a huge benefit of online personal training

This page goes into more detail about how I use Train Heroic with my clients, in case you’d like more info about the training process.

Eliminating the Need for Commuting

One of the most significant conveniences offered by online personal training is the elimination of the need to commute to a gym. Say goodbye to rush hour traffic, crowded parking lots, and wasted time spent traveling to and from the gym.

Seriously, yall – I live in Austin, and still 80% of my online clients are from Austin too. This traffic’s a problem – but online training fixes it.

With online training, your workout space becomes wherever you choose it to be – whether it’s your living room, backyard, or a local park. By removing this barrier, online personal training saves precious time and energy, allowing you to focus more on your workouts and less on logistics.

Related: How to find the best online personal trainer. It’s a task worth spending some time on, so read here for actionable tips!

Flexibility in Scheduling

Busy schedules are no longer an excuse for skipping workouts with online personal training. Unlike traditional gym appointments, which require scheduling and may not always align with your availability, online training offers unmatched flexibility in scheduling workouts.

Truly, I only have five 7 am and 5 pm weekday time slots, though these times work for so many people. Remote training allows you to have the time you need with the training that is made for you.

Whether you’re an early riser who prefers morning workouts or a night owl who prefers to exercise after work, online personal training accommodates your schedule, allowing you to choose the time that works best for you. This flexibility empowers you to prioritize their fitness goals without compromising other aspects of your busy life.

Personalized Guidance and Support

The best training plan for you is the one made for you. Many plans might work, but personalized guidance and support are the cornerstones of success. Online personal training goes above and beyond in delivering tailored solutions that cater to the your specific needs and goals.

Customized Workout Plans

Good online personal trainers excel in creating customized workout plans that are specifically tailored to individual goals, preferences, and fitness levels, and equipment availability. By conducting thorough assessments and consultations, I learn each client’s objectives, exercise history, injury status, and any other relevant factors.

From here, I design a comprehensive training program that addresses your needs while also considering their preferences and limitations. Whether the goal is weight loss, muscle gain, strength improvement, or overall health improvement, the workout plan is created to optimize your results with the time you have available.

Ongoing Personalized Support and Accountability

One of the key advantages of online personal training is the continuous support and accountability offered by trainers throughout the fitness journey. Through regular check-ins, progress tracking, and adjustments to the training program, I ensure that my clients remain on the right path toward their goals.

I encourage my clients to give me feedback on each session either through the app, so I can see each specific exercise, or just via messaging me. This way I can answer specific questions like how much weight to use or how many reps to do.

We also do zoom or phone check ins to ensure we are on the right path in the big picture. Check-ins provide opportunities for clients to discuss their progress, share any concerns, big wins, or challenges.

I LIVE for happy feedback from my clients. I screenshot every happy note I get. I don’t even need calories to live on – I need happy people!

support and accountability, some of the many benefits of online personal training

Online Personal Training is Cost Effective

Online personal training offers a compelling value proposition compared to traditional in-person training, providing numerous benefits at a fraction of the cost. Let’s explore the cost-effectiveness of online personal training in three key aspects:

Comparing Cost to Traditional In-Person Training

Online training can be a great budget win, as it is less expensive than tradition in-person personal training. One on one in-person training is going to be the most expensive training option, simply because it takes so much time, both during preparation and in the session.

Online personal training will still be custom written professionally, but is a fraction of the cost.

This difference in pricing makes online training a more accessible option for individuals looking to invest in their fitness without breaking the bank.

Eliminating the Need for Gym Memberships and Equipment

In theory, you can save money from gym memberships, but I sure never saved money from having a home gym LOL.

You can absolutely do a lot of work at home with just a few different sized weights (either dumbbells or kettlebells) and bands. Many of my clients do this, saving time on commuting and monthly membership fees.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you though, when you want to keep buying more for your home gym. I get some equipment discounts, so let me know when you are ready to buy.

Package Deals and Discounts on Online Personal Training

Some online personal trainers offer package deals or discounts to make their services more accessible and affordable to a wider audience. Additionally, trainers may run special promotions or offer seasonal discounts.

I offer a hybrid in-person and online training rate so that I can see clients twice monthly, and still write all their other training sessions. Many of my clients love this because we can see each other in person, but they do save money on monthly fees.

Here are all the personal training programs I offer. Please message me if you have questions about which is best for you.

Online Training Offers Flexibility in Training Options

Online personal training offers so so many training options that cater to specific needs, preferences and goals of individuals, providing unparalleled flexibility and customization in fitness programming. Let’s delve into the various training options available through online platforms and how they empower individuals to tailor their fitness journey to suit their specific needs:

Variety of Training Options

Online platforms offer a wide range of training options to accommodate different preferences and goals. These options may include:

Custom written individualized Sessions: This is what I do most of. In this case, clients opt for sessions written for them, receiving personalized attention, guidance, and support tailored to their goals and needs.
Pre-designed Workout Plans: I also write training programs that are not custom, but are written for a specific goal. One is The Home Team Training, which is written for people who exercise at home. One is called The Garage Squad, which is written for people who want to use a full gym. Finally, I have a beginner’s program which helps people start in a gym, and one written for people who travel often, so it fits many gyms. These allow you to follow independently at your pace. These plans include detailed workouts, instructional videos, and progress tracking tools so that you don’t have to commit your numbers to memory.

Exploring Different Fitness Modalities and Trainers

One of the key advantages of online training is the ability to explore different fitness modalities and trainers to find what works best for you. With a vast array of trainers and programs available online, individuals have the freedom to experiment with different approaches, styles, and methodologies to discover the one that resonates most with their goals and preferences.

Whether you’re interested in strength training, endurance training, yoga, CrossFit, or functional fitness, there’s a trainer and program out there to suit your needs.

Specialized Programs Tailored to Specific Goals

Online platforms also offer specialized programs tailored to specific goals or needs, such as weight loss, strength training, sports performance, injury rehabilitation, or prenatal fitness. These programs are designed by experienced trainers with expertise in their respective areas, incorporating evidence-based principles and proven strategies to help individuals achieve optimal results.

Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build muscle, improve athletic performance, or recover from an injury, specialized programs provide targeted guidance and support to help you reach your goals efficiently and effectively.

In summary, online personal training offers a plethora of training options, including one-on-one sessions, group classes, pre-designed workout plans, and specialized programs, allowing individuals to customize their fitness journey to suit their unique needs and preferences. With the flexibility to explore different modalities, trainers, and programs, individuals can find the perfect fit for their goals and embark on a path to improved health, fitness, and overall well-being.

Tracking Progress and Celebrating Success

Tracking progress and celebrating success are huge components in making online training fun. I LOVE Train Heroic, the app I use with my clients, as it tells you in real time how much weight you have lifted, when you get a PR, or a rep PR. It’s a great tool to see how far you’ve come, and plays a pivotal role in keeping my clients (and me!) motivated, committed and continuing forward in their fitness goals.

Utilizing Technology to Track Progress

As I mentioned above, Train Heroic tracks all your numbers so you don’t have to memorize them. You can quickly access every bench press you’ve ever recorded, for example, and see your current working weights and maxes.

As you progress through a training session, it will also tally up the weights you have lifted, so you get a real time running number. This is my favorite part. It’s so cool to look down and see that you’ve moved thousands of pounds.

Other performance metrics, such as sets, reps, time, and intensity are tracked too. This allows me and my clients the ability to quickly evaluate performance and make optimal adjustments for the best session.

a happy client of Kathryn Alexander, online personal trainer in Austin, Texas

Importance of Tracking Progress

Tracking progress is essential for staying motivated and committed to fitness goals. Seeing tangible evidence of progress, whether it’s improvements in strength, endurance, or body composition, provides a powerful source of motivation and validation.

Progress tracking also helps clients identify areas of improvement and set realistic goals, guiding their fitness journey in a purposeful and strategic manner. By tracking progress, clients can stay accountable to their goals, maintain momentum, and celebrate incremental successes along the way.

Celebrating Client Successes and Milestones

As I mentioned above, I LIVE for my clients’ successes and milestones. I screenshot all of them and post them often.

Whether it’s reaching a weight loss milestone, achieving a new personal best in strength or endurance, or sticking to a workout routine consistently, every success is worth celebrating.

I stay in touch with my clients through the app, messaging, email, and phone or zoom calls, to support them through their training and progress. I love helping them develop the confidence to keep on with their training. I know my clients are often capable of more than they think they are, and it’s such a blessing to witness as they begin to discover this too.

Celebrating successes is just the best part of my job. I want my clients to see that they can have fun with training , and be proud of themselves, and create wins every day. I do everything I can to support that.

In short, utilizing technology for online training can really create an environment where clients can reach success and stay accountable to their goals. As they see small wins, they can clients can achieve their goals with confidence and celebrate their successes every step of the way. The benefits of online personal training really start to add up when you see your wins in everyday life!

Benefits of Online Personal Training

I encourage you to try online personal training. It is a great solution for working with someone who otherwise is geographically far, or whose schedule does not align. It allows you to work in the gym you prefer, with the coach you prefer, and work together on your specific goals.

Work With Me!

If you are looking for a personal trainer in Austin, I’d love to talk with you! If you are not in Austin, Round Rock, or central Texas, let’s talk about online training.

Let’s get you strong and healthy!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

How to Find the Best Online Personal Trainer

April 9, 2024 by Kathryn Alexander

Are you wondering how to find the best online personal trainer for you? It’s a big task! When you open up your training search to online, you go beyond the geographical limits of where you live. This opens you up to many more trainers, which is a good thing!

But how do you narrow down your search to find the right trainer for you? I’ll tell you! In this article, we’ll explore the essential steps you need to take to find the best personal trainer who aligns with your needs, goals, and preferences.

Who am I to tell you how to find the best online personal trainer? My name is Kathryn Alexander and I have been a personal trainer now for over 19 years. About half of my clients are online clients or hybrid online/in person clients. Let me help you save time and find the best trainer for you!

Online personal trainer, Kathryn Alexander. Based in Austin, Texas.

Are you wondering if online personal training is for you? Here’s an article that goes more in depth on the benefits and features of online personal training, so you can judge if it will work for you.

Define Your Fitness Goals

First, define your goals. Setting clear and specific fitness goals is the foundational step in finding the right online personal trainer for you. It’s ok if you don’t know all your goals just yet! You’ll probably learn more about what you like about exercise and what you want to get better at, as you go.

Start by defining specific objectives, considering your individual needs and preferences, and communicating your goals clearly, and you’ll set the stage for a successful partnership with a trainer who can help you realize your full potential.

Define Specific Objectives

Begin by identifying your specific strength and fitness objectives. Are you aiming to lose weight, build muscle, get stronger, improve endurance, enhance flexibility, or boost overall health and well-being? You might also be aiming to improve a specific lift, or become more athletic at a sport. Each goal requires a different approach, so it’s essential to be specific about what you want to achieve.

Be honest as you think through these questions. You get one body, and you are the one who lives in it. You deserve to feel good and love your body!

how to find the best online personal trainer so you can train & travel! — Hello from Europe! From my client Casey, who trains wherever she travels.

Consider Specific Needs and Individual Preferences

Consider any specific needs or preferences you may have that could influence your training plan. For example:

If you’re training for a specific sport or athletic event, your workouts may need to incorporate sport-specific drills, conditioning exercises, and performance-focused training techniques.
If you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, you may require modifications to your exercises, rehabilitation protocols, and injury prevention strategies.
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, such as following a vegan diet or avoiding certain foods due to allergies, you may seek a trainer who can provide nutritional guidance that aligns with your dietary preferences and supports your fitness goals.

Reflect on Long-Term Goals

Consider your long-term aspirations and how they align with your short-term goals. Are you striving for sustainable lifestyle changes, or do you have specific milestones you want to reach within a certain timeframe? Understanding your overarching aspirations can help you and your trainer develop a comprehensive plan that supports your journey towards long-term success and fulfillment.

Research Online Trainer’s Credentials and Experience

When seeking out a personal trainer, it’s important to prioritize qualifications and experience to ensure you’re working with someone who can effectively lead you toward your fitness goals. Here’s a detailed exploration of what to look for in a personal trainer:

Certification from Accredited Organizations

Look for personal trainers who hold certifications from reputable and accredited organizations such as the The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or The Cooper Institute. These certifications signify that the trainer is more likely to adhere to industry standards, and possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective fitness guidance.

From my client, who cracked me up. Find the best online personal trainer who brings results!

Experience and Expertise

Consider the trainer’s experience and expertise to ensure they have the practical skills and knowledge to meet your needs. Look for:

Specialization Areas: Determine if the trainer has experience working with clients who share similar goals, needs, or challenges as you. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, injury rehabilitation, or sports-specific training, finding a trainer with relevant expertise is one of the biggest benefits of having an online trainer. You can get so specific here!
Client Success Stories: Review testimonials, before-and-after photos, and client success stories to gauge the trainer’s track record of helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. Positive testimonials and tangible results are indicators of a trainer’s effectiveness and commitment to client success.
Years of Experience: While years of experience alone do not guarantee quality, they can provide insight into a trainer’s depth of knowledge, practical skills, and ability to adapt to various client needs and preferences. I’m a much better trainer now, 19 years in, than in the beginning. I have worlds more depth when it comes to client solutions. Consider whether the trainer’s level of experience aligns with your comfort level and expectations.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

In addition to initial certifications and experience, consider whether the trainer engages in continuing education and professional development to stay abreast of industry advancements and best practices. Trainers who pursue ongoing education, attend workshops, and seek additional certifications demonstrate a commitment to growth, improvement, and providing the highest quality of service to their clients.

Conferences and workshops have been the most crucial part of my education. The connections I make and coaches I meet are well worth the price of conferences, airfare, lodging, and time away from work. I am abundantly blessed and enriched by the other trainers and coaches who I can call on for help.

Ed Cosner and I at UT Clinic — Ed Cosner, one of my greatest strength mentors, and I at The University of Texas Athletic Performance Clinic. Circa 2019?

Compatibility and Communication

Finally, assess the trainer’s communication style, personality, and compatibility with your preferences and values. A successful trainer-client relationship hinges on effective communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. Schedule a consultation or introductory session to get to know the trainer, ask questions, and assess whether you feel comfortable and confident working with them.

A compatible communication style is one of the biggest must-haves for a productive client-online personal trainer relationship. Consider whether the trainer listens actively, communicates clearly, and provides constructive feedback in a supportive and encouraging manner.

Do they take the time to understand your goals, preferences, and concerns? Are they responsive to questions and feedback? A trainer who communicates effectively will tailor their approach to meet your needs questions. Technology and online personal training go hand in hand, to allow trainers great communication channels with their clients. With training apps, messaging, and social media, there are so many ways to support clients now!

Seek Recommendations and Reviews

Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations based on their personal experiences with personal trainers.
Check online reviews and testimonials from past and current clients to get a sense of the trainer’s reputation, professionalism, and effectiveness.

Seeking recommendations and reviews provides firsthand insights into the trainer’s reputation, professionalism, and effectiveness. Here’s a deeper exploration of how to utilize recommendations and reviews effectively.

Ask for Personal Recommendations to find the Best Online Personal Trainer

Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have experience working with personal trainers. Ask them about their experiences, including what they liked or disliked about the trainer, the results they achieved, and whether they would recommend the trainer to others, or work with the trainer again.

Personal recommendations offer authentic insights and perspectives from trusted sources, helping you narrow down your options and make informed decisions.

Check Online Reviews and Testimonials

In addition to personal recommendations, check out the trainer’s website, Yelp, Google, and even social media for feedback and testimonials from past and current clients. Look for patterns in the feedback, paying attention to comments regarding the trainer’s professionalism, communication style, effectiveness, and ability to deliver results. Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients can help you gauge your compatibility.

Look for Consistency and Authenticity

Pay attention to the consistency and authenticity of recommendations and reviews. Look for reviews that provide specific details about the client’s experience, including their goals, challenges, and the outcomes achieved. Authentic reviews often include personal anecdotes and specific examples of the trainer’s impact, lending credibility to their credibility. Be wary of overly generic or exaggerated reviews, and prioritize testimonials that offer genuine insights into the trainer’s capabilities and effectiveness.

Trust Your Instincts While Evaluating Reviews

Ultimately, trust your instincts when evaluating recommendations and reviews. While feedback from others can be valuable, your intuition and gut feeling are powerful indicators of whether a trainer is the right fit for you. Consider how the feedback resonates with your own values, preferences, and goals, and trust yourself to make the best decision for your fitness journey.

Evaluate the Trainer’s Training Style and Approach

When selecting a personal trainer, do a little research into their training style and approach to fitness to ensure compatibility with your preferences and goals. Here’s a detailed exploration of what to consider when evaluating a trainer’s approach:

Consider the Trainer’s Philosophy

First things first, here’s my training philosophy. Hint: it’s about more than just the gym! Begin by understanding the trainer’s overarching philosophy toward fitness and health. Some trainers may prioritize a holistic approach that encompasses not only physical exercise but also nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle factors. Others may focus more narrowly on specific training skillset or sport. Consider whether the trainer’s philosophy resonates with your own beliefs and values regarding health and wellness, and strength.

Assess Training Methods

Evaluate the specific methods and techniques employed by the trainer in their training programs. Do they emphasize strength training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility, or a combination of modalities? Are they well-versed in a variety of training techniques, such as resistance training, HIIT, functional training, or plyometrics? This isn’t necessarily a must-have; some coaches are extremely skilled in specific lifts. If you need the powerlifts, don’t hire a well-rounded fitness trainer. Hire a powerlifting coach!

If you need weight loss, don’t hire a sport coach; hire a weight loss specialist. This goes back to defining your goals well, and seeking a coach or trainer who is skilled at helping people reach those results.

Consider whether the trainer’s methods align with your preferences and goals.

Results from a happy client of personal training! This is one of my favorites.

Compatibility with Goals and Preferences

Ultimately, evaluate whether the trainer’s style and approach align with your specific goals, preferences, and personality. Do you feel comfortable and confident working with this trainer? Do you believe their approach can effectively help you achieve your desired outcomes?

Trust your intuition and instincts when assessing compatibility, and prioritize finding a trainer who can support and empower you on your fitness journey.

Schedule Consultations and Interviews

Reach out to potential personal trainers to schedule consultations or interviews to discuss your goals, needs, and expectations. When searching for how to find the best online personal trainer, scheduling consultations or interviews is a critical step in finding the right fit for your fitness journey.

These meetings provide an opportunity to assess the trainer’s qualifications, expertise, and compatibility with your goals and preferences. Use this opportunity to ask questions, clarify any concerns, and assess the trainer’s compatibility with your personality and fitness philosophy. Here’s how to make the most of your consultations.

Schedule a free consult with me here!

Reach Out to Potential Trainers

Start by reaching out to potential personal trainers to inquire about their availability for consultations or interviews. Many trainers offer complimentary initial meetings to discuss your goals, needs, and expectations. Reach out via email, phone, or through their website to schedule a convenient time to meet.

Prepare Questions and Topics to Discuss

Before your consultation, take some time to prepare a list of questions and topics to discuss with the trainer. Consider asking about their training philosophy, experience working with clients similar to you, approach to goal setting and progress tracking, availability, and pricing structure.

Additionally, prepare to share details about your fitness goals, any health considerations or limitations, and preferences regarding training style and frequency.

Clarify Goals and Expectations

During the consultation, use the opportunity to clarify your goals, needs, and expectations with the trainer. Be honest and transparent about what you hope to achieve, any challenges you may face, and your timeline for reaching your goals. This information will help the trainer understand your unique situation and tailor their approach to meet your needs.

Ask Questions and Address Concerns

Don’t hesitate to ask the trainer questions and address any concerns or uncertainties you may have. This is your opportunity to gain insight into the trainer’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for your goals.

Ask about their certifications, training methods, client success stories, and any additional services they offer. Use this time to assess whether the trainer’s approach aligns with your personality, preferences, and fitness philosophy.

Assess Compatibility and Rapport

Pay attention to the trainer’s communication style, demeanor, and professionalism during the consultation. Assess whether you feel comfortable and at ease interacting with them, and whether there is a mutual sense of rapport and understanding.

Consider Professionalism and Integrity

Evaluate the trainer’s professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards in their interactions and conduct. Look for qualities such as honesty, transparency, and accountability in their communication and business practices. Choose a trainer who demonstrates integrity and professionalism in all aspects of their work, ensuring a trustworthy and reliable partnership.

Follow-Up and Decision-Making

After the consultation, take some time to reflect on your interaction with the trainer and how well they align with your goals and preferences. Consider scheduling consultations with multiple trainers to compare their approaches and make an informed decision.

Once you’ve gathered all the information you need, follow up with the trainer to discuss next steps, such as scheduling sessions or signing up for a training package. You are well on your way to answering the question of how to find the best online personal trainer!

Assess Communication and Support

Evaluate the level of support and guidance offered by the trainer beyond the training sessions themselves. Consider whether the trainer goes above and beyond to support your progress and well-being. Look for the following indicators of comprehensive support:

Note: you might not want all of these. Some of my clients want progress photos, some do not. Some of my clients want to talk frequently, others only reach out with questions.

Availability for Questions: Ask if the trainer is accessible for questions and clarification outside of scheduled training sessions. I ask my clients to message me anytime. I’m sometimes slower to respond on the weekends and holidays, but I’ll always get back to them asap.
Progress Tracking: Assess how the trainer tracks your progress and monitors your achievements over time. Do they use tools such as progress photos, measurements, or fitness assessments to measure your success? Tracking tools can help you see progress and stay motivated.
Accountability Measures: Consider whether the trainer implements accountability measures to keep you on track with your fitness goals. This may include regular check-ins, completed home workout sessions, goal setting, and milestone celebrations.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Ask if the trainer is available to adjust sessions when you need. You might need adaptability and flexibility if you travel or have a challenging schedule. A supportive trainer will be responsive to feedback and willing to modify your workouts to optimize your results and accommodate changes or challenges in scheduling and equipment, and other situations that arise.

Trust Your Instincts and Gut Feeling

Finally, listen to your intuition and trust your instincts when searching for the best online personal trainer. You know what kind of personalities you work well with. Does this potential trainer fit that for you? Notice how you feel in their presence and whether you trust and communicate well with them. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable, motivated, and confident in their ability to help you achieve your goals.

Reflect on the personal chemistry and rapport you feel with the trainer. Finding a trainer truly is a match making process. You really have to like their personality, because you will be asking and allowing them to challenge you in sometimes less than comfortable situations. By this I mean, physical discomfort of exertion.

Choose the Best Online Personal Trainer For You

Ultimately, trust your decision and instincts when selecting a personal trainer. Believe in your ability to discern what feels right for you and trust that you are making the best choice for your fitness journey.

Remember also that you can change! This is hopefully a decision that makes a great difference in your life. Choose a trainer who makes you feel comfortable, motivated, and confident, ensuring many happy times in your strength and fitness journey.

I’d be so honored to work with you on your fitness goals! Reach out to me for a free consult here.

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

The Best Personal Training Options, Explained

February 12, 2024 by Kathryn Alexander

There are many, many personal training options available to you, so if you are looking for a trainer to help you reach your strength, fitness and weight loss goals, read on to find the best personal training options for you.

From traditional, in person one-on-one personal training sessions, to the many online and remote variations, there is certainly a method of personal training that will suit your needs.

Some are heavy on motivation and accountability to train on your own. Others are designed to help you through the session, and all you have to do is show up and work hard.

best personal training options explained

One-on-One In-Person Personal Training

This is the old school, traditional model of personal training. It’s probably what you think of when you think of personal training. One-on-one allows your coach to give you the most individualized instruction and support possible. It’s a great combo, when the lifter and Coach/personal trainer are on a team working toward the lifters goals together.

This is the most time and energy intensive type of training so it will be the most expensive personal training option. It will be the most customized for you too.

In person training is great for every fitness and strength level; it offers beginners a great foundation to start and learn from, and it offers those beyond the beginner level another set of eyes on their training program and lifting style.

In-Person Personal Training in Austin and Round Rock

I offer one-on-one personal training in Austin at Big Tex Gym and in Round Rock at Iron Forge. Gym.

If you are looking for personal training in a great facility with specialized equipment in the Austin or Round Rock area, I’d be happy to do a consult with you to see if we are a good match.

Remote/Online Personal Training

Remote or online personal training is a fantastic option for the lifter who is motivated enough to do sessions on their own, or at least without the need to meet a trainer.

There are many, many benefits of online personal training, even if your trainer is local. For example, cutting that commute. Ahem, Austin traffic. Because of current technology, communication between coaches and clients has never been easier.

For my remote clients, I use the app called Train Heroic. I film and upload instructional videos, and add text instructions on how to do the exercises as well. You don’t have to watch these every time so your workout is not slowed down, but it is always there if you need a refresher.

After building a plan based on your goals, needs, equipment availability and schedule, I build your workout for you, set by set and rep by rep. I’ll input all the details in the app so you see videos of the exercises, and set, rep and weight guidance.

I’ll tell you exactly what to do!

From here, you log your workout and be in touch with me with any questions.

The summary of a finished workout is particularly satisfying. My clients and I love it!

Online personal training with Alexander Training and Train Heroic for training plans.

Hybrid Personal Training

Hybrid programs involve meeting in person on a specific interval, and my client doing his or her own session in the meantime. These are still planned out and tracked in Train Heroic, so I can see the competed workout sessions.

For example, I might meet a client once a week, and they do 3 sessions on their own until we meet again.

This is a more budget friendly personal training option, but still customized and hands on.

We’ll be strategic about the workouts we do together, doing the technically difficult exercises when I am there to help. We’ll also do the exercises my client needs a spot for when we are meeting.

This works especially well if you have a home gym or garage gym, and will get your home training sessions there. I can help you plan and organize your home gym too!

Program Design

Program design is a one time customized program purchase. This is for the independent lifter who wants a plan to exercise on their own. With personal training, the lifter and I are in communication as often as every workout. In contrast, program design is when I take the particulars of a clients goals and write a customized plan, and they handle it from there.

Of course I am always an email away. This is just a bit less communication intensive, and the price reflects that.

Programs

Finally, programs and teams in Train Heroic are going to be the most affordable training options. These are not custom written programs, they are specifically written for certain groups.

For example, The Garage Squad is written for the intermediate lifter who wants to use barbells, and work on strength.

Square One is written for a brand new beginner who wants to start in the gym.

The Home Team is written for people who prefer to workout at home, and have a few curated pieces of equipment to get the job done.

Any Gym USA is made for people who might be at a gym that has limited equipment. This shows the lifter how to get a workout anywhere without specialty bars or uncommon machines.

I currently know almost everybody in my teams and programs, and I love to have feedback and be in touch. Many of these lifters are former clients who have moved, no longer want to fight Austin traffic, or are ready to fly on their own.

I am happy to still work with all of them, and to answer questions they have about their workout plans.

Above are some features of the Train Heroic programs.

Where to Start to Find the Best Personal Training Option for You

First, identify your individual needs. Take the time to think about and answer a few questions, and this will lead you right to the answer about which personal training option is best for you.

Identify your thoughts and responses to the following questions.

What are your goals?

Be honest about what you want. You get one body; I want you to love it!

Physique goals, performance goals and procedural goals are all ok! By this I mean, a physique goal could be “I want to lose 15 pounds,” or 50 pounds. It could be, “I want to feel confident and hot in a bathing suit this summer.”

Performance goals are more along the lines of “I want to bench press 365 pounds” or “I want to run a 5k.”

Procedural goals look like, “I want to be the type of person who exercises 5 days a week and enjoys it.”

You are allowed to want what you want! You are not valid or vain or self absorbed to want a body that feels good and you feel comfortable in.

Here is a much more comprehensive article on how to find the best online personal trainer and what questions to ask.

What is your desired end result?

Think about short term and long term here. Applying those things you just pondered, think about what the long term looks like. I shared with you my goal of deadlifting 315. This is a medium-term goal. Shorten term, my goal is a performance goal: to exercise regularly.

Medium term to long term, I’d like to maintain a higher level of strength. In the extreme long term, I would just like to be independent. If I can build my strength now, then when I am old, I won’t be hindered by walking upstairs and I can live independently. Yeah I know that’s looong term, but if the Good Lord gives me that many years, I want them to be quality.

What kind of facility do you have, or equipment do you have?

Do you have what you need to reach those goals? Will you have to go to a gym or specific training sports facility? If you want to be healthier and get moderately stronger in a way that complements your life, you might be able to do everything you need at home with a few purchases.

If you want to compete in any kind of strength sport like powerlifting or Olympic lifting, you will either need to make a big purchase for home, or join a gym that has weights and barbells. Finally, if you’re competing for a specific sport such as track and field, Strongman, baseball or rugby, you’ll need a specific type training facility.

What are your proficiencies?

What are you great at? What are the things you do feel comfortable doing on your own?

What do you need help with?

Similarly, what do you need or want help with? Are there any particular lifts that you want more coaching on or need another set of eyes on you for?

How much accountability do you need?

This is a huge one! Some people thrive on having the accountability of a trainer meeting them in person. If this is you, that is ok! You’ve identified the need for accountability and there is a solution to it!

If you are regularly getting your training in without meeting someone at the gym, you might not need as much accountability.

Do you need a spotter, or need someone to be there with you?

If your biggest need is to have a strength coach who can spot you and help with your equipment, you’ll definitely need either training partners or an in-person coach.

Which Personal Training Option is Best for You?

The truth is, probably several of these personal training options would work for you! Go with your gut, and just try one! If it doesn’t work, you can switch. You will find what works for you.

If you are still stuck, reach out to me. I am happy to do a free consult and help with your current situation. Message me here!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Guillermo builds his strength through online training

April 9, 2018 by Kathryn Alexander

Client Spotlight: Guillermo

I like to do client spotlights because: A, I am super proud of my clients, and B, real people’s stories fascinate me. This is the story of how Guillermo got strong strong through online personal training.

Everyone has a different motivation, background, and natural ability. We can learn so much from other people and how they approach their training and life. For example, Guillermo has a full time job, a girlfriend, dog, and other hobbies. He’s not tied to the gym every day, but he has pretty solid numbers and time for his priorities, something we all can aspire to.

An introduction to Guillermo, in his own words:

I’m a 34 year old Technical Support Manager for a Medical Software Company here in Austin. In my spare time, I enjoy live music, riding my motorcycle, playing bass in my metal band, hanging out with my girlfriend and my two year old pug, Thor.

I also enjoy exercising and over the last year, have decided to try to push past my long time limits and become the best version of myself! I want to be strong and look strong, as well as feel strong. These are my primary training goals.

What is your experience with training? Have you always been active?

I started weight lifting when I was 17 years old and was very very weak back then. When I was 19, I got into Olympic Lifting through training with my college track team (I was a weight thrower). My strength and size increased (I went from 170 lbs to almost 260 lbs within 2 years, thanks to eating with my teammates and a very late growth spurt when I was 21). After college, I essentially stopped working out, up until a couple of years ago.

“Over the last year, I have completely refocused and have promised myself to push harder than ever and never stop again. Ever. ”

I want to look great, feel great and be as strong as I can be. My ideal scenario is to be below 200 lbs and be able to bench and squat well over double my bodyweight. I’m patient, so I’m ok with those goals being a long ways away.

What did you expect from training remotely?

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The concept of online training is brand new to me, so I really didn’t know what to expect. I was more or less thinking that you would set me up with a program and would just check on how it’s going from time to time.

I have absolutely seen results that I’m happy and excited about, and the guidance that the program has provided is changing some long standing/erroneous thoughts about strength training, that I’ve held onto for a long time.

“I never realized how interactive and personal this whole process is and I love it! ”

What kind of results have you seen from online training with me?

In the time that we’ve worked together, I have seen increases in strength, mobility and some increases in muscle size as well. I also have more energy when I go to the gym and am more excited for my workouts, since I know that they are tailored for me specially.

Every week is a new challenge and my drive has never been this high.

How do you like Train Heroic as a training log and program delivery method?

(Kathryn: Train Heroic is the app I use to deliver client workouts to remote and in-person clients. Train Heroic includes explanatory exercise demos, and allows clients to track their workouts and make comments.)

I really like the app as a way to track your progress and have programs delivered directly to my phone. It’s a lot better than trying to write everything down in a notepad and saves me a lot of time. Plus it’s interactive and easy to use.

Anything else you are enjoying about the online training?

I think that my biggest takeaway so far from all of this, is realizing that I don’t have to “kill myself” in the gym to see results and overtraining is real!

I used to spend 3-4 hours/3 times a week at the gym, maybe only having the energy to properly do 50 percent of the workout properly. Now I’ve cut that time in half and am seeing way better results in my strength than ever!

Final note from Kathryn

Guillermo is been a great client. He works hard, trusts my programming, communicates well, and most importantly, is consistent! He has earned every bit of success he has found through this programming cycle via online training. I look forward to more updates on his progress and will keep you updated!

Guillermo, thanks so much for your willingness to share your experience with everyone.

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.