Can Your Computer Make You Fit? Welcome To Online Personal Training!

by Scott Shetler
August 15, 2005

Do you hate having to work your normal 8 to 10 hour day then spend another 30 to 60 minutes fighting traffic to get to the gym, only to spend another 1 to 2 hours at the gym waiting for other over-worked, frustrated gym-goers to get off the equipment you need in order to complete your 30 minute workout? It should not be this much of a chore to get healthy and stay in shape. More and more, we "half-square" types are looking for an alternative to the local spandex-clad, neon-sign, techno-workout facilities the powers that be pass off as gyms and fitness centers.

One of these alternatives is taking our hard earned money that would normally be spent on yearly gym memberships, and purchasing at home fitness equipment so that we can train at home anytime we want. No lines, no waiting for equipment, no constant harassment from the sales staff trying to sell you more crap you don't need.

Sounds great, right? You went out, bought the weight training equipment (and hopefully some kettlebells!) and you are ready to roll. One problem, how do you use all this stuff? You consider hiring a professional trainer, but can't afford to pay someone to come over and take you through your workout 3 to 5 days a week. Or maybe due to your schedule, you have to workout very early in the morning or very late at night, and you can't find a trainer to work with you during these hours. What's the alternative? Online personal training!

I must admit it sounds pretty cheesy, and me being the "purist" that I am, was offended the first time I heard of it. However, after considering this option I realized that this was a great thing. Think about it for one second. 99.9% of us are almost surgically attached to our computers, which means that the bulk of information our brain processes on a day to day basis comes from the glowing screen you are currently reading this article on. We do our banking online, pay our bills online, read our newspapers online, converse with people online, work online, heck why not get our personal training online!

The great thing about online training is the convenience. You never have to worry about missing your appointment with your trainer. You have a new workout each week (or however frequently your trainer changes your program) waiting for you in your email box. Your workout will have a complete and thorough description of each exercise you perform, how many sets and repetitions, how long to rest, etc. It is not uncommon for people to grab Shape or Men's Health magazine and perform the workout of the month, why not spend a few extra bucks and have a workout customized to your needs?

For those of you who have an issue with the cost of having a private trainer for every workout, online personal training offers a much more affordable alternative. Usually there is a monthly fee associated with the service.

All in all online personal training is a great way for you to enhance the quality of your fitness and exercise program. For more information, or if you want to get started with your own online personal training program, please contact me at scott@extreme-fitness.org.