#1. Show you the right (and, maybe more importantly, the wrong) ways to do exercises. I personally think it’s easier to learn what not to do, because most of us aren’t aware of what we’re doing wrong until we see someone else demonstrate it. (Check out my blog post on “How To Do a ‘Real’ Girl Push-Up” for an example.)
#2. Inspire you on a daily–or maybe even hourly–basis. Even the most attentive real-life personal trainer can’t be in your head as you take a work break, choose your happy-hour venue, or head off on a jog in your neighborhood. But since virtual fitness trainer’s often rely on a strong social media presence, you can take your trainer “with you”, so to speak, to constantly nudge you to make good choices. (Want some instant mojo? Make sure you’re following on Facebook!)
#3. Hook you up with healthy eating plans. Most trainers, whether in-person or virtual fitness trainers, are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to making food choices that support your goals to lose weight and feel awesome. Since, of course, most of use the internet for meal-planning and recipe scouring, virtual trainers can hook you up with their favorite resources on the double. (Be sure to download my Free Breakfast Recipe Guide) if you haven’t already!)
#4. Match you with others who share your goals. It’s great to have an expert’s help. But getting started with anything new can be intimidating, and it’s well-documented that those who are active in health-related social media networks are much more likely to hit their goals. Because virtual fitness trainers often work with a higher volume of clients, you’re likely to connect with someone just like you if your program includes a virtual forum of some type. (Looking for a healthy community? Join the FREE Wellthy Boss Community--an online private Facebook group full of other likeminded entrepreneurs who are committed to developing healthier habits.)
#5. Show you ways you can exercise at home. I’m not opposed to gyms. I like the variety that gyms can provide, and sometimes it can help spark your motivation to be in a physical space specifically dedicated to all-things-healthy. But not everyone loves the gym, and we don’t always have time to make that commute. Virtual Fitness trainers usually specialize in exercises that use little or no equipment, so that if the only commute you’re feeling up to is to your living room, that’s okay!
#6. Get you through a dry spell. Sooner or later, your ambition is going to wear off. It can help having someone in your court who can help you understand that ups and downs are just a part of the fit-life journey. And because virtual fitness programs are often more cost-effective than one-on-one training, you can sign up for year-round support without breaking the bank.
#7. Load you up with resources. I love lists, and I’m betting you do too. That’s why ready-made resources like the 10 strategies in my Self-Care Guide for Entrepreneurs can be helpful for you when you’re NOT at the gym.
#8. Let you peek behind the scenes at their own life. I’m pretty transparent with my clients and readers, and if I’m having an off-day or period where working out seems harder, I’ll blog about it. Fitness trainers are real people, too, and we have all the same struggles as anyone else. You may not see that side of a trainer in a gym with their Nikes and clipboard, but if you can get to know your trainer through a blog or regular email updates, you might get a more realistic picture of who they are outside the gym. (Check out Easy Vs. Possible for an honest look at a particularly tough training day for me.)
