If you’ve been joining live stream group classes or tuning in to on-demand workouts, then you already know the benefits of staying connected to your favorite studio(s) from home.  

That said, you may feel like something is missing. Maybe you’re not as motivated as you normally are, or perhaps, you’re missing the one-on-one interaction you usually have with your favorite trainer or instructor. (Trust us, your studio misses you too.) If that sounds like you, it might be time to try private virtual coaching sessions.  

Virtual personal training one-on-one sessions could be right for you if:  

•   You're looking for the personal attention that's missing in a virtual group fitness
    setting.

•   You want to master an exercise or set of movements that requires the trainer to
    see and correct your form.  

•   You have an injury, are pregnant, or have another condition that requires
    modifications to your workout or special attention.  

•   You want a customized, at-home fitness plan. 

•   You need help setting exercise goals, or you're looking for extra accountability. 

•   You’re ready to take your workouts to the next level.  

Ready to give private virtual fitness sessions a try? Let's find the right personal trainer/instructor—and make the most out of your 1:1 sessions.  
 

Start with your favorite studio.

If you’re a regular at a fitness studio or gym, you probably already have a relationship with at least one instructor or personal trainer. Start there.  

Head to the facility’s website to see if and how they’re approaching one-on-one virtual coaching sessions. Hopefully, they’ve updated their service pages. If not, reach out directly for details. 

If your go-to spot isn’t currently offering private online personal training sessions, head to Mindbody and search “VIRTUAL” to see which fitness facilities are. With virtual, it really doesn’t matter where the studio or gym is located—you can connect with a qualified trainer/instructor anywhere in the world.  

Pro tip: Ask if the studio/gym is offering special COVID-19 pricing or an introductory offer for virtual fitness privates. Many studios are creating special packages to introduce clients to online personal trainers.

Ask about qualifications and specialties.

Regardless of your age, goals, or current health status, it's essential your personal trainer or instructor is qualified to work with clients one-on-one. Don’t be shy—ask about their education, certifications, and areas of expertise. If you do have a health condition or a certain goal in mind (weight loss, athletic training, etc.), make sure your personal trainer is specifically qualified to help you. If you're currently pregnant, for example, you’ll want to work with someone specialized in prenatal fitness—once you've been cleared by your doctor, of course. 

Request an initial consultation.  

When it comes to private sessions, it must be a good fit for both client and trainer. Ask your personal trainer or instructor if they offer a complimentary, or discounted, first session before you commit to a package or membership. That way, you can see if their personality and training style are right for you. 

A consultation won’t necessarily be the same duration as a regular coaching session, but it should provide adequate time for you to ask questions and discuss your needs and goals for one-on-one training. The trainer will likely want to see your current fitness level, too. This may include a movement assessment to understand your current state of strength, balance, and flexibility. This helps your trainer see how you move and identify any areas for improvement.  

Ask if you can rent or borrow equipment.  

Depending on your current workout-from-home gym setup, you may need additional equipment to make the most of your personal training sessions. Rest assured, a good personal trainer will help you get your workout on with minimal or no equipment if that’s your preference. However, a kettlebell here and a band there can certainly reduce monotony and up the intensity, depending on your goals. If he or she is local, ask if you can rent or borrow equipment to use in your own home. If you're virtually training from afar, see if your instructor/trainer will sell equipment that can be sent directly to your front door.  

Create a workout schedule together.  

You don’t need to work out with your virtual trainer every day to see and feel results. That said, you’ll want to create a routine that makes sense for your body, budget, and schedule. 

Ideally, your trainer or instructor will also be hosting live stream or on-demand classes. If so, create a workout plan together that includes both private virtual sessions as well as live or on-demand classes for days you’re not working together. A good trainer will reiterate the importance of listening to your body, refueling properly, and taking rest days, too.  

Pro tip:  If necessary, ask your instructor to walk through modifications for commonly performed movements in their live stream or on-demand classes. That way, if high knees are too jarring for you (as an example), you’ll know to march in place instead—without them even having to call out the swap during class.  

Private virtual sessions may be new for you (and your trainer, too) so, be patient, have fun, and embrace the unique bond you’re sure to develop. After all, the biggest benefit of working 1:1 with someone is the relationship you build. And, although it may be virtual for now, that connection will last long after you walk through your studio’s doors again.