Considering virtual/online training or sticking with good old fashioned in-person training? Although, we offer both types of services , the main goal is to have you feel confident in selecting the type of training that will ultimately work for you. Not just with us but with the other coaches and services you are thinking about. Let's dive in and talk about these two options and the factors we'll breakdown:

• Accessibility (location)
• Equipment
• Time
• Coaching 
• Cost

Accessibility

In-Person Training

You can expect almost no matter what city, state or country that you're located in, there is a local gym or facility available that offers in person training. You are likely to find the standard corporate gyms like Planet Fitness, LifeTime or Crunch as well as independent and private gyms. The beautiful and tricky part with corporate gyms is that they have a slew of trainers and coaches that have various specialties ranging from HIIT, yoga, general fitness training or kettlebell training. But with private gyms, you're more likely to find a coach with a specified expertise that you want to work with. You may even find coaches who will travel to your home or meet in a public space like a park. Although there may be a ton of coaching options, you will have a hands on and instant feedback training environment.


Virtual/Online Training

With the growth of technology, it has become increasingly easier to research and find coaches you may not have come across otherwise. You are likely to spend a bit more time learning about different coaches across the world which may slow down the process but your accessibility to different coaches open up. When you find the coach you trust and ready to start a program, you gain the convenience in working out on your time or bringing your new virtual coach in your pocket to either your local or home gym.

Conclusion

In-Person Training gives you hands on, intimate experience working with a coach at your local gym or even in your living space. However, coaching options are limited to your specific location. Virtual/Online Training opens the door in finding other qualified coaches without you leaving your home.  Winner: Virtual Training.

Equipment

In-Person Training

It's pretty standard to find dumbbells, yoga mats/blocks and cardio pieces of equipment like treadmills at most local and corporate gyms in your area. Of course some gyms have more or less than others. 

Virtual/Online Training

The access of training equipment can differ based on the mode of training. You can be following a virtual training program where you can be on Zoom or FaceTime with your trainer while you are doing the workout in your own local gym. You can expect the training program to be tailored to the equipment you have. With online training, you purchase and/or download a training program that can be done at your time at your local gym or at home. There is limitations of load when it comes to home workouts since it is based on what you have access to.

Conclusion

In-Person Training will typically give you the access of equipment you need for the program you are following. Virtual/Online Training can have limitations if you don't have a lot of home equipment or you don't have a gym membership. Winner: Personal Training. 

Time

In-Person Training

Standard training sessions typically take anywhere from 30-90 minutes based on what you agreed with your coach or trainer. However, that does not include the time it takes to commute to and from the gym as well. Not including traffic, as that can vary based on location and the time of day of the training session.

Virtual/Online Training

There is usually more flexibility with the time in preparing and completing a session since you will have more control around your schedule. Especially with remote jobs growing, time used to commute or taking lunch can be used for a training session.

Conclusion

In-Person Training will take the most time between planning to meet your coach and completing the session. Virtual Training allows you to plan and schedule your time with a bit more freedom and choice of when to do it. Winner: Virtual Training.

Coaching 

In-Person Training

Receiving instant feedback and form cueing is imperative to know that you are performing a movement correct and with intent. Having a coach is invaluable with having those second set of eyes and be able to ensure you're moving safely. There is also the accountability, discipline and consistency factor by having sessions with your coach.

Virtual/Online Training

With virtual training, a coach will need to be more creative with coaching and providing feedback since you'll be on camera. The hands on element is not existent but you still will have a watchful eye when it comes to checking your form. With online training, it is on you to ensure you execute exercises properly and safely. It can be challenging if you never worked with a coach before and you don't have experience to know what good form looks like.

Conclusion

In-Person Training is valuable to ensure you are performing movements safely, correctly and with maximal intention. Virtual Training will still allow you to get feedback and guidance but it is adjusted based on lack of hands on support. Online Training, it is entirely up to you to make sure exercises are done well in safe manner. Winner: Personal Training. 

Cost

In-Person Training

Training rates can vary anywhere from $20 to +$100 per training session. The structure of training programs vary from daily, weekly, monthly and yearly rates. You can expect a longer commitment to training will offer the best price as opposed to low commitment options.

Virtual/Online Training

The rates are very similar to in-person training since the time and access to coaching is relatively the same. If you choose to follow an online program that can be done independent, you can expect to find rates between $8 to $100 for monthly or yearly subscriptions. Since there is less time working with a coaching and far more independence, the investment will reflect that.

Conclusion

In-Person Training is the greatest investment option because of the access to coaching. Virtual Training prices will be similar to in-person since the only difference is training on camera as opposed to in-person. Online Training is the most cost effective because you have the ability to do your workouts on your time with minimal guidance. Winner: Tie. Answers can vary based on each individual that is looking to invest in training. Everyone has different priorities in what they search for, so we think it's best for you to come up with a conclusion that makes sense for you. 

In Closing

Consideration of your current lifestyle and coaching preference will be the selection driving force for either in-person or virtual/online training. In-person training will be the best time investment for hands on and instant feedback coaching as well as equipment convenience. Virtual/Online training can be cost effective, flexible and has low commitment benefits. 

At Level Up Athletic & Performance, we offer all the training options mentioned in this article partly due to our birth during the pandemic and still being supportive to clients in our local community. If you're interested in exploring any of these options or would like to schedule a consultation, click here to contact Alex today.