Distance (Online) v In-Person Coaching

Happy Monday everyone, with everyone beginning their search for help to improve themselves, I've had a few thoughts. Some folks out there will be trying to figure out if they can work with someone they respect remotely or online, this is my 2 cents on the matter.

I love coaching people in person, it’s usually some of the only social interaction I get in a day, and even an introvert needs a bit of that in the day. I also, like being able to help people that can’t get to Brookline, whether they’re just a few extra minutes away, or accross the country🛫, it’s a good way to help others that aren’t so close. Here’s the thing, as much as I want to tell everyone that sets eyes on this page that they can train with me from a distance…that’d be very wrong.
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When someone wants to do distance coaching, there’s a few things that need to be considered.

1). How experienced is that person with strength training? If they know their way around a weight room and are familiar with the basics, it’ll be much easier. If the person isn’t so experienced, it’s not impossible, they are just going to have to be very patient, not easy for many.

2). What is their injury history? If there’s something that needs eyes on to say whether or not their movement is compromised, like a recent achilles tear, then that’s a hard no go for me. Find someone local that can physically be there. Also, if there’s a laundry list of an injury history, it might be best to seek out someone local.

3). Are there other issues currently causing them aches and pains 🩹that are likely not easily solvable? Refer them to someone you know, or someone you trust knows.

4). How good are they about getting yourself to the gym? If you’re dealing with one of those folks that needs that accountability of an appointment to get to the gym, distance coaching may not be the best thing for them to start with. Every once in awhile you can do a bit of a hybrid, by getting someone to stop in, in person once every 4-6 weeks, go through a program together and then have them do it on their own. Eventually you can go to an outright online model.

That's what I for got you all today, BUT while I have your attention, I encourage you to read 2 great pieces from friends of mine from last week.

3 Psych Skills for Strength Training- The one and only, the amazing Dr. Lisa Lewis had her first article publish on T-Nation last week and it is 100000% worth the read.

4 Ways to Become a Better Fitness Writer- I've respected Tony Gentilcore for a long time, one reason is, he writes in a very easy on the eyes (and brain) style. Even a post about writing he can make for an easy read, but good read as this was.

​That's all for today everyone, have a good week!