10 Ways To Identify The Ideal Online Personal Trainer/ Coach

Are you looking for an online personal trainer? If so, you’re in luck!

There are plenty of them out there, and it can be tough to determine which one is right for you. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

In this post, I’ll share 10 ways to find the ideal online personal trainer. So whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been searching for a while, this post will help you find the perfect fit. Happy hunting! 🙂

Here is what you’ll find in this post:

1. Identify your fitness goals and needs first.
2. What’s the difference between a Personal Coach and a Personal Trainer.
3. Review affiliate personal training websites.
4. How to find a fitness coach on social media?
5. Ask around and see if someone has already used a virtual personal trainer and had a great experience.
6. Conduct a quick Google search for Online Personal Trainer UK (or the country you live in).
7. Check their accreditations and make sure they’re legit.
8. Red Flags You Should Look For When Hiring An Online Personal Trainer
9. Look for detailed clients’ testimonials (Not just transformation photos)
10. Book consultations with them before you sign up. (Avoid signing up without speaking to them)
11. What does the best online personal trainer/ coach look like?

1. Identify Your Fitness Goals And Needs First

One of the most important steps in setting up a fitness plan is identifying your goals and needs. This will help you to determine what type of support and guidance you might need from an online personal trainer or a coach.

Some of the key considerations to keep in mind when determining your goals and needs include your current level of fitness, any health conditions or limitations that need to be taken into account, and your overall motivation for embarking on a fitness program.

Identify your needs the best you can

Once you have a clear understanding of your fitness goals and needs, you can start to look into the different types of support that are available. If you are someone who is fairly self-motivated and just needs some guidance in terms of exercises and nutrition, then online personal training might be the right fit for you.

On the other hand, if you feel like you need more accountability and motivation, working with a coach who can provide regular check-ins and encouragement might be a better option.

You should also have some idea if you need support with nutrition or not. If you ask me I’d always recommend picking a holistic fitness coach that covers all things mindset, environment, nutrition, culture etc.

If all that sounds confusing that’s fine too. Most people don’t know exactly what help they need and that’s why is important to book a consultation with the coach before you sign up. More about that in point 8 further down.

Consider Your Budget

Another important factor to consider when choosing a fitness professional is your budget. Online personal trainers and coaches can range in price and It can cost from hundreds to many thousands depending on the level of service and the coaches themselves. It’s important to find one that fits into your budget.

Some online personal trainers and coaches offer pay-as-you-go plans, which can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Other online personal trainers and coaches offer monthly or yearly packages, which might be a better option if you’re looking for more long-term support and guidance.

Ultimately, the type of online personal trainer or coach you choose should match your individual needs and budget, as well as the level of support and guidance that you feel is right for you.

2. What’s the difference between a Fitness Coach and a Personal Trainer?

There is no clear distinction between a fitness coach and a personal trainer, as the two roles often overlap in many aspects. While both are typically involved in helping clients to achieve their health and fitness goals, there are some key differences between the two professions.

First, fitness coaches typically work with clients online or remotely, using tools such as video conferencing, email communication, and smartphone apps to provide guidance and support. They often focus a lot on providing the accountability and mental support that the client needs to change a specific behaviour or habit.

Many fitness coaches like myself have a holistic approach which means that we focust on all areas of person’s wellbeing and we’re really great at optimising one’s performance and health. We always pay attention to things like sleep hygiene, stress management, digestion, habits, discipline, self motivation and we use different techniques to help our clients improve in these areas as well.

Personal trainers, on the other hand, tend to focus more on one-on-one training sessions at a gym or fitness studio. This means that personal trainers usually provide less accountability and support outside the time of training sessions.

So, while there are some key differences between fitness coaches and personal trainers, at the end of the day, both roles share the common goal of helping people to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Which one is right for you will ultimately depend on your individual needs and preferences. In my experience, most of the clients who work with me at Coach PK are extremely satisfied and would recommend our service to their family and best friends.

3. Review Affiliate Personal Training Websites

Now that you have a clear understanding of your goals and needs, it’s time to start reviewing different affiliate personal training websites. This will help you to compare prices and services, as well as get a feel for the different types of online personal trainers and coaches that are available.

To find the affiliate websites that provide these services you can ask your friends about them and also conduct a simple Google search for such websites in your country. An example of a reliable website like that in the UK is Bark

Some things to keep in mind when reviewing affiliate personal training websites include:

Make a list or highlight the online personal trainers/ coaches that interest you and move on to the next steps before contacting them.

4. How to find a fitness coach on social media?

There are many different ways to find an online personal trainer or coach on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more. Some of the most popular methods include searching for keywords related to fitness or working out in the search bar, browsing through posts by trainers and coaches who are already popular within your network and using recommendation tools such as hashtags and followers lists.

First, you can begin by searching for keywords related to fitness or working out in the search bar on your chosen social media platform. This may help you find individuals who have established themselves as experts in this area and can provide valuable insights into their coaching methods and techniques.

Another option is to browse through posts by trainers and coaches who are already popular within your network. As you scroll through posts and profiles, look for individuals who have established a strong online presence and seem to be knowledgeable about fitness and the health and wellness industry in general.

Finally, you can use recommendation tools such as hashtags and followers lists to uncover new trainers or coaches that might be a good fit for your needs. Many platforms have built-in features that make it easy to discover new content based on common interests or preferences, so be sure to take advantage of these tools when searching for an online personal trainer or coach.

Once you find someone that appears interesting to you, search for a website link within their Bio because most coaches won’t list their services directly on social media. Usually people have a LinkTree that links to many of their websites, free materials etc.

With some time, patience, and research, you can find the right individual to help you reach your fitness goals and achieve success.

5. Ask around for recommendations from friends and colleagues.

By talking to people who have used online fitness coaches in the past, you can gain valuable insights into their training methods and techniques, allowing you to identify a coach that is a good fit for your needs.

This will help you find a coach that has proven his or her knowledge and skills to someone you trust.

What I’ve noticed in my experience is that people who come to me referred by my clients are usually much more willing to listen and follow my lead. That ultimately makes the journey easier and the results appear to be better just because they have some extra trust in me.

So whether you’re just starting on your fitness journey or are looking to take your training to the next level, be sure to ask around and see if anyone has worked with an online personal trainer or a coach they can recommend.

6. Conduct a quick Google search for Online Personal Trainer UK (or the country you live in).

You’ll find coaches that have their websites appearing on google like Coach PK. Many of the coaches ranking high on google are reliable with a good reputation and it’s very easy to find them compared to social media searches.

See their websites and get the feel of their work, pricing, accreditations, testimonials etc. It’s also a great idea to check out their social media links.

Remember, if you like, highlight them or put them on the list of potential coaches you’ll be contacting at the end of your search.

7. Check their accreditations and make sure they’re legit.

Make sure the potential online personal trainer you’re interested in is certified by a credible authority.

There are many fake certification programs out there and some less than ethical coaches will charge you for a worthless experience that can harm you in so many ways because of their lack of knowledge and professional experience.

The number of cases of people being ripped off by these fake coaches is on the rise so you must do your research and make sure they’re legitimate.

All fitness coaches will have their certificates visibly posted either on their websites or social media. Just in case you can’t find them you can simply ask for them and they should be happy to show them to you.

Many certificates match different expertise but for general personal training you can look for the following:

Check if they’re certified as level 3 Personal Trainers or similar by a credible organization like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), World Street Workout & Calisthenics Federation (WSWCF), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) or other relevant to the country you live in.

These are just a few of the many legitimate certification organizations out there so make sure you do your research.

If they’re not legitimately certified, that’s a red flag.

8. Red Flags You Should Look For When Hiring An Online Personal Trainer

There are a few key red flags you should be aware of when hiring an online personal trainer or coach.

• Single Method Of Training Or Eating – The first red flag is if the trainer only offers one type of training program or workout routine. This could be a sign that they are not very knowledgeable about different types of exercises and how to properly customize a workout routine to meet your specific needs and goals.

• They Feel Offended If You Ask About Accreditations – Another red flag is if the trainer is not willing to answer any questions you have about their qualifications or experience. A good trainer should be able to provide you with references or testimonials from past clients, as well as address any concerns you may have about their ability to help you reach your fitness goals.

• 100% Fast And Easy Results – Be wary of any trainer who promises quick results with little effort on your part. While it is possible to see some results quickly, sustainable and long-term success takes time, dedication, and hard work. If a trainer is promising you the world without any real effort on your part, they are likely not being completely truthful.

• Fad Diets And Trends Fanatics – Finally, find out the methods they would use to help you reach your goals and make sure they don’t recommend any fad diets, fasting or trending equipment and supplements, without taking into consideration your past behaviour and experience. Many of the trending magic methods for losing weight or improving performance can be harmful and dangerous for a vast majority of the population depending on their own body and mind.

If you keep an eye out for these red flags, you should be able to avoid working with a personal trainer that is not a good fit for you. Do your research and take your time in finding a trainer that you can trust and that has the experience and knowledge to help you reach your fitness goals.

9. Look for detailed clients’ testimonials (Not just transformation photos)

When looking for a personal trainer online, it is important to pay attention to the clients’ testimonials to ensure that you are working with a legitimate and credible coach. This is especially true if you are seeking an online fitness coach, as there are many scammers out there who will post fake transformation photos or exaggerated claims about their experience and qualifications.

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a personal trainer’s services is by looking at detailed client testimonials and reviews. These can provide valuable insights into what it’s like to work with that trainer on a day-to-day basis, including things like their coaching style and effectiveness, how well they support their clients’ individual needs and goals, and more.

I’m very proud of our work at Coach PK and as an example of a high-quality legitimate client’s testimonials, you can see the video testimonials page on our website.

10. Book consultations with all coaches before you choose one and sign up. (Avoid signing up without speaking to them)

When looking to hire a personal trainer or online fitness coach, it is important to book consultations with multiple coaches to get a good sense of their skills and qualifications.

This will help you select the right coach for your needs and avoid signing up for services you’re not sure can help.

Additionally, by talking with potential coaches, you can get a feel for their personality and whether or not you would be compatible working together.

Finally, in many cases the prices offered on their websites might not be for the best service they can offer to you and you might be able to negotiate a discount for an even better deal.

I do the same thing at Coach PK because it’s very hard for me to explain to someone how I can help him in the best way possible with a simple list of bullet points.

11. BONUS: What does the best online personal trainer/ coach look like?

The best online personal trainer/ coach is highly experienced and knowledgeable, with a proven track record of helping clients achieve their fitness goals. He/ her should be always willing to refer you to other more specialised experts if necessary.

They should also be very committed to their clients’ success and have a supportive, encouraging coaching style that inspires confidence and fosters lasting results.

Additionally, they should be up-to-date on the latest trends in fitness and nutrition, as well as current research findings, so that they can provide evidence-based recommendations to help you achieve your goals. They should not guide you only on experience-based or anecdotal information because that indicates a lack of knowledge and commitment to the industry.

The best online fitness coach will provide you with all the accountability and attention you need without you asking for it. They will take into consideration all of your physiological, psychological, psychosocial, religious, financial and cultural factors.

Overall, the best online personal trainer/ coach is someone who truly cares about your health and well-being, and is dedicated to helping you succeed through effective coaching methods and support.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an online personal trainer or fitness coach, be sure to keep these 10 factors in mind to help you find the ideal coach for your needs.

Also, feel free to reach out to us at Coach PK through the chat widget or book a free consultation with Coach Petar Krastev and take your fitness to the next level.

What are some other important factors to consider when choosing an online personal trainer or fitness coach?

Let us know in the comments below!

Thank you for reading!