Are you looking to hire a fitness coach or personal trainer, but you’re unsure of which would be the best fit for you? This article goes over all of the information you need to know and considerations you need to make so you can choose what’s best for you.
What Is A Fitness Coach?
If you search online, you’ll find many definitions for “fitness coach.” Many terms in the fitness industry have yet to be solidified or defined by a governing body. which unfortunately means that some people will call themselves fitness coaches without many qualifications. However, many fitness coaches are very experienced and qualified. A little research can help you determine who is relevant and qualified to create individualized programming and who is selling their own individual results.
So how do we define a “fitness coach?”
Some people think of fitness coaches as a group class coach. Many online resources will identify a “coach” as something more holistic that can put together a training program and offer nutrition coaching to help you track your macros. Others say that any trainer can also be a coach.
However, for the purposes of this article and the way we work at Barpath Fitness, we define a fitness coach as we would define an online fitness coach. A fitness coach is a certified professional who is typically remote (non local), creating individualized programs, and coaching you asynchronously. Beyond just programming, they are providing encouragement, program adjustments, and feedback, though not in real time.
What Is A Personal Trainer?
A personal trainer is a certified professional who creates your programming and works with you in-person (local), monitoring your form and performance while giving you feedback in real time.. A personal trainer has specific qualifications and is optimal for helping you with form, performance, and injury reduction as they can adjust on the spot as needed.
Fitness Coach vs Personal Trainer
Fitness coaching allows for the most flexibility and convenience. A fitness coach creates your program, communicates with you, checks your form, and gives feedback remotely, typically through an app. You get some accountability, however showing up for your own workouts is up to you. There is plenty of scheduling freedom with a fitness coach, as you can train whenever is convenient. When training with a fitness coach, you’ll be working out on your own time and recording videos showing your form so that your coach can adjust your program and give you feedback for the next session. Fitness coaches can range from $100 to $800 per month depending on experience and scope. We typically see a range for qualified coaches that runs from $200-$300/month. If nutrition coaching is also included, you can expect to pay more for this service.
Personal training, on the other hand, is a scheduled time and place where you meet a trainer for a session. Working with a personal trainer is the most accountability you can get: someone is literally meeting you at a gym at a specific time to workout with you and making sure that you show up. Personal trainers are watching each movement and are available for hands-on adjustments, modifications, and cues for proper form all in real time. Depending on your needs, you might meet with a trainer once or multiple times a week.
The cost for a personal trainer varies. Sessions or per hour range from $50 for a new trainer to $200. Most experienced trainers have an hourly rate in the $100 range or slightly above. Keep in mind that box gyms keep a large cut of what you pay for a trainer, so you may be paying the gym $120, but the trainer may only see $40-$50 of that depending on the gym. A private gym, on the other hand, hires trainers as independent contractors who set their own rates then pay rent to the gym, so most of your money goes to your trainer in that scenario. Price for a Personal Trainer will also vary depending on your location.
When To Choose A Fitness Coach
If you are not new to training, but you find yourself working out aimlessly, changing your routine without a clear reason, or not changing your program at all, consider hiring a fitness coach. If you do well with consistency but would like someone to create a solid program and offer support with frequent form analysis, a fitness coach is a great fit. It’s especially important to have a fitness coach look over your form when you are increasing intensity to make sure you’re maintaining proper form.
Fitness Coaching tends to be more flexible as well. You can work out and connect with your trainer on your own time, and workout anywhere. Some fitness coaches also offer nutrition support, which usually involves weekly check in’s and guidance with calories and macros. If you want support and guidance with both nutrition and strength training, a fitness coach is a good option.
Benefits Of Working With A Fitness Coach
The main benefit of working with a fitness coach is that it’s more affordable and you have the flexibility to work out anywhere on your own time. If you work out at home with limited equipment, a fitness coach can tailor your programming accordingly. Because fitness coaches are remote, you have more options to find the perfect fit. You’ll receive asynchronistic accountability and individualized workouts or nutrition guidance, which ultimately places you in charge of how much you want to get out of that particular programming.
When A Personal Trainer Is The Right Fit
When you need more accountability and you have the means, hire a Personal Trainer. Trainers provide the most accountability as you’re scheduling an appointment with them to train. They also provide direct and immediate feedback for every movement, so you’re always working out with the optimal alignment and load in order to avoid injury. Because you’re meeting with your trainer in person multiple times per week or month, you’re going to build rapport and trust with them faster. If you are financially able to pay for a trainer, it’s the greatest investment you can make to maximize your training.
Benefits of Working with A Personal Trainer
Having an individualized plan created for you and your specific strength and mobility needs is a benefit of both training and coaches. But with trainers, you’ll get the most accountability with real-time motivation and confidence that you’re doing movements correctly. If you’re newer to training and want to learn to lift weights properly, hiring an in person trainer is a great option as you’ll be sure to get direct feedback in order to avoid injury. On a deeper level, you’ll be able to create and hold a solid direction with goal setting and to map out what a full year of training can look like; breaking down each macro cycle and phase. Alternatively, this means that you’ll gain a wealth of fitness education in the process. Personal trainers are often an encyclopedia of fitness that you get access to along with your workouts. On a personal level, you often gain a friend, confidant, and cheerleader.
Which is Better for Your Fitness Goals?
In order to know which is best for you, consider the following:
- Are you consistent with training and nutrition and just need guidance with programming and form?
- Do you want to workout on your own time or be held accountable to show up at a specific day and time?
- Do you have less local accessibility to quality trainers?
- Are you looking for a more affordable option?
- Are you a beginner or do you have some basic experience under your belt?
- How much accountability to you need?
- Do you like having a more hands-on approach?
- Do you like the social aspect of meeting someone in person?
These questions can help you determine if online fitness coaching or in-person personal training is right for you. If you’re looking for a quality fitness coach, head to our Fitness Coaching page to review some of the frequently asked questions about our coaching or check out our coaching credentials. If you’re in the Golden or Denver area and looking for Personal Training, check out our Personal Training information.
Did you know we also partner with Registered Dietitians and Clinical Nutritionists to offer quality Nutrition Coaching?
If you are still not sure what you need and want to chat about options, we offer free consultations where we talk about your goals and help you decide what’s best! Book a consult call to learn more.
Listen to episode 199 of the Stronger Than Your Boyfriend Podcast: Fitness Coach vs Personal Trainer
