Finding a good online workout program is a little like online dating: you have to sift through a lot of BS and watch out for red flags (which are everywhere). This article goes over all of the red flags and what you need to know to find a good online workout program that gives you results.
What To Look For In An Online Workout Program
Part of knowing what online workout programs to look for is knowing what the red flags are. First, if a program talks about “sculpting abs” or “melting belly fat”, run away fast! Muscle building is spot specific, but fat loss is not. Some programs use misinformation like this as a marketing tool, which means they aren’t a trustworthy source for legitimate programming. The most important red flag to take into consideration is if the program is a circuit training or HIIT only program. Circuit training will make you sweat and feel the burn, however, these sensations are not indicators of a good workout. You’ll always get the most out of a workout program that has progressive overload with a goal. This eliminates a very large percentage of online workout programs from the get-go.
When you start looking for programs, consider what you are trying to accomplish. If the program’s goal is to increase strength and muscle mass, are there rest periods? A solid online program that focuses on strength training needs to have rest periods after a single movement, with progressive overload, and a gradual increase in intensity built in.
A good workout program should be adaptable for different strength and skill levels, providing regressions and progressions as needed with certain movements. Video demonstrations of all of the movements need to be provided so you know how to execute them.
What Are The Benefits Of An Online Workout Program?
Accessibility is the number one benefit of online workout programs. Programs are cheaper than personal training or fitness coaching, and you might actually be able to get one for free. Online programs offer time flexibility as well, letting you workout when you have time in your schedule. Hopefully, any program you find will incorporate progressive overload so you should see progress.
What Are The Drawbacks On Finding A Virtual Fitness Program That Isn’t Individualized?
Pretty much all online workout programs have no individualization, which means there is no way to truly support areas of weakness in your body, which is optimal for training and prevents injury. Because of a lack of individualization, there might be times when you can’t execute a movement that is part of the program, but have no guidance about what to do instead. There’s also zero accountability and no trainer or coach to walk you through any of the moves. So it’s easy to feel discouraged, quit, or get easily distracted because accountability and motivation are 100% up to you.
What Are The Steps For Finding An Online Workout Program?
There are so many choices for online workout programs, which can become very overwhelming. However, most are just cardio with weights or circuit based workouts, which you actually don’t want if you want to see some real progress.
Finding An Online Workout Program
First and foremost, research the company or person you’re purchasing your program from thoroughly and check their qualifications. If it’s available, listen to their podcast or look at their YouTube channel. If you’re deciding between programs, consider the overarching goal of each program and if one aligns to your own personal goals over another. Also, be sure to read the reviews of each program.
Other considerations to take is if the program has a follow up option or an individualized coaching option. The program should FAQs and demos of each movement. Although these programs have close to no accountability, a community group can serve as a space to post videos of your form, ask questions, share progress, and more.
Finding An Online Fitness Coach
There are two different types of online fitness programs: cookie cutter programs or individualized programs with a fitness coach. Most programs online are cookie cutter (which is what this article covers) however, you can sometimes find a coach to create an online program for you with no coaching involved.
Below are the tiers of programming you can get. These tiers usually go least expensive to most expensive as well as least optimal to most optimal:
- online workout program: you get the program and that’s it
- Individualized online workout program: you chat with a qualified coach and they create something specifically for you, but you don’t get guidance or feedback
- Online Fitness coaching: you get a specific and regularly updated program but you also get check in calls, form feedback, accountability, and coaching
- Personal training: the best of the best, in-person and in real time.
Getting An Individualized Program
Getting an individualized program is most ideal to maximize strength gains and see results. If you want to learn more about getting an individualized program, you can read or blog, Fitness Coach vs. Personal Trainer.
Key Takeaways for Selecting the Best Online Workout Program
If an online workout program is the most accessible to you, research will take time to find the right fit. However, the considerations listed in this article will help you weed out most programs from the get-go so you can find the right program for you. The most important thing is that you’re doing something and you will see strength gains!
STRONGER is our version of an online workout program. It spans 12 weeks, incorporates strength and mobility movements, and our clients have seen some serious results. Once you buy it, you get access for life. CLICK HERE If you’re interested and want to learn more.
If you want to learn more about finding the right online workout program, listen to episode 203 of The Stronger Than Your Boyfriend Podcast: How to Find a Good Workout Program Online
