The Reality Of Virtual Training

Virtual Training Pros and Cons

Just like anything else, the world of virtual training has its trade offs. As someone who teaches both in person and virtual Pilates I’m here to give you the honest rundown of the pros and cons of each. Giving you all of the nitty gritty details can help you form an opinion of what's best for you and what's most beneficial for your stage of life and stage of your fitness journey. 

The convenience of virtual training is unmatched. With the absence of commuting and  access to instruction at whatever time works for you, virtual training can fit into any schedule. Maximum convenience also allows for you to be more consistent with your movement habits. Even bite sized fitness being implemented into your day has compounding effects when done consistently. The convenience makes this option very appealing to demographics with a busy or unusually timed work schedule, parents, those who live in rural areas who may not have close access to a studio, as well as people who travel frequently that need the gym to go with them! 

Virtual training is typically easier on the budget! Apps or websites that offer on-demand libraries/ programs are typically much more affordable than in person or one on one training since multiple clients have access to the same class at the same time. Even a virtual personal training can be cheaper than in person options due to its convenience. Sometimes good training can feel far out of reach based on its price tag. Virtual training can offer more affordable choices while still giving you high end training with real results. 

Training virtually can also help you find your perfect match in an instructor! By taking geographical challenges out of the mix, you have the ability to find the instructor that most resonates with you. You no longer have the constraint of whomever/ whatever is in your area. Your choices grow exponentially! You can also choose to be a part of a community that you may have never had the pleasure of crossing paths with. 


The flip side of virtual fitness is that your personal motivation becomes more important. If you are primarily exercising with on-demand options, your personal accountability becomes much more important! Setting up your own schedule, finishing routines etc. will become very important to your results. There are ways to set up accountability tools and motivators, but this aspect definitely puts more will power from the user. 

Virtual on-demand training also asks the user to be more bodily aware. Without the aspect of hands on correction, you must be alert to any verbal cues that the instructor is giving. As well as knowing your limits and listening to your body/ strength level. 

Online classes also ask that you have some of your own personal equipment. This can be minimal such as a yoga mat. However, it does typically require at least a small amount of space for execution. 

Overall, weighing your options and figuring out what the most consistent/ attainable option is for you is important. This may change in different stages of your life. The effort and taking care of your body no matter what that looks like is the most important part! Thankfully there are so many ways to do that these days.