What It Looks Like & How It Can Help
When Covid-19 hit, many of us were forced to very quickly change directions and make adjustments in multiple areas of our lives. For me, I went from seeing all clients in person to doing online strength training for individuals with chronic pain who needed a unique style of training.
Honestly, I was tentative. I wondered if it would be effective. Particularly for those with chronic pain. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by the results.
What Does Online Strength Training Look Like?
Over the last five to ten years there has been a huge uptake in online strength training, especially post Covid-29. There is often some confusion about what online strength training looks like. The truth is there are many different types of online strength training, so it depends.
Some programs are set up similar to in-person training, often called online personal training. This means you will see a personal trainer on zoom or factime, doing a session with them in the same way you would in person.
However, online strength training can also be formatted such that you do the majority of your workouts alone. This includes customized online programs that provide you with a complete outline of what exercises, how many to do, and a schedule of what to do on each day. Often, online strenth programing is paired with regular check ins. These serve as a way to check form and answer questions as needed.
Benifits of Online Strength Training
Online strength training has many benefits and for some can actually work better han in person training for many reasons.
Comfort and Stress Reduction
Gyms can be quite stressful. From loud dropping weights to interacting with unfamiliar people, it can be uncomfortable for many people. Online strength training, however, allows you to choose your location. Most commonly online training sessions are in a clients home gym, living room, or even their office.
For those with chronic pain this is very impactful on the success of exercise. Researchers have found that stress exasterbates chronic pain. Therefore, spending time in an environment that is overstimulating or stressful can inhibit exercise due to the increase in pain.
Online strength training allows my clients to exercise in an environment where they feel safe and relaxed. This improves their ability to learn new movements, improve strength, and decrease pain levels.
Convenience
It can be a challenge to find time to exercise. However, decrease in travel time, down to zero minutes, it is easy to fit into your schedule. This is a huge benefits it reduces stress and simplifying working with a trainer.
But Does it Really Work?
The answer is yes. Online training has many of the same benefits. Over zoom or facetime, you can improve movement, strength, mobility, and lifestyle. I demonstrate movements and positioning, lead clients in how to make adjustments, and more. For an example, check out the video below of me working with a client on shoulder positioning in a plank.
How Do I know If It’s Right For Me?
Online training has many benefits. However, it needs to be the right fit for you. For some, the idea of having to log into zoom or facetime is stressful or just not ideal. That is ok.
Gaining strenth and improving movement patterns can help you to relieve chronic aches and pains. As you learn to move differently in strength training, you can improve you walking gait and movement patterns that help you to integrate movement back into your life. Online strength training is a unique blend of coaching and teaching that allows for decreased stress and flexibility. If you want to learn more about online strength training or check out a complimentary orientation session, I would love to meet with you. Email me at chelseawhalen.trainer@gmail.com to set up your first appointment or to learn more today.