Online Personal Training Sucks - but does it really?
Posted on June 13, 2025
People say it’s impersonal, ineffective, or just a bunch of cookie-cutter workouts with no real support. And honestly? Sometimes they’re right. There are plenty of programs out there that overpromise, underdeliver, and leave you wondering why you wasted your money.
But when it’s done right, online personal training can actually be one of the most effective, flexible, and supportive ways to reach your fitness goals—especially if you’re a woman over 40 who’s tired of one-size-fits-all solutions that don’t take your real life (or real body) into account.
So no, online personal training doesn’t suck. But bad coaching does. And here’s how to identify the bad coaches.
Whether working out at home, in a gym, or while traveling, online personal training ensures that guidance and accountability are never out of reach. It’s an ideal solution for anyone with a busy schedule or limited access to in-person training—and especially valuable for women over 40 who benefit from tailored programs that support long-term strength, mobility, and energy.
1. Better Results with a Smarter Plan- work smarter, not harder!
Random workouts might burn calories, but they often lack the strategy needed to produce real, lasting results. With online personal coaching, every workout is part of a carefully designed program built around your specific goals and body.
For women over 40, this approach is particularly important. Leave the high intensity workouts to the 20 year olds! Online coaching can provide expert direction on movement, intensity, and progression—reducing risk of injury and increasing training effectiveness.
Bonus: Did your trainer ask about your history, about aches and pains, about what exercises you absolutely hate? Does your coach ask for form videos? GOOD coaches will know what exercises are better for you with enough information. So make sure they’re asking.
Bonus: Did your trainer ask about your history, about aches and pains, about what exercises you absolutely hate? Does your coach ask for form videos? GOOD coaches will know what exercises are better for you with enough information. So make sure they’re asking.
2. Workout To Get Results Without Breaking the Bank
One of the biggest advantages of online coaching is cost-efficiency. Traditional in-person training typically charges per session, which can limit how often someone can train. Online personal training programs, by contrast, are usually billed monthly—allowing for more workouts per week at a consistent price. This means clients can train more frequently without increasing their costs, maximizing both value and results.
Get the knowledge and expertise of your coach, without paying big bucks for time out of their day.
Bonus: Your trainer should discuss the amount of workouts a week for YOUR goals and lifestyle. I know as a client you want to say “I’ll do whatever you think is best,” but that’s not realistic. What if your trainer said 4 workouts and 2 cardios a week - could you do that consistently… for more than 1 month? Probably not, and that’s okay! Be open and honest with your coach. Month 1 is usually a kick in the ass. It’s a big change. Avoid the all-or-nothing approach. Start small. Make sure your trainer understands that and is flexible. What you do in month one, doesn’t have to be the forever plan.
3. Built-In Accountability
Consistency is one of the biggest drivers of success in any fitness journey. Online training programs include regular check-ins and communication with a coach, helping clients stay accountable and motivated. Knowing someone is tracking progress and offering support makes it easier to stick to a routine—even when motivation dips.
Bonus: Imagine getting stronger and being able to do more in the gym each month. Yeah, that’s your trainer progressing you through weights and lifts! Even better if the trainer adds a weight goal for an exercise (ex: goal is 100 lbs on leg press at the end of the month). Your weight loss goal is a long distant goal. You need short term goals to drive your workouts and hitting personal best is the key for that!
4. No More Guesswork
Fitness advice online can be overwhelming and contradictory.
- Is it safe to let knees go past the toes? (Yes - but root cause to knee pain during leg day)
- Why does your shoulder hurt during shoulder press but not push ups? (Poor posture and weak back muscles)
- Will sit ups and crunches get rid of my pooch? (No, lifting is for muscle and strength. Diet is for fat loss)
- Should your back be sore after heavy deadlifts? (It can be sore, deadlifts are a back exercise too. Doesn’t mean you did it wrong!)
With online personal training, there’s no need to rely on guesswork or sift through conflicting content. Clients get direct access to a certified trainer who provides clear, personalized answers based on science and experience.
Bonus: Pain during lifts diminishes when working with your trainer. And you can keep pain away when watching exercise demonstration videos with voice instructions! No more second guessing what to do!
5. Custom Workouts for Every Body
One of the core benefits of online personal training is the ability to customize every aspect of the program. Workouts are adapted to the individual’s goals, experience level, schedule, equipment access, and physical needs.
This is especially valuable for female over 40 clients, who may require modified movements, longer recovery, or targeted strength-building strategies. Whether someone is training for improved mobility, fat loss, or strength, a personalized program ensures each workout is meaningful and effective.
Bonus: Your trainer asks for photos of your home and/or gym equipment. Workouts aren’t custom if they don’t know what your space looks like!
6. Flexibility That Works With Real Life
Life is unpredictable—but online training is designed to keep pace. Whether traveling for work, adjusting to kids home during Summer break, or navigating unexpected changes, online personal training can adapt. Workouts can be modified based on equipment access, available time, or location, so there’s no need to miss a session or fall off track.
Bonus: Ask if your trainer will adjust to working out while traveling (hotel workouts) and length of your workouts. Just because your trainer likes to workout for 1.5 hours doesn’t mean you need to or want to!
Getting Started
- History collection: make sure they ask you a lot of questions.
- Listen to you: if you say you don't want jumping and your program has jumping. Call them out. IF it continues, run!
- Accountability: Are they encouraging the weight you lift, do they check in, are you progressing? Do they answer your questions? Ask for form videos?
- Deliver: Make sure you get what you are paying for. If you can't pay late, your workouts shouldn't be late.
Online Training Options at
The Fitness Life
Self-Guided - TFL Trainer Online Membership
For those with fitness experience and want workouts to follow. This program includes pre-written workouts and guidelines for sets and reps. This is ideal for a confident lifter who is tired of showing up to the gym without a plan to follow.
- Home and gym workouts. 4-5 workouts each.
- Workouts update every 3 weeks to keep you progressing and avoid boredom!
- App access to track personal bests and body stats.
- Video demos with voice instructions.
- 7 Day Trial. Only $27/mo after trial - no contract, cancel anytime.
Custom - Elite Online Coaching
The ultimate online coaching experience. Great if you vibe with me, but don’t have the time/money to work with me in person. Or you don’t live near me! Doesn’t matter, we can still get you results with my Elite Online Personal Training.
work together w. After a thorough application and consultation process, I build a fully customized workout plan based on your lifestyle, preferences, and goals. You complete workouts on your own time with my app, with the option to send in videos for form feedback and coaching zoom calls weekly.
- Thorough application and consultation
- Fully customized workouts, daily tasks, and nutrition. 100% written for you!
- Workouts update every 4 weeks - enough time to learn, get better, and crush it!
- App access to communicate with me, track tasks, personal bests and body stats.
- Video demos with voice instructions
- Only $375/mo - 3 month minimum. 30 day cancellation.
Ready to get started?
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