Online Personal Training for Beginners: How It Actually Works
Best online personal training for LGBTQ+, trans, and non-binary beginners.
When I started as a trainer, I offered both in-person training and online coaching. Working with folks in-person was great, but I started gravitating towards online coaching when I noticed the holistic capabilities it had. Coaching clients online meant I could provide them with more support across all areas of their health throughout the week, not just during our 1-hour in-person sessions.
I started noticing limitations in what in-person training could do for my clients when I noticed:
● Whenever I went on vacation, my in-person clients just wouldn’t work out on their own for the 2 weeks I was gone, while all of my online clients did.
● My 1:1 in-person coaching sessions were so focused on hyping my client up throughout the workout that there was no time during the hour to really discuss nutrition protocols in-depth.
● Many of my online coaching clients came from in-person training. They loved the in-person training they received, but once they stopped seeing the trainer – they realized they had no understanding of how the workouts they did in-person were structured the way they were. This isn’t the fault of in-person trainers – it’s a limitation of the time and structure of in-person training.
Let’s go more in-depth about the benefits of LGBTQ+ online personal training and how it works.
What Are the Benefits of Online Personal Training for LGBTQ+ Beginners?
While training in-person has many benefits, online personal training opens up so many more options for LGBTQ+ beginners who are busy, who don't have access to queer or trans affirming spaces where they live, or who just would prefer to work out on their own schedule, anywhere they want. In-person training does have workout programming and some nutritional support, but with online training, you are able to get more 1:1, more in-depth support. Your coach will discuss habits, mindset changes, and will help you work past self-limiting beliefs.
When you show up to an in-person training session, the main focus is the workout itself. In my experience, it’s not just the programming that folks need help with. Most of my clients have needed support in creating sustainable habits and mindset changes that will last beyond coaching. In our program, folks receive tools to build confidence in their ability to show up for themselves by learning that consistency is not about perfection, but adaptability. Let's say you had a bad night of sleep and you have to train in the morning. A self-limiting belief in this scenario tells you that if you don’t train hard and hit PRs that day, then it was a failed training day. Our goal is to teach you that it is okay to show up where you are on that day, and adapt. Adapting in this scenario looks like doing a light workout and knowing that once you get better sleep, you will be able to train hard the next day.
One of the biggest advantages to online training is that it is flexible, and you can work out anywhere, at any time. Say you have a work trip coming up with limited free time and limited gym equipment at the hotel you are staying at. Before your work trip, your coach will make the necessary adjustments to your workout plan so that you can stay on track while you are away. Another common situation our clients run into is that they have a hectic week coming up where family is visiting, have more plans to go out to eat, and have less time to work out. Your coach will help you strategize ways to help you stay on track, ensure you can enjoy your time without harsh restrictions, and help you get back into routine once the hectic week is over. Every client has unique circumstances, and 1:1 online personal training helps navigate them in ways in-person training cannot.
For in-person training, it is usually one hour with little to no contact in between. With online personal training, you can schedule calls with your coach so you can go over programming or any questions or concerns you may have. If you prefer to text, you will also have access to your coach through texting or messaging from our training app. This gives you more options to communicate with your coach in a way that works for you. Most of our clients chat with their coach multiple times a week!
Your coach is not the only support you will have during your journey. Community is vital when it comes to going on your health and fitness journey. In our Discord group, clients can share recipes, cheer each other on, and offer an extra push when needed. We’ve had some of our clients become friends and meet up with each other in person, as well! There are also weekly group calls where topics of fitness, nutrition, and gender/transition are rotated. These calls are great for those who want to expand their knowledge and engage with current clients who are on the same journey as them.
How Our LGBTQ+ Online Personal Training Program Works
Step One: Fill out an online application.
This quick, no-pressure step shares your goals and what brought you here, whether you're brand new to fitness or just looking for the right beginner-friendly personal trainer. No experience needed, and it doesn't commit you to anything. From there, we match you with the right coach for you, including a queer/trans coach if that matters to you, and schedule your consultation call!
Fill out our new client application.
Step Two: Schedule a 1-hour-long consultation call where goals and barriers will be discussed in-depth.
This conversation is valuable because this is where you will dig deep and find the ‘whys’ behind your goals. It is also the first step in mapping out a strategy that feels truly connected to you!
Step Three: You will fill out an assessment that will gauge where you are with fitness and nutrition.
Based on that assessment, you will get matched with a queer, trans, or non-binary coach based on your goals and personality. Your coach will be your main support while you are in the program.
Step Four: Schedule your first meeting with your coach!
This is where you will meet your coach, go over first action steps that you can start on immediately, and they will build out your program so you can get started right away!
Swipe left/right to see the full comparison →
| Cheap Generic Training App | In-Person 1:1 Training | Online 1:1 Coachingwith Landyn Pan Fitness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Support | ✔ | ✔ (Depends on gym's vibe) | ✔ |
| Workout App to Log Progress | ✔ | (Maybe) | ✔ |
| Flexible Workout Times | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Train Anywhere | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Exercise Form Correction | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Custom Workout Programming | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Individualized Nutrition Support | ✔ (Vague) | ✔ | |
| Support Between Sessions | ✔ |
