Hybrid Personal Training: How to Succeed On and Offline

In today's world, succeeding as a personal trainer means mastering the art of hybrid training, which combines the best of in-person sessions with the flexibility and reach of online coaching.

Ever since COVID turned our lives upside down, online training has skyrocketed. Video calls have become the new norm, making it easier than ever to connect with clients from anywhere in the world.

In this blog, we'll dive into how you can excel as a personal trainer by blending face-to-face interactions with virtual support, helping your clients achieve their fitness goals no matter where they are.

What we’ll cover

• What is hybrid personal training?
• How does online personal training work?
• The pros and cons of online personal training
• The pros of hybrid personal training
• Which approach is better: in-person, online or hybrid?
• Train on and offline with UNTIL

Hybrid personal training is a flexible approach where a personal trainer combines in-person and online sessions to best meet the needs of their clients.

This might mean some clients benefit from face-to-face training while others get their workouts entirely through online platforms. Some clients might enjoy a blend of both, with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions tailored to their schedule and preferences.

A hybrid model allows trainers to reach a wider audience, offer more versatile training options, and adapt to the varying needs and lifestyles of their clients, making fitness more accessible and personalised.

Online personal training could involve video calls for real-time coaching and feedback, online messaging for ongoing communication, and specialised training software for tracking progress and delivering workout plans.

As a PT, you can provide individualised workouts, tailored meal plans, and expert advice to help clients achieve their fitness goals. Plus, the content you create for clients, such as workout routines and nutritional tips, can be repurposed for social media. This is great for driving extra traffic to your website and potentially generating additional income.

By effectively using these digital platforms, you can expand your reach and offer a high level of service without geographical constraints.

How to find and train clients online

First things first, if you’re looking to start your own PT business, we’ve got loads of tips – from making sure you register with HMRC to setting up a business bank account.

Ready to take things online? Finding and training clients online involves several strategic steps to build and grow your online PT business. Here's how to get started:

• Create a portfolio of programs: Plan a variety of workout and training programs that cater to different fitness levels and goals. Think about creating beginner, intermediate, and advanced routines, as well as specialised programs like weight loss, muscle gain, or flexibility.
• Record tutorials: Invest time in recording high-quality tutorials demonstrating exercises and explaining the key elements of your programs.
• Build your online presence: Establish a strong online presence with a professional website and active social media profiles. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to share tutorials, client success stories and fitness tips. Make sure you engage with your audience regularly to build a community.
• Use specialised training software: Try using training software or apps that allow you to manage client programs, track their progress and communicate effectively. Platforms like Trainerize or My PT Hub can help you provide a seamless experience for clients.
• Offer free content: People love getting free stuff. You could share valuable free content online such as mini-workouts, nutrition tips or fitness challenges to attract potential clients and engage existing ones.
• Get networking: Connect with other fitness professionals, influencers and online communities to expand your reach. Collaborations and guest appearances can introduce you to new audiences and potential clients.
• Leverage social proof: It’s always a good idea to ask satisfied clients to leave testimonials and reviews. Share their success stories and progress on your website and social media to build credibility and showcase loyalty.
• Try online advertising: Consider investing in online advertising to reach a larger audience. Platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads can help you target specific demographics and interests.

What’s great about online personal training?

• Flexible schedule - Online personal training allows both trainers and clients to set their schedules, making it easier to fit workouts into busy lives. Clients can choose to train at any time that suits them, whether early morning or late at night, without being restricted to gym opening hours.
• Remote working - Personal trainers can work from anywhere, eliminating the need for a physical gym or studio. This is particularly beneficial if you travel a lot or prefer working from home. Clients also benefit by being able to train from their homes, offices, or even while on holiday, removing the need for commuting to a gym.

What’s not so great?

• It can be impersonal - The lack of face-to-face interaction combined with technical difficulties online can make it challenging to build a strong personal connection with your clients. They might miss the motivational boost and accountability that comes with in-person training.
• Limitations on showing how to do exercises You might find it difficult to show the correct form and technique through a screen, which can put clients at risk of performing exercises incorrectly. Real-time adjustments and corrections are harder to make, which can affect the effectiveness and safety of the workout.

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So why might PTs and clients prefer hybrid personal training?

• Personalised Attention - During face-to-face sessions, trainers can offer immediate feedback and hands-on guidance, ensuring clients use the correct form and techniques. Whereas online support, such as workout tutorials and video demonstrations, allows clients to revisit specific exercises and receive additional help outside of their scheduled sessions.
• Flexibility - Clients can schedule in-person sessions when they need direct supervision and opt for online sessions or follow pre-recorded workouts when their schedule demands more flexibility. This approach allows clients to maintain consistency in their training routine, even when life gets busy or they’re on holiday.
• Variety - One of the pros of hybrid personal training is that clients can enjoy the best of both worlds: the energy and motivation of in-person sessions and the convenience of online workouts. This variety helps prevent workout monotony and keeps clients excited about their fitness journey. They can choose to work out at home, in the gym, or even outdoors, providing a dynamic and versatile training experience.
• Convenience - Hybrid training opens up the possibility of working with clients who might not be able to commit to regular in-person sessions due to time constraints, location, or personal preferences. This convenience can seriously expand your client base, as you can attract clients from different geographical areas and those who prefer the flexibility of online training.

Choosing the best personal training approach — online, hybrid, or in-person — depends on you and your clients’ needs and goals.

While online and hybrid training both offer more flexibility compared to purely in-person sessions, hybrid training offers a more balanced approach which combines the best of both worlds: the personalised attention and direct feedback of in-person training with the convenience and adaptability of online support.

Hybrid personal training allows for more customisation, helping clients stay motivated and engaged with varied workout routines and the flexibility to train in their own time. Plus, many people still believe that effective personal training requires in-person sessions, so going completely online could potentially reduce your client base.

By choosing a hybrid model, you can cater to a broader audience, ultimately leading to increased client retention and (hopefully) more income streams.

If you’re looking for a professional and private space for training clients which also doubles as your place to train online clients without disturbances, you’ve come to the right place.

From treatment rooms to gym space, UNTIL has facilities in all shapes and sizes available to book by the hour using credits. Our gym spaces are fully equipped with premium equipment and designed specifically for Personal Trainers, so you’re all set to help your clients reach their goals – whether that’s face-to-face or on a Zoom call.

Join our community and rent a room at UNTIL now.

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