E-mail trainers

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by lukamar

I, and maybe it's just me, couldn't be accountable to someone that said do one more rep or I'll , I'll, I'll send you an email virus...

youre passing judgement on a certain segment of trainers....what u should remember is that others pass judgement on ALL trainers, saying that they are ALL ripoffs and not needed etc and that people shouldnt need someone saying 'one more rep'.

So u, as a trainer, are passing judgement on another segment of trainers just as the general public passes judgement on all trainers.

What would u say to those who use online trainers and are quite happy with the arangement and the results??? are u going to ask them to give back the gains they have made because YOU dont approve??

as already stated, some people dont have the cash or the need for an in-person trainer. what if they live in the boonies? What if they use a home gym?

Some people dont need a hand holder..they just need a structure to follow.

[FitIron]

Originally Posted by abcreations

I wanted everyone's oppinion on e-mail trainers. That is a trainer that you converse with over the internet and sends you workouts.

Would you rather have a new workout sent to you every day or a whole week planned and sent at one time?

What would you do if your trainer didn't send you workouts regularly.

I have volunteered to workout with a trainer over the internet. I think it is great that he is willing to help me and work around my knee issues. The Big BUT... I got a workout on Wednesday, nothing on Thursday and them an e-mail this morning asking if I needed a workout for today. I did respond and said I did and he responded back that he would get it to me ASAP. I still have not recieved it and I workout first thing in the morning. (missed his workout and did my own)

I don't want to complain since it is free but I also feel that if he is going to add this to his regular business that he should get complete input. Being inconsistant doesn't help build your business.

Any thoughts?

Hello, and great question....I am an e-trainer.

It is sad that he is not responding to your request. It is also sad that he is sending you workouts daily.

You should have an entire routine layed out in advance.

My clients know weeks ahead of time what their workouts, supplementation, and eating plans are like.

I communicate with them by email, messenger and if needed by phone.

While you do not get the benefits or a one on one personal trainer ( i do that as well ) there is a level of accountablility that I hold my clients to.

I look at it from this perspective. If my clients are a success, then so am I.....

[lukamar]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

So u, as a trainer, are passing judgement on another segment of trainers just as the general public passes judgement on all trainers.

John, I've heard you complain 100 plus times about PT's. I said, I couldn't be accountable to someone this way. I'm sure there are people that can work with someone online or via email but that's not me or the way I operate.

I agree there are some people that don't need a hand holder and I sure hope my clients don't describe me that way and I doubt you could find one that would. As I already stated if someone is cash poor I work around that and I may be an exception there as well. I do this because I like it, not because I really need the money from it.

So, how do you have your dirt poor home gym user from the boonies follow your structure and how do you monitor it? What if they have high BP or any other major disease that my require close monitoring WHILE they work out? The answer is you cannot do that unless you are physically there.

You can write a workout program or a nutrition plan for someone, you can ask them how it's going but you sure can't monitor their condition as they work out unless you do something by web-cam.

Like all PT's are not crap, I'm sure all e-trainers are not crap either. IMO

[chodan9]

I have a coworker who has a home gym.
His wife signed up for an email trainer, she sent photo's, fitness goals, current diet and training routine.
The trainer "also a competitive fitness model" sent her a complete diet plan and workout tailored to her needs, she met and exceedd all of her goals on that plan, she updated her trainer weekly with emails and pics and the trainer sent modification to her training and diet as she went along. Her husband who has been lifting for years helped her on her excercise form.
I would have been skeptical to but if the student is willing to put in the work and the channels of communication are good then good results will follow.
It worked great for her.

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by lukamar

John, I've heard you complain 100 plus times about PT's.

thats because I am an extremely honest and straightforward person and thats sort of my whole point....email trainers r no better or worse than trainers in general.

if one says 90% of email trainers suck, then it also follows that basically 89% of ALL trainers suck, whether they are there in person or not. (pretty sure we could agree that a great email trainer is better than the typical sucky average "in person" clueless gym trainer)

The thing is...a person who signs up for online training KNOWS what they are getting. They pretty much know they are not getting the same thing as an in-person trainer. Why others cant see that is beyond me.

cest la vie

[CYLON RAIDER]

I've done some consulting by e mail and would again. Good for experienced trainees who know the exercises. But working 1 on 1 is always easier, more effective of course.

I also would e mail them a week's worth of training then cover any Q & A's as needed.

[lukamar]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

(pretty sure we could agree that a great email trainer is better than the typical sucky average "in person" clueless gym trainer)

I'll agree with you there... but you forgot to add something, "typical sucky average "in person" clueless gym trainer" with a canned program.

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by lukamar

I'll agree with you there... but you forgot to add something, "typical sucky average "in person" clueless gym trainer" with a canned program.

well again...its tit for tat. some in person trainers use canned programs...some email trainers do also. What the diff???

personally I custom design every program I am involved with though id save a TON of time by handing out canned stuff. (and for total newbs it would probably be fine)

but like I say, it cuts both ways, BOTH email trainers and in person trainers can be accused of the same ills. I see in-gym trainers all the time using the SAME program on every client they have

[oldsuperman]

Originally Posted by ServoScanMan

I don't see how the trainer can correct you if you are doing something wrong. I think it takes a good set of eyes and experience to really help someone. Besides, I would think there would be a delay in response time using an email based system. Well....you asked.

They can't! That's obvious. I do believe most people need a "hands on" trainer, yet, I know of many amazing BBer's that don't. I think kimsquit, Chris trains himself and I'm not gonna argue with him that he's doing it wrong or can't do it on his own, cause he's proved he can!

Originally Posted by namtrag

It's called lack of cash in large piles.

Originally Posted by John Prophet

youre passing judgement on a certain segment of trainers....what u should remember is that others pass judgement on ALL trainers, saying that they are ALL ripoffs and not needed etc and that people shouldnt need someone saying 'one more rep'.

So u, as a trainer, are passing judgement on another segment of trainers just as the general public passes judgement on all trainers.

What would u say to those who use online trainers and are quite happy with the arangement and the results??? are u going to ask them to give back the gains they have made because YOU dont approve??

as already stated, some people dont have the cash or the need for an in-person trainer. what if they live in the boonies? What if they use a home gym?

Some people dont need a hand holder..they just need a structure to follow.

I like what ^^^ have to say and are succinct.

I know personally some online trainers, and my conditioning coach, Sean, is a very successful BBer, Conditioning trainer/coach. He also does online training. I use him as my conditioning coach, and also use a personal trainer Brandon. Sean is leaving me in May to finish his Doctorate degree in anesthesiology in TX and we will continue our contract via email. He is thorough, demanding, articulate and caring. He is also costly. Not outrageously costly, yet, you pay for what you get. Just make sure you know what you are getting.

SOOOOoooo... What do I think of online trainers?

1:The same thing I think about all you "hands on trainer." Some of you SUCK!

2:Some of you are OK.....

3:Some of you are good enough...

4:Some of you great!

5:And a very few of you are unbelievably amazingly gifted!

I have three of em in category 5! A Personal trainer, a conditioning coach, and a posing coach.

[lukamar]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

I see in-gym trainers all the time using the SAME program on every client they have

I do as well and it's always makes me think they are lazy or need another profession.

I custom design a different program for every client as every client is different but it sure would be a lot less work to hand out canned ones and collect the same $.

[John Prophet]

reminds me of an "e-fight" I got into once. I wont go into all the details...but basically the person was calling me an "internet guru wannabe" etc and saying that all etrainers r ripoff artists out to make a buck etc. Funny, now that same person is selling stuff on his website whereas I dont even advertise etraining anymore.

I told people that obviously this person was just accusing me of what he really was doing and that he was just trying to establish his position by casting doubt on others abilities etc. Seems I was exactly correct

[lukamar]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

Seems I was exactly correct

Ooh Ooh John.... I have an idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!










e-Massages.

I think it could be big, they could lay on their stomach with the e-massage message on their back. Millions I tell ya, we could make millions.... OR sit down for this E-Sex I have a feeling it would evwen be bigger...LOL

[John Prophet]

u needed that idea maybe 20 years ago....u would have been super rich by now, hehe

[lukamar]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

u needed that idea maybe 20 years ago....

I knew I was slow but I didn't think I was that slow..

[BePrecise]

Originally Posted by abcreations

I don't want to complain since it is free but I also feel that if he is going to add this to his regular business that he should get complete input. Being inconsistant doesn't help build your business.

Any thoughts?

Perhaps because things were free, he didn't give his all in taking care of you. Maybe he failed to realize that although you weren't a paying customer, you were still very serious and had expectations. I think if he sees that you aren't playing around, perhaps he will be more consistent. If not, it probably would be better if you don't give him an endorsement as he'll be the same way with paying clients.

[BePrecise]

Originally Posted by gbg

I'm glad it works for you
Do you mind sharing how much a trainer charges for on line services?

This thread attracted me because just today, a friend asked if I could write a workout plan for him. Now we've trained together a few times and he knows his way around the gym and I'm no longer in the fitness field, but I'd actually rather charge him than actually "think for free". I've run into this a few times as it amazes me that people would rather have me just give them something (they all think I just make something off the top of my head-but yet they seek my expertise?) that they lose and never use.

So while I agree with the hands-on approach, I'm really tempted to just give the people what they want and do something that fits my lifestyle at this point. It's definitely something I'm giving some thought to and the opposite of the original post; just because I did something for free doesn't mean I don't expect you to use it.

[CTigers108]

figured I'd ask here instead of posting a new thread, but would any of the e-trainers in this thread be interested in helping me out? I'm looking to bulk or just add mass. I don't know where to start with routine, diet, supps, etc.

[lukamar]

Originally Posted by CTigers108

I don't know where to start with routine, diet, supps, etc.

You could start by PMing the only e-trainer in the thread.

If you are a total new person to this it may be to your advantage to hire a decent trainer, at least in the beginning, and have him work with you in person as you will need to learn proper form etc. There is a lot more to personal Training than sending out a program and a nutrition plan. IMHO

[dartol]

Originally Posted by CTigers108

figured I'd ask here instead of posting a new thread, but would any of the e-trainers in this thread be interested in helping me out? I'm looking to bulk or just add mass. I don't know where to start with routine, diet, supps, etc.

Just keep reading BB.com, that is my E-trainer!

Team Scivation is offering free e-training, read here: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=106268001

I signed up, but I have not sent the questionaire back... not sure I am going to go that route. I am more of a do-it-yourself kinda guy. I have learned a ton from this site but the #1 best lesson for me was... go buy a copy of Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe!

Darren

[iman55]

per. training & hiring a trainer over internet r 2 different things. most people who hire internet trainers know or think they know how to train & r just looking 4 info, so to be pushed,see progress, p.t. is the way

[gbg]

Honestly I think Internet training is ridiculous you hire a trainer to push you past your limits if your looking for information this is 2008 the Internet has everything you need when I started out I read books or mag's and watched people train to learn. I would never call myself a personal trainer if I "trained" over the Internet
it just plain makes no sense just a way to earn a buck.

[CardioGrl]

Not only have I trained via the internet, I've provided nutritional advice and helped several people achieve their goal weight and drop BF%.

I communicate with the people that I train not only via email but by phone as well. So if there is ever an internet down issue, they always have a number where they can reach me.

One woman lost 42lbs.
The other woman lost 20lbs and dropped 4%BF.

Both are under doctor's supervision, and provide a daily food log to me.
I send their programs once a week on a Sunday.

When I go away on vacation that takes me outside the US, it's the only time when I am not available for phone consultation/inquiries.

-M

[gbg]

I'm just old school I will always feel the only way to personal train someone is in person hands on in your face. Glad you could help someone.

[asmolenski]

I use the same conditioning coach as Ed and Mike - Sean Calder. He is amazing and there is no one who lives close to me who even comes close to him. As a matter of fact I live in SC, Mike is in VA and Sean is in WA and as Ed already said he is moving to TX soon. I can reach him whenever I want by email, text, phone etc. He is helping me with my diet and weight/cardio program and he introduced me to alot of supplements that I would have never considered if it werent for him. He is very clinical when it comes to his recomendations and he bases his beliefs on his own success and experience as well as the scientific literature. He is not a "trainer" for me b/c he is not in the gym when I workout - I'd rather have a workout partner anyways so we could push each other - I am still looking.

I have been with Sean for 8 weeks now and here is my progress so far (the first analysis was a hydro test and the second a dexascan):

Jan 30, 2008 203.0 Lbs 18.8% 38.2 Lbs Fat 164.8 Lbs Lean Mass
Apr 03, 2008 196.7 Lbs 14.4% 28.3 Lbs Fat 168.4 Lbs Lean Mass

So I have lost 9.9 Lbs fat, gained 3.6 Lbs lean mass and dropped 4.4% body fat.

I have another 9.6 Lbs fat to drop to reach my 10% short term goal and at the above fat loss rate of 1.4 Lbs a week I should be there in another 7 weeks. Sean said that he is gonna change things up after that and have me put on some lean mass over the Summer before he gets me down to 4% for my Contest on Oct 4. If I didnt have Sean coaching me I would be clueless about this whole contest preparation. I am convinced everyone can benefit from a good conditioning coach and its kind of funny but all the "personal trainers" at my gym keep asking me what Sean is telling me to do lol!

[gbg]

I would think he is a nutritional counselor now that I can understand, could use one of those myself.

[asmolenski]

Originally Posted by gbg

I would think he is a nutritional counselor now that I can understand, could use one of those myself.

Without a doubt his biggest help to me so far has been nutrition but he is also telling me what exercises to do and how he wants me to do them etc and he is already giving me advice about posing, routines etc. I send him the pics that I post here on bodyspace and he critiques me - for example he changed my program recently b/c he said my posterior and lateral delts were an "obvious weak area" on my back pose - I like that he is honest with me and he has very high standards.

Here is a link to his site if anyone wants to check him out:

http://www.seancalderpersonaltraining.com/

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by gbg

it just plain makes no sense just a way to earn a buck.

well, mark me down as "out for a buck" then. (even though I currently am not helping anyone online besides the hours I donate freely to bb.com)

one guy I was helping was in college for accounting. for a very nominal fee I layed out routines for him etc and he also asked me about diet, supps etc.

He later told me something like "I have never been bigger".

Now, dude COULD have spent hundreds of hours wading thru conflicting info and bs and hype and off topic threads to put together his own routine. But why do that when he could simply pay me for my 20+ years of experience?

So yeah, I guess I ripped him off big time...for what an average teen spends on supps for a month this guy got routines and advice and encouragement that helped him reach his all time biggest size.

-------

and really, the same can be said for almost anything one pays for. Why pay a mechanic?? hell, get u a tool set and a manual and fix it your damn self.

why pay a dentist??? clean em yourself

pet grooming??? wtf?

why buy food?? grow it yourself

pay for a lap dance?? buy u a blow up doll

mail a letter??? hell no...get on your bicycle and hand deliver it

---------------------



whats even funnier is people who are either trainers themselves or have used trainers in the gym and they are balking at online trainers. I guess I struggle to understand the diffference. All of the same accusations could be leveled against gym trainers. Why do people even neeed gym trainers????? if it was as easy as "read the internet idiot" then everyone would already be in shape.

[gbg]

Like I said... I believe personal trainers should be there in person that is my belief system and nothing will change it. I can clearly see getting nutritional advice over the Internet that is very convenient and makes sense but to physically train someone on line makes no sense.

[gbg]

Originally Posted by asmolenski

Without a doubt his biggest help to me so far has been nutrition but he is also telling me what exercises to do and how he wants me to do them etc and he is already giving me advice about posing, routines etc. I send him the pics that I post here on bodyspace and he critiques me - for example he changed my program recently b/c he said my posterior and lateral delts were an "obvious weak area" on my back pose - I like that he is honest with me and he has very high standards.

Here is a link to his site if anyone wants to check him out:

http://www.seancalderpersonaltraining.com/

Thanks for the link looks like he knows his stuff. I would like to get some nutritional info. so I registered but it said waiting for approval of staff and nothing happened.

[asmolenski]

Originally Posted by gbg

Thanks for the link looks like he knows his stuff. I would like to get some nutritional info. so I registered but it said waiting for approval of staff and nothing happened.

Give him some time - he checks the site usually once a day. If you dont have access by tomorrow then send him an email - i believe his email is on the site.