Many fitness trainers offer online personal training, in addition to training sessions in-person. For the trainers, the Internet offers a great opportunity to tap an unlimited supply of potential clients. For you, the Internet may provide access to a personal trainer for less money than traditional personal training fees.

A More Cost-effective Option

Some people can't afford the high cost of working with a personal trainer, and some just feel that the cost is too high. An October 2000 article in US News and World Report stated that trainers are now charging $40 to $250 for a one-hour session. While a survey of 439 trainers, conducted by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)., determined that the average personal training fee in the US is $54.41 per hour.

People who cannot afford a trainer can work with an online trainer for a fraction of the cost. A survey of three companies offering online training shows that the monthly cost for online services ranges from free to $29.95, a far cry from the high cost of one-on-one training!

Cheaper and More Convenient—But Less Personalized

With most online training programs, the trainer does not actually meet a client in-person to assess his or her physical abilities and training needs. One online training program, Asimba Trainer Pro (ATP), however, recommends that you actually meet with a trainer for the initial evaluation and one to two sessions before starting their online program.

A website that offers exercises through a video, photo, or descriptive format will not replace the personal trainer who is watching you perform the exercises, spotting you when necessary, and correcting errors in your form.

Teaming Up With the Pros

Internet health and fitness sites have teamed up with certifying agencies in the fitness industry. Two of the better known certification agencies are the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

The ACSM is affiliated with Reebok University in Canton, Massachusetts and Plus One of New York, two companies that have developed high-end online training programs. The NSCA has a strategic alliance with Asimba of Redwood City, California, which was previously voted best fitness site by PC Magazine and U.S. News and World Report .

Is It Worth a Try?

Online training is a cost-effective option for people in search of a personal trainer. It has the potential to be effective, especially if you meet with a trainer for an initial assessment followed by some one-on-one training prior to sitting down and turning on your computer.