How Online Coaching Is Different From Do It Yourself Apps?
I understand how this post could seem like a sell or advertising ploy; the truth is there are many great AI operating applications (apps) that will get you the results you’re looking for. In many cases, clients have done those “Abs in 30 days” or similar plans to only see themselves not sticking with the program anyway. For a beginner in fitness, these plans could already be too advanced; and for the experienced athlete, the program might not cut it.
While there are custom templates available. I would recommend you opt for them if you decide to go the do-it-yourself route. The reason is, these custom app options, (the good ones at least) take into consideration your exercise experience, weight, height, age, and desired outcome goals. The work put into building that sophisticated software is noteworthy and will help get you to your desired goal.
Absolutely, for some people, the custom build format apps will work superbly. I am very self-driven in that aspect and don’t need someone to stand over me to achieve my goals. Here’s the catch with that approach, I couldn’t see what I couldn’t see, and I didn’t know what I didn’t know. What to search? How to start, when to apply, what to implement? So far, and so on. All while the time keeps on slipping into the future, as Steve Miller coined in “Fly Like an Eagle”.
Luckily for me, I play professional sports and at my disposal are vast resources. Tons of years of trained professionals, and searching out the different bits of strength and conditioning. That alone is enough to understand the importance of a coach but most people already understand that fact and still opt to go the path of less resistance, when it comes to their health. Like myself, I’ll spend $500 to send my son to camp for three weeks, 100’s of dollars for my wife's fashion addictions, and give 100’s to charities, but when it comes to taking care of myself, I have this inner battle to go the cheap route. To only feel neglected in the end, then start the loop all over again.
A coach is there for us to make sure we are taken care of because it is easy for adults to act superhuman and muscle through life. A lot of times, this approach is necessary, but, not when the subject is your health. Your coach is there to help monitor your stress loads around your fitness routine to optimize your efforts and maximize your time. Or something as simple as making sure your eating according to your desired outcome, not in a parenting way. Whether to pull out the abundant resources within yourself.
How is coaching different from doing it yourself? Somewhat rhetorical because most people know, as stated before but sometimes justifying that commitment is another story. Like in sports, coaching lasts for a few seasons, my middle school coaches helped get me ready for high school sports. The high school coaches disciplined me for college while my college coaches prepared me for the pros. Pick the coach you need according to your goals and value yourself in your commitment.
Live life free and stay fit!
J’Nathan Bullock CSCS