In the virtual training space, there are a few principles, as I see it, that each coach should be adhering to in order to ensure their athlete(s) are getting the coaching experience they deserve.

So, below are my big four that every online personal program should be following:

1) Communication

Coaches should be communicating with their athletes at a minimum five days a week. This is a simple and highly effective stance to take. How simple is this: block out forty five minutes each day in your calendar as client feedback time - done. For coaches who provide less than this, then you are getting less of a product.

2) Face to face calls.

One of the best ways for coaches and athletes to be on the same page when they are working miles apart is to have monthly standing calls. These calls allow proper communication for check ins, insights, and follow ups on what went well, what didn’t, and where they are going next.

3) Individualized programming.

The virtual space is flooded, and in this crowded arena, there are a lot of cookie-cutter programs. Now, I am not totally against this. I'll admit, if you are looking to save dollars, you can 100% find a good program. There are even some programs out there that utilize AI to semi-personalize a program. However, if you are looking for a proper program built for you and if you want to reach your goals faster, then you absolutely should be on a personalized program - whether this is for aesthetics, health, or sport development. The more aligned the program is with you and your lifestyle, the faster your trajectory will be for success.

4) Principles over methods

Unfortunately, there are a lot of programs that are not principle-driven. These programs are run by methods and what current method the coach wants to use. Unfortunately, when a program is method-driven, the coach is basically throwing stuff at the wall and hoping that it will stick and create adaptation. The truest way to get results, and to make sure your path is one that is leading you correctly, is to have the program be guided by principles that are tried-and-true. A principle-driven program can adjust, pivot, and flex as the athlete needs, and the prescription will be one that is leading you down the right path.

If you want to learn more, check out Conquer Athlete’s personal programming. If you are unsure you are on the right path, send us a message, help@conquerathlete.com and see how our coaches guide our athletes the proper way.

-Jay