A common question that coaches are asked is whether or not they should seek out Remote Coaching or In-Person Coaching. In truth, there are very compelling reasons why either could be more serviceable so it’s not a matter of if one is better than the other, per say. What needs to be determined is which is the best option for the athlete at any given point in time.

To make that determination there are a lot of things that an athlete should consider. Below we are going to talk about both the pros and cons of Remote Coaching vs. In-Person Coaching to help with making that decision.

Remote Coaching

With how the world has changed in recent years and with the internet becoming more and more a part of how we live every-day life, it’s no surprise that the fitness industry was eventually going to find a way to exploit its potential.

Remote Coaching, whether through email, excel/google sheets, or fitness apps like TrueCoach, has made quality fitness programming more accessible to the masses. For athletes looking to be competitive, this offers a huge advantage. No longer are you tied to the market of coaches available in your area and no longer do you have to pack up and move to be closer to a gym that can give you all those things. All you need is internet access and you can be connected to some of the best coaches in the world.

Even with the massive potential within the remote coaching space, in order to be successful, there are several things the athlete must be aware of.

1. They must be self-motivated.

2. They must be good communicators.

3. They must have general knowledge around fitness terms/language.

4. They must be clear on what their goals are.

For those unfamiliar with the Remote Coaching process, it’s important to understand that it’s reliant on a strong coach and athlete relationship. This begins with the initial consultation and continues through to the daily feedback, bi-weekly/monthly calls, etc. On both sides, you have to be honest and direct while remaining respectful. That can be tough especially when most of the communication comes via a form of text. Be ready to use clear and concise language and always remember to have a little bit of patience because oftentimes there will be some delay in feedback.

With all that said, Remote Coaching has massive upside. With access to top coaches around the world, you get the chance to receive incredible programming, detailed feedback on technique and progression, and the freedom to complete your program whenever you’d like. This is the perfect way to balance your gym life with everything that is going on outside. On top of that you have someone, in your corner, who is willing to make changes to reflect your schedule, lifestyle, injuries etc. which can become invaluable for those with families and other significant responsibilities outside the gym. I can’t overstate the value that Remote Coaching can bring to an athlete.

In-Person Coaching

The more traditional option of the two, In-Person Coaching is a tried and true way to deliver effective programming to an athlete. It allows for athletes to receive real-time feedback from their coach which allows them to make real-time changes. This, for some, will encourage faster progression through their program. This method also allows the coach to explain in more detail the nuanced elements to the session. Better understanding almost always leads to improved performance, so having that can have a profound impact on session results.

With all the time spent between coach and athlete it’s likely that rapport will develop faster and relationships will be stronger making communication so much easier. Come competition day, you always want the people in your corner who you are comfortable with and who you feel understand you, so having these connections can be very important.

Of course, with In-Person Coaching, it’s likely that you have to spend a bit more money and, like I mentioned previously, may be stuck with sub-par coaching in your area or even be asked to move. Scheduling also can become a bit more complicated because athletes and coaches will be working around each other's schedules. These things may or may not be an issue for some, and assuming that it isn’t, In-Person Coaching has a ton of upside.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s important to have a good understanding of yourself as an athlete and as a person. Once you’re clear on those things, know what your goal is and the type of learning style that best works for you. Remote Coaching requires strong communicators and self-motivated athletes. In-Person Coaching typically requires more money and scheduling can be tricky. Neither option is bad, but you’ll only succeed if you pay attention to your specific strengths and needs.

-Coach Chris Rudnick

Learn more about Conquer Athlete’s Individual Design program, the best remote CrossFit coaching & programming available.