With more people taking an active approach to caring for themselves and preventing health issues, it probably comes as no surprise that the health and fitness industry is booming right now. One of the most convenient and effective ways to become healthier and to lose weight is through online fitness coaching. Like everything in life, it’s important to be sure that the program that you choose is one that aligns with your beliefs and lifestyle, and one that has a proven track record in terms of successful client results. Let’s dive into some of the benefits (and some things to watch out for) when working with a weight loss coach.  

Support and Encouragement

I’ll be honest – losing weight and becoming healthier can feel hard, especially when you feel alone on the journey. After all, if it were easy to do on your own, then everyone would be fit and healthy, right? 🤪 When you work with a certified online weight loss coach, you’ll receive the unbiased support and encouragement you need to celebrate the small wins along the way, and to talk through roadblocks and challenges that have prevented you from successfully losing weight in the past. Let’s be real – chances are that if you try to receive support and encouragement from your family and friends, you’re going to hear about 1000 different pieces of conflicting advice. Having a trusted online fitness coach who not only cares about your results but who is also educated and experienced in the safest ways to lose weight without restriction is a game-changer for many of us. 

Accountability

The science behind losing weight is actually pretty darn simple. In order to successfully lose weight, you need to eat healthier foods (most of the time) and move your body so that you create a calorie deficit. Here’s the hard part – doing it consistently over time, especially when you don’t feel motivated or when you’re not patient enough to see results! The best online fitness coaches provide accountability to help you stay on track, no matter what curveballs might throw your way.

Personally, I am a runner who loves running marathons and half-marathons. Running by itself is an incredibly simple action. I put on my running shoes, go outside, and repeatedly put one foot in front of the other foot. When I’m training for a race, I ALWAYS work with a running coach! Can you guess why? It all comes down to accountability! I am SO much more likely to show up for myself and prioritize my runs when I know someone else is receiving the data from them. Chances are, you’re not much different than I am. 😉 You’re much more likely to exercise and make healthy food choices that are in line with your goals if someone is watching what you eat and how you move your body. 

Customized Movement Plans

The best online fitness coaching programs understand that the best exercise for you is the one you’re going to do consistently for the rest of your life. I love running, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best workout for YOU. The best online fitness coaches will work with you to create a movement routine that you enjoy doing and that fits into your busy life. Whether it’s walking your dog or doing strength training workouts, or taking an indoor cycling class, moving in a way that feels best to you is the key to long-term success. At Strong with Sarah, we offer the option to add on customized strength workouts that are curated by Coach Victoria, who is a certified Strength and Conditioning coach and has her PhD in health and human performance. These workouts are personalized to your body, your goals, your preferences, and the workout equipment you have available.

Personalized Nutrition Guidance

With the new emergence of weight loss medications, you may be tempted to try using an online medical weight loss program to reach your goals. I believe these drugs are extremely beneficial for those who qualify (meaning those who struggle with clinical obesity or those with Type 2 Diabetes.) However, for many people, online fitness coaching can help them lose weight without needing extra medication (or dealing with the extra side effects of the medications). 

In a similar way to movement, the best nutrition plan for you is one that works for your dietary preferences and lifestyle and that leads to weight loss. If you can’t stand the texture of meat, then choosing a high protein/high-fat nutrition plan that includes consuming animal products probably won’t work for you long-term. Or, if you’re someone who loves desserts like I do, then choosing a nutrition plan that completely eliminates desserts will feel miserable and again, won’t be sustainable. The best online fitness coaches will work with you to create a program that promotes eating nutritious foods that you enjoy most of the time, while still leaving room for “fun” foods and drinks. 
At Strong with Sarah, our team of personal weight loss coaches blends all of these components into our comprehensive weight loss programs. From providing support and accountability via text messaging and coaching calls, to creating a customized and sustainable nutrition plan, we are your go-to girls when it comes to weight loss coaching!