Achieving Fitness Goals: My Surprising Journey with Online Coaching
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I was anxious about spending my hard-earned money, and I understand if you feel the same way.
In today's world filled with dubious fitness gurus, choosing the right guide can be overwhelming.
A close friend of mine, AJ Ellison, a three-time world body fitness champion, often reminded me, “Fitness reflects life; your external appearance is a direct result of your efforts. Results are always truthful.”
When seeking an “expert” in areas that may not be your forte, like fitness—something I struggled with—it's beneficial to look at their outcomes.
It might seem superficial, but if your trainer resembles a potato (like I once did), or if the person advising you isn't in shape themselves, they may not be the right fit.
I expect some backlash for this opinion, but it rings true.
Having previously fallen for a pyramid scheme and spent a fortune attending Robber Kiyosaki’s seminars, I've become critical of investing in education and mentorship.
It’s disheartening to see someone with a stable corporate job preach about self-employment and “owning your destiny,” while they profit from your investment.
There is a rightful place for mentorship and coaching when approached correctly by credible individuals.
I once watched a video from renowned entrepreneur Garyvee, where he stated, “Fitness isn’t my strength, but I’ve found accountability to someone else is key; someone I don’t want to let down.”
That struck a chord with me—I realized I was in the same boat.
My fitness and diet were erratic because I lacked that external accountability.
Most of my gym visits were solo, without anyone focused on fitness by my side. I never tracked my progress or had a set gym schedule.
I had no strategy at all.
That changed when I committed to accountability and made a financial investment.
The most significant turning point in my fitness journey was having an online coach keeping a close eye on my progress.
Some of what I learned may surprise you.
Author's Note: Below are non-affiliate links. My friend Chris, now a full-time online trainer, is the mastermind behind the program I enrolled in.
Embrace Your Superficial Side
The saying “success leaves clues” is worth noting.
When seeking assistance, look for tangible results. The appearance of the person you’re considering for guidance is a starting point. I know it sounds shallow.
While I acknowledge that some trainers may not fit a conventional mold due to genetics, you are investing in someone for results.
They must practice what they preach; otherwise, it’s merely theory.
Here are my criteria and what you might want to consider too (certification is the bare minimum):
- Is the person you’re hiring in good shape? Are they following their own advice?
- Does their lifestyle align with yours? For instance, if you have children and they don’t, they may struggle to relate to your situation.
- Have they demonstrated a history of helping people achieve substantial results that you aspire to?
Above all, consider this:
- Do you like the person and their presentation style in videos or during conversations?
It may sound insignificant, but liking someone is crucial; you’ll strive not to disappoint them.
As Gary mentioned, you should feel motivated to impress them.
Once the process begins, you’ll crave those dopamine boosts as you see the weight drop.
From my experience, as the momentum builds, so does your commitment to your fitness journey.
Effective Technology as Your Guide
The right technology can also hold you accountable, which can be beneficial.
I spent $40 per in-person gym session three times a week for three months before realizing my budget couldn’t accommodate that.
Plus, nutrition was never discussed—hilarious, right?
Finding an online coach who leverages technology can help you cover all bases and keep you accountable.
Both of you will track various metrics, including:
- Daily water intake
- Daily weight logs
- Monthly progress photos
- Step counts via your phone
- Weekly body measurements
- Food scanning for macros and calories
Let’s take a quick look at the Trainerize app dashboard.
Chris creatively overlays his face on the screen and walks me through each section weekly, fine-tuning my plan (I opted out of daily check-ins).
One of the many insights I gained was the importance of meticulous tracking.
For breakfast, I typically enjoyed peanut butter on toast.
Initially, I estimated the amount I spread on, but Chris would ask, “Bud, peanut butter is high in calories. How are you measuring it?”
I’d say, “I’m eyeballing it,” and he’d chuckle.
Now, I weigh everything, and that’s just one of the many strategies that keep me on track.
It’s akin to having an engineer fix your airplane while you fly it.
Commitment Fuels Your Progress
I didn’t expect to spend as much as I did initially; it was a major hurdle for me.
During my time pyramid selling for Kleeneze, I was exposed to Jim Rohn, whose teachings I still appreciate.
I can recite his four-hour self-development speech from a YouTube video in Dallas by heart.
He mentioned, “Free is easy — I used to belong to the 90% who wouldn’t bother even when it was free. Free is easy — that’s why no one uses their library card despite having the world’s wisdom at their fingertips.”
You can take Jim’s words to heart.
Reflecting on my fitness journey, that investment kept me focused when I felt tempted to revert to old habits.
Part of my commitment to the program meant sticking around for at least three months, so there was no backing out.
There were moments I considered slipping back into my destructive routines.
Then, I’d get that gentle reminder from my monthly direct debit leaving my account, nudging me to make the most of my investment.
This mindset shift is something people seldom discuss.
Online Training Apps Boost Your Motivation
This time, the dopamine boost serves a positive purpose.
Research indicates that fitness apps can create a dopamine loop, which we often criticize when mindlessly scrolling through social media.
However, when you complete a workout and receive applause and badges from a fitness app, it’s a subtle but rewarding benefit of online programs.
Check out my latest achievements:
> Research shows that “Smartphone app settings mimic the ‘dopamine reward system’ when tailored for motivation, and even simple rewards (like digital badges) can enhance motivation.”
Integrating this with workouts stimulates motivation and boosts dopamine levels.
It’s far more effective than aimlessly wandering into the gym without a clear plan.
The Need for Guidance Through Setbacks
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I needed someone to help me navigate through setbacks.
Transitioning from unhealthy habits to finding balance is a significant skill to develop.
My weakness has always been binge drinking on weekends, followed by indulging in greasy takeout.
With guidance, I found it to be like therapy because my instinct was to criticize myself harshly.
Here’s a snapshot of one of my weekends out with friends.
My new coach, Chris, said, “Jay, enjoy your drinks, but track everything.”
So, I indulged and kept track of my intake.
I consumed nearly 4,000 calories on a Saturday (not ideal for weight loss, of course).
What shocked me was realizing how much I spent on weekends.
Between drinks and takeout, it amounted to double what I paid for my online trainer each month.
The cost of “drinks with friends” was one thing, but confronting my binge drinking was an eye-opener.
Seeing my habits reflected back at me through Chris’s feedback made me realize how much I was consuming without awareness.
One unforeseen outcome was that I nearly broke even on the cost of the program as I reduced my drinking.
If you’d like to delve deeper into my journey, here are two articles to explore:
1. Tiny Steps to Enormous Progress
2. How I Transformed from Clinically Obese to a Dedicated Athlete
Final Thoughts
At 37, I’ve always aspired to be fit and have abs.
Now, I’ve achieved that, thanks to the accountability I gained from an expert.
Seeking help is paramount when aiming for effective results.
It’s unparalleled.
I spent $58 for each pound lost, but I acquired lifelong strategies to apply.
The difference between my past self—an overweight office worker blaming my metabolism—and my current state is profound.
Before finding direction and accountability, my journey was a chaotic cycle of poor eating, intense training, and giving up within days.
If you’ve struggled with consistency in your fitness journey, I highly recommend finding an online trainer.
Choose someone you connect with.
Investing in someone who provides value, holds you accountable, and with whom you enjoy working was my key to success.
This could also be your breakthrough.