It’s a New Year, and there’s never been a better time to pursue the new You.

Maybe you’ve set resolutions around saving money, getting certified to teach yoga, or finally taking that big family vacation.

Or maybe you’re like 20% of other Americans, and you’ve set goals around exercise and weight loss.

But before you buy an expensive gym membership or a year of personal training, listen up.

Online personal trainers are hot right now, and hiring one may mean the difference between keeping that resolution, or dropping it in a week’s time.

Read on to learn 5 reasons for hiring an online personal trainer, and the many benefits it has for the best version of your New Year self.

Reason #1: An Online Personal Trainer Stresses Function Over Form

Think of online personal training as a diet or lite option.

You’re still working with a real, live person, but this form of personal training tends to combine one-on-one guidance with pre-recorded videos and group exercises or messages.

In other words, it’s not all about you, and that’s ok!

In fact, you may find yourself making new friends with other people seeking instruction from the same trainer.

What matters isn’t the method or form of training, but that you see results, right?

Online personal training is like thinking outside the box. You’re still chasing the slim waist and nice triceps, but there’s so much less baggage involved when getting those results.

Reason #2: The Price is Right

Lower cost is one of the biggest reasons that an online personal trainer is a popular option these days.

An individual, in-person session with a trainer at a regular gym may set you back anywhere from $60 to $100.

And if you fall ill or you’re unable to make your session, chances are your trainer won’t refund the entire amount (since he or she blocked off their schedule in order to meet.)

Can you say “restrictive”?

But with an online personal trainer, you’re paying a fraction of this. In fact, online personal training sessions are often sold in packages (e.g. 3 sessions for $90.)

And if you have to cancel last minute, no harm, no foul. Since online sessions are made available to other clients, the trainer needs to be there anyway.

Think of all the other things you can use that cost savings on! Maybe a new bikini for your toned summertime tummy, or a new pair of running shoes if you finally decide to try a 5k.

Reason #3: Enough with the Micromanaging

Let’s face it: going to the gym while your trainer inspects and critiques every move can be intimidating — not to mention awkward.

Given the high hourly rate that clients pay for trainers at the gym, trainers often feel the need to stand and watch every single drop, lift, and pull.

Even if you’re not at an actual session with your trainer, attending the gym while they’re around can be uncomfortable. We’re only human, and we’re convinced they’re peeking at us from around the corner.

With an online personal trainer, you get more breathing room. Given the nature of digital interaction, there’s just no need to worry about the trainer watching your heart rate like a hawk or making sure your knees are at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

The benefit?

When there’s less focus on perfecting your moves, you can actually work harder. The freedom allows you to worry about things that really matter, like breathing through the burn on your fifteenth squat.

Reason #4: Convenience & Flexibility

Picture this: it’s January. You’re wearing your cute new gym shorts, but it’s four degrees outside and your legs are freezing.

You get into the car and drive through traffic to the gym, then nearly slip on a patch of ice while walking inside… only to realize the weight machine you need is taken.

Ugh.

The alternative?

You log in to your online personal training program when you want, where you want.

There’s no driving, no cold weather, and no need to put on cute (and expensive!) gym clothes.

With online personal training, the sessions and interactions are conducted via Skype, email, and social media apps. The only thing staring back at you is a computer screen – no judgemental gym-goers!

This means that an online personal trainer is a great option for travelers, busy parents, or night owls.

After all, a 5:30 p.m. training session at the gym is so 1990.

Reason #5: Get Answers Quick

With the more traditional form of personal training, your ability to ask questions and seek advice is limited to the scheduled appointments that you’ve made with your trainer at the gym.

If you think of a health-related question after your session on a Monday night, chances are you’ll need to wait until next Monday to ask it.

But with an online personal trainer, this window of communication opens up.

Many online trainers make themselves accessible through text messages or other communication apps, meaning you can get real-time answers to questions like, “why are my arms so sore?” and “when should I increase my weights?” Trainers can also answer food-related questions or do a quick supplement review.

Another perk? You have a built-in network with other clients who use your same trainer, so you can message one another via forums or social media to talk about questions or issues.

It’s like a built-in support squad!

Sign Up Today with an Online Personal Trainer

We’re only a few days into the New Year, and there’s plenty of time to start working toward your own health and weight-loss goals.

But don’t fall victim to the goal ditching that’s so common among us!

How to do that?

Don’t overlook the many benefits of hiring an online trainer. It’s an affordable, fun, and effective way to get into exercise and work toward the best possible version of yourself this year!

This year is your year — get in touch with an online personal trainer so you can stay on top of your resolutions and achieve the body you want.