Fitness options abound in today’s influencer-inspired world. But which option, private personal training studios or virtual personal training, fits your lifestyle the best? Learn how to pick and who benefits most from each option.

Ottawa Personal Training Is Changing
It’s official: virtual fitness is reshaping Canadian health. A 300% increase in participation in the last five years proves the positive interest Canadians have in improving their physical health!
However, this rise in virtual vigor hasn’t displaced private personal personal training studios as major players in Ottawa’s fitness landscape.
In fact, it’s only made them more relevant as a viable alternative or even core component of a hybrid approach to personal training in Ottawa.
The trainers Ottawa needs are those who can offer both virtual and in-person courses. That’s why, in this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of Ottawa personal training in a studio environment versus the virtual approach, so you can decide which fits you best.
In-Studio Training: Why Some Still Prefer the Traditional Approach
Private personal training studios in Ottawa have benefits, most of which are (literally) tangible.
The top four are:
– Real-Time Form Correction
Proper form is the bedrock of successful exercise. If you’re new to personal training or getting back in shape, working out in person with a REAL coach keeps you on the right track, minute to minute.
– Hands-On Motivation
It’s just easier to exercise with a partner. While virtual programs certainly do provide one (in a way), getting fit with an in-person personal trainer provides on-the-spot inspiration from someone who understands the best way to motivate you in the moment.
– Equipment Access
The best private personal training studios come with everything you’ll need to improve your muscular and cardiovascular health. You’ll gain confidence as you learn how the equipment works, and you won’t have to worry about storing it afterward.
– Fewer Distractions
Training virtually is very convenient, but can also be full of interruptions. REAL’s Ottawa personal training space delivers the peace and focus only private personal training studios can offer.
Ottawa personal training with REAL coaches is held in a clean, quiet, and trainer-led environment, which can benefit anyone, especially those who want high accountability or are recovering from injury.
Virtual Personal Training: Flexibility Meets Structure
Virtual personal training has several benefits. It could be the best choice if you’re looking for:
– Location Freedom
Your living room. A friend’s house. A hotel suite. When you train virtually, any of these can become your gym with the click of a button.
The ability to create your own personal fitness space anywhere you are can be liberating and empowering, and make working out more manageable for some.
– Lower Cost Per Session
Virtual workouts are inherently more cost-effective when you consider the added expenses of in-person attendance.
For example, you won’t have to gas up your vehicle or worry about parking fees. There’s also less pressure to spend your most valuable currency, your time, which can be eaten up by travel.
– An Easier Fit Into a Busy Schedule
We know how hectic life can get. Things can require your attention even in the middle of a workout. This isn’t a problem with REAL’s virtual training, where you can start, stop, and continue as required.
Our REAL personal trainers in Ottawa can coach via Zoom or custom apps with the same structure and professionalism we provide at our in-person studio. It’s ideal for remote workers, frequent travelers, and sufficiently self-motivated clients.
Comparing Private Studios and Virtual Options at a Glance
Ottawa personal training isn’t one-size-fits-all. People’s needs are diverse, and everyone has a personal schedule.
This means in-person, virtual, or hybrid fitness plans are all valid options.
Here’s a side-by-side summary of how these methods compare on key workout elements:
– Accountability
REAL in-person, virtual, and hybrid workouts all require equal levels of accountability on your fitness journey. However, virtual and hybrid approaches will demand more discipline to stick to your side of the bargain.
– Equipment Needs
If your current fitness level and future goals require particular gym equipment and real-time supervision, it’s best that you work out in our in-person studio with a REAL trainer. In other cases, our clients can train virtually with little to no equipment.
– Flexibility
REAL trainers work around your schedule regardless of whether you’re in our private personal training studio or exercising virtually. That being said, the most flexible option would be virtual, since its timing and spatial requirements are more versatile.
– Cost
Both our in-person and virtual introductory packages are set at the same price (five sessions for $99), but choosing virtual will eliminate travel expenses, saving you even more money on gas or public transport.
– Coaching Intensity
REAL’s Ottawa personal training plans don’t compromise on coaching intensity, no matter where or how you train. You’ll get the same level of motivation virtually or in person, and we’re always there to answer your fitness questions and provide feedback.
Remember: Any of these options are valid depending on your needs and lifestyle, and we can create a tailored exercise plan for you in every case.
How REAL’s Ottawa Personal Training Supports Multiple Workout Styles
REAL bridges the gap by offering both premium in-studio and structured virtual programs. Training with us starts with a personalized assessment, regardless of the exercise format.
In your free 30-minute consultation, we’ll discuss your health history, current activity level, and fitness goals, so we can create a personalized plan and schedule tailored to your needs.
And here’s another flexible fact: you can switch between in-studio and virtual formats as your needs require, so you never miss a beat.
The beauty of working with REAL is that whether you like your own space or prefer private personal training studios, the most important element is always present: we’re right beside you every step of the way.
Choosing What’s Right for You
REAL provides the trainers Ottawa needs, but how should we train you? Ask yourself some key questions:
“Do I need accountability to stay consistent?”
You’ll get it from REAL Personal Training in-person or virtually. However, the in-person studio is best if you need real-time encouragement.
“Do I prefer face-to-face interaction or flexibility?”
Private personal training studios provide fixed workout times and a location you must travel to. Both these factors can be beneficial for some, because they add structure to their schedule, a social element, and help them develop consistency.
Conversely, some thrive solo no matter where they are and enjoy the freedom of working out in their own space while sufficiently motivating themselves.
Still undecided? Let’s recap the pros and cons:
– Private personal training studios can be a more motivating, sociable, and accountable experience in a specialized space with equipment.
On the other hand, it’s more expensive in terms of travel and takes place in a shared environment, which can make some people feel socially anxious.
– Virtual training is cheaper and more versatile in terms of scheduling and workout space, and it’s even more private than our private studio.
However, it may be necessary to buy some equipment depending on your personal goals, and you have a greater responsibility to follow your exercise plan and manage distractions.
Ottawa personal training via the hybrid model (mixing studio with virtual) can help if you’re unsure. You can always favour one or the other as you progress.
Start Strong with the Right Support!
REAL’s friendly and focused experts are the trainers Ottawa is looking for, and we’re always ready to meet clients where they are.
We invite you to book a free consultation with us to explore both our in-studio and virtual options, and discover how our friendly coaches and flexible plans can help you realize your fitness goals!