Oh no, not to take anything away from anyone.
Then why piss on such a thread w/a slap in the face? It's cool to have an opinion, yes, but when it's a non-sequitor as seen here, it leaves it to be questioned. Ah well, to each his own, you are entitled to your opinion of course, and I am actually glad you offered what you did. Simply because now you've prompted me to pump on-line training instruction!
On a serious note now that this has been brought up, it's ironic because people who fail time and time again w/local trainers make up the MAJORITY of my clientele. Go figure!! (Hence the reason people seek the Net for such types of virtual aides. Trust me, there are 1000's of people who do this)
So, it's exactly opposite of your situation, and it's pretty darn successful, but I'm guaging on-line trainer success by my own success, not by all of those who own/operate a training biz. It's a hot thing to do, yup, but it's really intricate in gathering a reputation/exposure to where you can live off of working virtually. Truly wonderful.
I do have training instruction, cover all exercises, I don't like bodyfat measurements but every TWO months as any sooner is just silly, and we utilize other measurement methods to guage progress. The only difference is that I cannot reach everyone to get a workout IN with them in person. Other than that, only format is the diff. However, most are intelligent enough to realize that as long as they follow the instruction from the trainer, it doesn't matter if the trainer says what to do over the phone, in person, via e-mail, IM, written letter, coke bottle out to sea, etc. As long as what you are doing works, it will work, regardless of the delivery method.
It's all in communication/reception/application, and it's the wave of the future, bet on that. I just jumped in far earlier than anyone else. Not to take anything away from anyone, of course.
Hey, like I said, we all have our opinions, and you know I'll give mine. There is a place for a local trainer, sure, if you can find one you like! If you can find someone locally who has a great rep, go for it! Simply do what you wish actually, as everyone will differ in decision making. If you cannot locate a good local trainer/instruction, there is absolutely nothing wrong in working virtually w/someone. I won't lie, it takes a special person to be able to apply on-line instruction, as many who work w/trainers in person need "hand holding" in the gym. Those who can bye-pass this and take control of THEIR bodies by learning about them, educating themselves, etc., so they don't HAVE to rely on local trainers, are far better of in the end anyhow. My goal is not to train people endlessly for months on end. I want to get them in, change them to how they wish to be, and give them the tools to manipulate their look at any time in the future, using very sound principles.
It's all in the message.
~SC~