In recent years, Moroccans have undergone a profound transformation in their attitudes towards fitness. An increasing number of individuals are now recognizing the significance of maintaining a consistent exercise regimen and adhering to a nutritious diet for a healthier lifestyle.
This shift can be ascribed to a confluence of factors, including improved access to information through the internet and social media, heightened awareness of the manifold benefits of exercise, and a growing focus on self-care and personal development. Additionally, the growth of internet-driven technology has made a variety of fitness resources accessible online. Users are accessing services such as weight management, exercise regimens, parenting tips, work-life balance guidelines, general well-being advice, and even smoking quitting programs.
Before such online services became accessible, attending a gym and working with a personal trainer in person was the norm. However, this practice is gradually being supplanted by the burgeoning popularity of online fitness platforms, which offer personalized training plans, on-demand coaching, and a supportive virtual community, all one click away.
Online fitness coaching operates as a medium of personal training via digital platforms. Referred to as virtual fitness coaching or remote personal training, this approach entails tailored fitness instruction, personalized training routines, and individualized dietary recommendations. Clients enjoy the convenience of interacting with their dedicated fitness coaches virtually, through video calls, messaging applications, emails, or specialized fitness platforms.
Saber Boukhari, a reputable fitness coach, shared insights with Barlamane Today during an exclusive interview.
Boukhari’s primary mission as a coach revolves around the development of customized nutrition and exercise/training programs, designed to enhance the overall health of his clientele. His approach encompasses monitoring and a number of follow-ups, comprising real-time video sessions to facilitate clients’ workouts. He also provides clients with the option of self-paced program execution, providing them the freedom to undertake exercises at their preferred pace, punctuated by regular daily, weekly, or monthly check-ins.
When questioned about the financial aspects of online coaching, Boukhari outlined how online coaches make more than their in-person counterparts. The success of an online coach hinges on several factors, including how many clients they coach, the quality of their coaching services, and, as is common in social media, the cultivation of a dedicated fan base.
Boukhari also stressed the significance of a strong foundation in nutrition science, ascertaining coaches must possess a deep understanding of the human body and nutrition science. Additionally, he emphasized that coaches must be aware and informed as to the underlying health challenges faced by each client – this allows them to tailor their health coaching to each particular client’s situation and “achieve optimal results.” Furthermore, Boukhari highlighted the importance of good interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere in workout sessions or online meetings. He sees it as imperative to fostering the clients’ mental and emotional well-being throughout their fitness journey.
According to Boukhari, the process of designing personalized meal plans hinges on the thorough analysis of comprehensive client information, including key variables such as sex, age, weight, height, and lifestyle. This data facilitates precise calculations to determine each client’s distinct energy, carbohydrate, and protein requirements, enabling the provision of bespoke meals tailored to their individual characteristics and cultural inclinations.
Boukhari insists that the secret to sustaining client motivation lies in eliciting periodic progress pictures which might cue to subtle day-to-day or week-to-week changes. Tangible evidence of progress gives a sense of encouragement and positive feedback.
Boukhari acknowledged, however, that he and other coaches still face challenges in earning the trust of clients. When faced with clients who struggle to lose weight or reach their other fitness goals, despite changes in body shape, Boukhari discussed how coaches must employ exemplary communication skills to elucidate the physiological intricacies involved, and to persuade clients to remain committed to the program.
Boukhari also highlighted the necessity for coaches to continually update and enhance their knowledge in nutrition science and training programs. He personally keeps up-to-date by reading scientific articles and journals regularly. He drew a contrast between health coaches and nutritionists, in that nutritionists adopt a more academic or medical perspective, often specializing in specific patient groups, such as those in hospitals or sports teams. In contrast, according to Boukhar, online coaches like himself operate with a broader clientele, availing themselves to all.
Boukhari also sees himself and his fellow online coaches differing from nutritionists in that nutritionists often prescribe standardized meal plans to diverse individuals, regardless of their unique differences. He believes that these uniform plans may, at times, adopt a more “medical” approach, potentially misaligning with the specific needs of the individual. Contrarily, he asserts that online coaches deploy a comprehensive understanding of human psychology, sociology, and cultural nuances, and therefore, he claims, provide more effective services to their clients.
Boukhari concluded by outlining what makes a remarkable online coach: an enduring passion for coaching, coupled with an encompassing knowledge of human psychology, sociology, and cultural dynamics.