Telehealth is here to stay: a client interview
Telehealth and virtual training over platforms like Zoom have proven to be more than just a temporary solution; they are here to stay. The convenience and accessibility offered by remote health services make them particularly beneficial for individuals who travel frequently. Virtual sessions eliminate geographical barriers, allowing people on the move to access personalized training or healthcare guidance seamlessly. Here's how one of our trainers works remotely with his client.
December 7, 2023 | Carter Bushway, CPT
Telehealth and virtual training over platforms like Zoom have proven to be more than just a temporary solution; they are here to stay. The convenience and accessibility offered by remote health services make them particularly beneficial for individuals who travel frequently. Virtual sessions eliminate geographical barriers, allowing people on the move to access personalized training or healthcare guidance seamlessly. This shift not only accommodates the demands of a mobile lifestyle, but also underscores the enduring value of remote health services in providing flexibility and continuity for individuals on the go.
A great example of a client of mine who primarily works with me remotely is Tara N., who we interviewed for this article. Tara has been a phenomenally dedicated client that has been with me for the last three years. She started with me in person as a client coming off of physical therapy with Todd Wilkowski. She's always looking for challenges, but knows her own limitations and what is smart for her to do. To be able to work with someone who not only wants to push herself, but is also smart about how she goes about it and really cares about the how and why of what we are doing every session, it’s been such a privilege for me.
At first, coming out of physical therapy with Todd for a meniscectomy, we initially focused on regaining strength in her legs and stability in her knees to hopefully eventually return to playing tennis. This resulted in a lot of accessory work, focusing on her glutes and inner hip muscles to stabilize gross movement, as well as heavier compound lifts such as squats and deadlifts. As she went to grad school, and then later moved across the country for a job, I shifted programming her workouts that would prepare her for other activities, like volleyball and hiking.
When she moved for grad school, we shifted to all Zoom, with her coming back for evaluations and check-ins during her breaks. Now that she lives across the country, we are basically 99% Zoom, and whenever she comes back to the area to visit family, she stops in and has a session with me, which always warms my heart. We've always been open and honest about what she can do with her schedule, and we've always found a way to make things work.
I think that one of the reasons Tara is doing so well is because she has a great support system around her. Even though she moved locations, she still had her support system with them no matter where they go. I am always a text, phone call, or Zoom call away, and if she ever needs any help, guidance, support, or confidence boost, I'm there for her. Training is tough, anybody who tells you otherwise is selling you something. So, for anyone looking to train virtually, continuing to have their support system to help them do the tough stuff makes all the difference.
Technology is here to stay, and it's up to us to make the most of it.
Our interview with personal training client, Tara N.
- How did you first join Performance?
I first joined Performance when I was about 14 years old. I had sustained an injury while I was rowing in high school and shortly after, was recommended to visit Todd. Fast forward a decade or so, I ended up tearing my meniscus in graduate school and came in for physical therapy and got set up with Carter! - What has your recent training experience been like?
Carter is genuinely the best. I am a relatively reserved person when working out; all I want is to be worked hard, and for someone to push me when I need to be pushed. Carter did exactly that and more. When I would feel low and not comfortable in my body, or unhappy with my post-surgery recovery progress, Carter would always be quick with encouragement, and a kind word. He truly understands his clients and is not only an amazing trainer, but a friend as well. - What are your goals?
Funnily enough the very first goal was to just walk comfortably and without pain again. The second goal was to be able to do one pushup! But my serious, overarching goal was to just feel strong, to not have any pain, and to become a better athlete by working on my full body conditioning. I am happy to say that I'm good on goals 1 and 2, and am very happy with my progress on 3. - Now that you are training virtually, do you miss coming to your workouts in person?
Personally, I do love being in person. However, I moved out west for a new job, and being virtual has allowed me not only to stay connected to Performance, but has also allowed me to continue working with Carter! While I do miss coming in and the routine of going to a physical location, I have found that remote working gets rid of any of my excuses to workout and instead has allowed me to really flourish in my space. - How did training virtually impact or improve your journey or your goals?
Initially it was challenging. Coming into the Performance location in Greenwich was so much fun, and I loved using the equipment. That said, Carter's expertise and ability to use what was available to me to achieve the same results was impressive! If anything, training remotely also helped me realize that I can be just as strong, just as productive in my home and that I can achieve physical success anywhere if I know how to look for it.
