Studies show that people who work-out with a personal trainer stick with the program longer than those who do not. But let's say you have trouble making it to the gym, because you are too busy or you travel for work a lot. A new company called Wello has the answer.
Wello offers workout sessions with personal trainers through a two-way live video chat. All you need is a laptop or desktop computer, a webcam and an Internet connection. Using the company website, you can work out at home, in your office or anywhere you have room to move. You can even workout with a friend. The program is especially helpful for people who are disabled and do not have access to a gym.
According to data on the Wello website, only 50 percent of people who start a workout program are still on it six months later. That is compared to 85 percent of people with a trainer who are still working out with them 12 months later. Working out with a trainer provides more accountability than working out alone, and exercising at home is less distracting than at a gym.
There are no membership fees for Wello. It is free to join and search for personal trainers. Some celebrity trainers charge up to $150 an hour, while lesser-known trainers charge $5 and up. Classes are available in personal training, yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, boot camp, Kettlebell workouts, Zumba or martial arts. Classes are held in 25-, 40- and 55-minute sessions. The company has a roster of up to 150 personal trainers from which to choose. On the company website, you can pick a trainer based on schedule, price, workout type, trainer style, gender or reviews. Each member can fill out a profile including their health, goals and equipment, and the trainer will customize a workout.
Sessions can be scheduled in advance or booked on demand at any time. After each session, the member can fill out a review and track their progress. Eventually, the service will offer classes with multiple participants as well as courses with nutritionists, sports psychologists and physical therapists.
Wello boasts a 50 percent price reduction compared to traditional personal trainer fees and takes a 15 percent cut of the trainer's costs. Currently, the business is free for trainers, but, eventually, the company plans to charge $20 a month for trainers to use the Website. Wello has a personal trainer on staff who helps the business make sure each trainer is certified and experienced. In addition, each trainer takes a course on how to train via video chat.
The company was founded by college friends Ann Scott Plante and Leslie Silverglide, who also owns Mixt Greens Restaurants, a small chain of gourmet salad eateries in California. A code for 25 percent off your first session is available on the company website, and, during the holidays, the business plans to offer special promotions to encourage group fitness. You can follow Wello through Facebook, Twitter or the company website's blog.
Lara Mossa Stump
and
Hulet Smith, OT
