Online Fitness & Nutrition Coach Julie Lohre, voted the best female fitness trainer, will help you achieve your goals virtually with FITBODY Lifestyle Coaching!

With social media being over run by ‘fitness gurus’ that love showing off their body for vanity likes, it can be difficult to tease out who is actually going to help YOU achieve YOUR GOALS.  When you are searching for a virtual female personal trainer that will be there for you, it is critical that you choose someone that has experience working with people like you, ones that have similar goals to you.  The best online personal trainer will be 100% committed to running a business and will treat you professionally.  Dabbling part time as an online fitness coach while balancing a full time job with family or while they finish school means that you will be low on the priority list.  Instead, look for an online coach that has been successful enough to make this into a career and that has the success stories to back it up.

There are currently no requirements to call yourself an virtual personal trainer or to designate yourself as an online fitness and nutrition coach.  All you need is a website (or worse, just an Instagram page) and an email address.  That said, it is critical that you make sure the person you choose is legitimately qualified to write plans for you and that they will put your safety and health first throughout the process.  You want to be sure the person you choose is a certified personal trainer from an accredited agency (NASM, ISSA, ACE, NESTA, etc).  These certifications confirm that the trainer has undergone rigorous training and assessment on fitness principles, program design, and safety considerations. Additionally, given the integral role of diet in achieving fitness goals, preference should be given to those who also hold qualifications in nutrition—ideally as a nutrition specialist or dietician. This dual expertise ensures they are equipped not only to design effective and safe workout plans but also to provide comprehensive dietary guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Real progress takes time and should come from a combination of healthy eating, proper strength training, and reasonable cardiovascular exercise.  If a virtual nutrition and fitness trainer promises that you will lose 20-40 pounds in a matter of weeks… run. They are either embellishing to get you to sign up or they will ask you do eat a crazy low calorie diet while performing hours of cardio exercise each day which might give you quick weight loss results in the show term, but long term, it will slow your metabolism and cause you to actually gain weight!

While results will vary widely among individuals, as it's influenced by factors like your starting point, goals, and consistency, I make sure your programs are tailored specifically to your unique needs.

In the first few weeks, I am looking for things like your clothes fitting a bit differently, your energy increasing, and you to be getting more comfortable with the workouts and nutrition plans.  At the 4-6 week mark, more directional changes occur with the scale and inches trending downward. Significant transformations, especially those related to weight loss or muscle gain, typically require longer—anywhere from 3 to 6 months.  On average, for women that have a modest amount of weight to lose, I look for about 1.5 - 3 pounds every 2 weeks with consistent effort and focus.  For those with more significant weight to lose, the range may be closer to 3-5 pounds every 2 weeks.

For women more focused on a body recomposition where they add muscle as they are losing bodyfat, the scale may not change, but their measurements will tighten up along with their clothes fitting differently.  Long term, these kind of changes result in a lean, tight, and defined physique similar to that of a fitness model.

It's crucial to set realistic expectations and understand that progress is not always linear. Plateaus are normal, and adjustments to your plan will be necessary as you advance.... that is what I am here for!  The key to success lies in consistency, adherence to your personalized program, and open communication with me through the process. Remember, sustainable changes occur over time, not overnight, and the journey to achieving your health and fitness goals is as important as the destination.

Do you prefer a coach that is supportive and understanding or one that is tough and pushing?  Are you looking for a knowledgable cheerleader that will get behind you and lovingly kick you in the pants when you need it or one that is hard nosed and demanding?  The best virtual fitness coaches for women over 40 are a balance of supportive and understanding while still expecting the best from you.  I find it helpful to read the success stories of online trainers to find out what kind of coach they will be for you.

Most importantly… talk on the phone with the virtual fitness and nutrition coach you are considering before you begin.  That will allow you to get a feel for their personality and to see how you might work together.  A good online fitness coach will work WITH you as a team, will take your input into account and will have the heart of a teacher.

You would not believe how many companies tout results that were achieved with one trainer but then quickly pawn you off on an assistant because the ‘good trainer’ is full.  When you are searching for an online fitness coach, be sure that the coach you are seeing testimonials and before and after photos from is actually the one you will be working with.  This should be quickly determined during an introductory phone call before you ever spend a penny on services.

Absolutely, a woman can get in shape after 40, and the key to achieving this lies in reaching out to the right virtual fitness and nutrition coach. As women age, their bodies undergo various changes, including altered metabolism and hormonal shifts, which can affect weight, muscle mass, and overall health. A skilled coach understands these unique challenges and can tailor fitness and nutritional programs accordingly. They can design workout routines that are effective yet mindful of age-related considerations, such as joint health and bone density. Additionally, nutrition coaches can offer dietary plans that not only aid in weight management but also focus on nutrient-rich foods essential for maintaining energy levels, muscle health, and overall wellness in the 40s and beyond.

The importance of choosing the right virtual coach cannot be overstated. A coach with experience and expertise in working with women over 40 will be more adept at addressing specific needs and setting realistic, achievable goals. They provide not just personalized plans, but also motivation, accountability, and support, which are crucial for staying on track with fitness and dietary goals. The right coach also understands the importance of balance – incorporating flexibility in diets and workouts to suit the individual's lifestyle, preferences, and any medical considerations. In the digital age, where access to information and coaching is at one's fingertips, selecting a coach who aligns with one's personal health journey and understands the nuances of fitness and nutrition after 40 is pivotal for a woman aiming to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle.