This is the question I get asked in almost every consultation: in-person or online? There's no single right answer for everyone, but there is a decent way to work out which one is right for you, once you actually look at what each format involves.
What online coaching actually includes
Good online coaching isn't a PDF you get once and never hear from your coach again — if that's what you're being sold, you're being sold the wrong thing. It should mean a training plan built around your equipment and schedule, nutrition targets, and check-ins where the plan actually changes based on how you're responding. You train on your own time, wherever that is, and report back.
What in-person training actually includes
In-person means a coach is physically there with you: fixing your form in the moment, adjusting the weight on the spot, pushing you slightly further than you'd push yourself. In Malta that's usually either a private studio session or coaching inside a commercial gym where you're already using your own membership.
Cost comparison
Online coaching is almost always cheaper week to week, since you're paying for programming and support rather than someone's time in a room with you. In-person costs more per session, but you're getting hands-on coaching and often equipment thrown in. Neither is objectively better value — it depends what you're actually paying for. The full pricing breakdown has real numbers if that's what you need.
Accountability feels different, not better or worse
In-person builds accountability through a fixed appointment — it's hard to bail on a session when someone's stood there waiting for you. Online relies on check-ins and tracking instead, which asks more self-discipline of you but bends around a busy or unpredictable week far more easily.
Which one actually gets better results
Honestly? Format matters less than whether you show up and do the work. Someone doing online sessions four times a week for six months straight will beat someone booking in-person sessions and cancelling half of them. Whichever format you'll actually stick with is the right one, full stop.
There's a hybrid option too
Plenty of clients start in-person to nail down form and build the habit, then shift to online once they're confident training solo. Some do it backwards — mostly online, with an occasional in-person session just to check form hasn't drifted. If you're torn, that's exactly what a consultation is for.
How to actually decide
Three honest questions: do you need someone physically watching your form right now, does your week allow for fixed appointment times, and what can you actually spend a month? Your real answers will get you there faster than any amount of scrolling will.
