It starts with a scroll through Instagram. You see an influencer glowing with energy, touting a new 30-day challenge that promises to banish bloating and melt fat. It sounds rigorous, but the results look undeniable. You think, maybe this is the one. Maybe this is the specific set of rules that will finally unlock the version of yourself you’ve been chasing. You buy the supplements, download the app, and clear your pantry.

Choosing an online fitness coach that checks all of your boxes can be a daunting task. Some people need a drill sergeant – someone who is going to take them to task for falling off their nutrition plan or skipping a workout. Others need someone with a little more compassion, who will gently guide them in the right direction with a kind and caring hand. There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to choosing the right online fitness coach that meets your needs, so do some digging.