The Power of Face to Face Coaching
In an era where apps, online programmes and remote coaching dominate the fitness industry, it
is easy to assume that digital convenience is the future of strength training. Online definitely has
its own place but latest research continues to highlight a powerful fact – that nothing quite
replaces the powerful impact face to face coaching can have on your results.
Real Results Backed Up by Research
Recent research has compared face to face and online coaching with face to face showing a
clear edge.
In 2025, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that
participants training under direct supervision achieved significantly better results than those who
did online coaching with clear improvements noted in muscle mass, overall strength and
subjectively, higher satisfaction from training.
Even more important is adherence which is noted as the single biggest predictor of long term
success in fitness. In the same 2025 study, face to face coaching achieved adherence to
training rates of over 88% compared to app based training with self guided training barely
reaching 50%.
Further research echoed similar findings with clients using face to face coaching seeing up to
60% higher compliance rates compared to online approaches which is important with
consistency being the key to improving the results you get.
Strong Gains, Faster Progress
When it comes to physical results from your training sessions, the difference becomes even
clearer.
A randomised controlled trial compared online and face to face training high-intensity training
programmes. Whilst both groups improved strength and power, the face to face coaching group
achieved significantly greater gains in strength and power across all measures in the trial.
Across the industry, it is commonly reported that face to face coaching can deliver around 25%
greater strength improvements, largely due to better technique through changes made in action
by coaches, progression through complexity of exercises and motivation and encouragement
during training sessions.
Why Face to Face Coaching Works
1 – Real Time Feedback
Technique can make or break progress. What face to face coaching allows is immediate
correction to ensure every rep is safe and effective. Research highlights that real time feedback
is a major driver of improved training outcomes.
2 – Accountability Drives Consistency
When a coach is physically present, clients are far more likely to turn up to a session, push
harder responding to motivational cues and stay committed to a training programme. Higher
adherence to training translates directly to better results.
3 – Personalisation in Real Time
No programme is perfect on paper. Face to face coaches can instantly adjust your loads
depending on you on that day and can also change exercise if you have an injury or preference.
4 – Motivation and Encouragement
Coaches are taught to create an environment that is motivating and encouraging that is
incredibly hard to replicate through a screen. Research has shown that these environments
bring about higher levels of enjoyment from training.
The Summary
Online coaching is incredibly convenient and effective but when it comes to maximising results,
building consistency and adherence to training and accelerating the rate at which you progress,
face to face coaching remains the gold standard.
At Dabbs Fitness, we do not just provide training – we provide coaching that delivers
measurable results. If you are ready to take your training to the next level, come experience the
difference for yourself.
