Matt Reynolds, founder of Barbell Logic and TurnKey Coach, dives deep into why online coaching has surpassed in-person coaching as the most effective, scalable, and fulfilling model for coaches and clients alike. Drawing from decades of experience on the gym floor and years running a thriving online platform, Matt lays out the hard truths about wasted time, limited scalability, and inconsistent results from in-person coaching—and contrasts that with the freedom, accountability, and personal connection that online coaching now delivers. He also explains how technology (especially TurnKey Coach) enables a coach to do more, earn more, and live more—all while delivering world-class value to clients, no matter where they are.

Why Online Coaching Beats In-Person Coaching

Online coaching has evolved far beyond simple email programs. Today, it allows coaches to deliver feedback through video, audio, and personalized content—anywhere, anytime. This flexibility gives both the coach and the client full autonomy without sacrificing quality.

Matt emphasizes that good coaching isn’t about being physically present. It’s about consistent feedback, accountability, and helping clients see and feel progress. With online video reviews and coaching tools, clients benefit from a sharper coaching “eye” and coaches reach more people in less time.

Freedom and Financial Efficiency

Freedom is at the core of online coaching’s advantage. Coaches no longer need to wake up at 4 a.m., commute to the gym, and fill awkward schedule gaps to make ends meet. Clients aren’t locked into gym hours or locations—they train when and where they want, with the equipment they have.

Financially, it’s a win-win. Clients typically pay less, yet coaches earn more per hour because of greater efficiency. The system also scales—coaches can serve dozens of clients with better margins and less burnout.

The Role of Tech in Online Coaching

Matt highlights how TurnKey Coach elevates coaching by removing administrative headaches—scheduling, payments, check-ins—so the coach can focus solely on coaching. Features like video feedback, screen recording, and personal messaging make clients feel heard and understood.

Technology doesn’t replace human connection—it enhances it. With asynchronous communication, coaches build relationships that are even more consistent than those based on short, fragmented in-person sessions.

Consistency, Accountability, and Scalability

A major pitfall of in-person coaching is missed sessions—vacations, travel, weather, life. Online coaching eliminates those disruptions. Whether a client is in a hotel gym or on a beach, they can stay on track and stay connected to their coach.

Matt shares stories of clients training through travel and transitions, proving that the consistency of online coaching drives better long-term outcomes. Coaches can also scale from 10 to 50+ clients without adding hours to their week.

Hybrid Models and Future of Coaching

In-person coaching still has value, especially for beginners or those who thrive in community settings. But the hybrid model—occasional in-person sessions backed by online coaching—is where Matt sees the most sustainable success.

This is not just a new format—it’s a new philosophy: coaching that respects your time, increases your income, and gives your clients better results with more flexibility.