Weight loss by phone: dial-up personal trainers for people on the go.

From food to fashion, busy people can order just about anything over the phone these days. Now, a new breed of personal trainer is peddling fitness--yes, fitness--by phone.

These telephone tutors tackle the toughest clients: road warriors that hunger for a healthful lifestyle but battle jam-packed schedules that often hinder them from forming wholesome habits.

Telephone trainers are springing up across the country, announcing a coaching alternative that saves clients time and money. Sounds good, right? But does this dial-up model of physical fitness pay dividends? Or is it just another nutrition novelty?

Promising Results

"Research on telephone-assisted counseling for physical activity has established a convincing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness in promoting long-term physical activity change in adult populations," wrote Abby King, PhD, and Cynthia Castro, PhD, in a recent Stanford University review article called "Telephone-Assisted Counseling for Physical Activity."

The duo's research indicates that phone-based exercise counseling is 75-90 percent effective. The researchers also note that the phone method is convenient, gives participants greater counselor access, saves time and promotes physical activity among those who may not be receptive to face-to-face training.

The Association of Fitness by Phone Coaches is spreading the word, and member companies, such as People Fit USA and Flexible Fitness, are getting calls by the droves from women aged 35-55 who are too busy, too unmotivated or too frustrated to exercise. One 20-minute call per week, coupled with accountability, is leading to results for those who follow the formula.