Is async coaching actually better than live sessions — or just more convenient?

I've been coaching for some years and the assumption I held longest was that more face time = better results.

Building FitQueue forced me to question that. When I switched clients to async delivery, a few things happened I didn't expect:

— My written responses got better. No filler, no improvising. I actually think before I write.

— Clients executed more. They had something to re-read, not just a memory of what I said.

— Accountability improved. Submitting a request is a small act of commitment. It turned passive clients into active ones.

What I'm still figuring out: there are clients for whom async clearly doesn't work — people who need the motivation of a live check-in, not just the information. I don't think async replaces everything.

So I'm curious — for those of you who've used online coaching or PTs:

What actually moved the needle for you — the information your coach gave you, or the relationship and accountability?

And for anyone who's built or sold a service business: where did you land on async vs live for your own product?