From customized workout programs to individualized nutrition plans to one-on-one video calls, online personal trainers can provide many valuable services. Whether you opt for something simple that sticks to basic features like daily workouts and macro tracking, or extend your budget for more in-depth coaching, using an online personal trainer is a great tool for staying motivated and accountable.
To find the best online personal trainers, we looked at more than 30 workout apps and programs. We evaluated key characteristics such as ease of use, level of instruction, and overall value to determine our top choice for each category.
Best online personal trainer overall
Future is our top choice for online personal training. With an incredible interface and the ability to choose your coach based on your fitness goals, Future includes routine check-ins, workout tracking, and plenty of variety in training sessions.
Our picks for the best online personal trainer
- Best overall: Future
- Best trainer and nutritionist: Caliber
- Best for weight loss: Joggo
- Best for beginners: FlexIt
- Best for expert-guided workouts: CoPilot
- Best for women: Girls Gone Strong
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| Future | Caliber | Joggo | FlexIt | CoPilot | Girls Gone Strong | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Best for | Overall | Trainer and nutritionist | Weight loss | Beginners | Expert-guided workouts | Women |
| Free trial | No | Free forever version | No | $5 trial session | Two weeks | No |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness | Cardio, strength | Cardio, strength | Cardio, strength, functional fitness | Cardio, strength, functional fitness | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
| Price | $199 a month | $200 a month (depending on your package) | $60 for two months | $39-$73 a session | $99 a month | $299 a month |
Best online personal trainer overall: Future
Key product features
What you should know
Future has quickly risen in popularity to become the best overall online personal trainer. Although it’s a more expensive option, you’ll gain access to a certified personal trainer who’ll provide customized workout programs, perform routine check-ins, and guide you through your fitness journey.
- Future earned a perfect accountability score from our product tester, who appreciated how his coach maintained consistent communication to keep him on track.
- At about $200 per month, Future is one of the most expensive on the market.
- If you’ve struggled to stay consistent on your own, a Future coach can take away the guesswork and any excuses by giving you a structured plan and holding you accountable.
- The app gives you the ability to record and send a video directly to your coach for feedback on your technique.
Why we like Future as the best online personal trainer overall
Our experts found Future to be a well-designed platform, allowing you to interact with your fitness trainer via in-app messaging and video calls. In fact, consistent communication and customized workouts have encouraged several of our team members to remain active Future users for multiple years. While $200 a month is an investment, we believe Future’s accountability and customization make it worth it.
Some apps take more of a one-size-fits-all approach, but Future provides a truly individualized experience. To start, you fill out a brief questionnaire about current workout habits and fitness goals. From there, you can select a coach from dozens of qualified trainers.
After a face-to-face video call, your coach will put together a weekly workout plan that typically includes strength training, cardio sessions, and scheduled rest days. They’ll also factor in what equipment you have.
One of our testers found a new appreciation for her coach’s adaptability when she used Future at the beach and received bodyweight workouts she could perform from her new training environment.
“While it’s common to think you need fancy equipment or the latest gear to get a great workout, your bodyweight can offer a fantastic form of external resistance,” Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, noted. “Research supports the notion that simple bodyweight training can be an effective tool.” (1)
“This level of adaptability may not be seen in other apps and increases the likelihood of staying on track with your fitness goals,” adds Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University.
To guide you through the sessions, Future’s interface includes both visual and audio instructions. Demonstration videos with voiceovers helped our testers pay attention to particular cues and maintain proper form.
“One of the biggest drawbacks of working out is that people often feel uncomfortable and uncertain about their movements. This benefit of feedback from your coach will not only improve your efficiency with your movements but reduce your risk of injury,” Roper says.
The app also allows you to record your movements and send them to your coach for feedback. That level of individualized attention separates Future from other virtual personal trainers.
“Personalization can often be missing in apps since you have a virtual coach. The Facetime feature certainly makes it feel as if your coach is truly getting to know you to help and guide you.”
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor
While it’s ultimately up to you to put in the work, our testers felt their Future coaches were invested in their success. Two of our testers rated Future 5 out of 5 stars for accountability, noting that routine check-ins from their coaches helped maintain motivation.
“He did a great job of checking in on training and rest days and took my feedback into account when designing workouts going forward,” one reviewer said about his coach.
Our testers also enjoyed being able to sync the app with their Apple Watches for tracking health metrics, weights, reps, and other data.
The main drawback with Future is the price. However, since in-person training typically costs around $1 per minute, it’s very easy to spend upwards of $300 on the service each month. So, spending $200 a month for virtual coaching that goes beyond the basics can be worth it, especially if you already have a home gym setup and want to get better results.
We also wish the app included nutrition coaching options. Since your diet plays a large role in weight loss and muscle gain goals, having access to nutrition coaches in the Future app would make this a more well-rounded program.
“As a dietitian, I’m well aware of the role nutrition plays with individuals, regardless of their goals,” Mohr said. “It would be nice if some aspects and discussion around nutrition could be built into this app for greater overall functionality.”
Check out our full Future review for more information.
What customers are saying
The Future app has nearly 9,000 reviews on the Apple App Store. Users consistently praise the personalized programming and high degree of accountability.
One reviewer with the screen name “CKC Homie” said they enjoy being able to leave notes about what they liked or didn’t like about the workout, which allows their coach to make adjustments.
“When I’m not feeling well or run behind at work, I just send a message to my coach and they move or adjust my workouts so I can stay on track. Traveling? They’ll make workouts geared for travel too!”
Username “CKC Homie,” Apple App Store
However, several users highlighted the lack of nutrition coaching as disappointing.
Additional negative feedback associated with Future is the recent raise in the monthly subscription fee from $150 to $200.
Specs
| Price | $199 per month |
| Free trial | No |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
Best online personal trainer and nutritionist: Caliber
Key product features
What you should know
Caliber offers both group and individual coaching that includes personalized training and nutrition plans. The app uses two algorithm-informed measurements to track your progress, and your coach will give feedback and set benchmarks for the week to give you direction.
- Our product tester appreciated that her coach provided incremental goals during her check-ins, like increasing the weight on her final set of deadlifts by 10 pounds.
- Caliber Premium, which includes one-on-one coaching, starts at $200 per month—a price we consider fair given the amount of resources and individual support you receive.
- While the free version gives you access to a vast library of workouts, the top tier is a worthwhile investment if you need expert support with your training, diet, and overall fitness plan.
Why we like Caliber as the best online personal trainer and nutritionist
If you want personalized workout plans and nutrition programming in an easy-to-digest format, look no further than Caliber. One of the highest-scoring online personal training platforms we’ve tested, the app can track everything from workout metrics to macronutrients to help you stay accountable during your fitness journey.
Caliber is available in three tiers. The free version gives you access to a library of basic strength training and cardio workouts. The Pro version, which starts at around $14 a month, gives you access to group coaching.
Our tester utilized Caliber Premium Coaching, which costs about $200 a month. This plan connects you with a coach who puts together individualized workout routines. You can also go for expanded packages that include weekly or monthly Zoom calls with your coach. These packages start at $266 a month.
Our tester tried out Caliber for several weeks and gave it 5 out of 5 stars on value. However, she pointed out that pricing info on the company’s website seemed confusing.
Still, Caliber received perfect scores for both accountability and instruction—two key areas that affect a user’s experience and results. Our tester enjoyed having weekly check-ins with her trainer. The check-ins included breakdowns of the previous week’s workouts and goals for the upcoming week.
Plus, she found the video demos for every movement in the Caliber app to be well-executed and easy to understand. To ensure you stay safe and maintain proper form, the app allows you to record yourself and send it directly to your coach for prompt feedback.
“This is certainly a unique feature that adds a special touch to what can otherwise be impersonal apps. The ability to get real user feedback from a trained and qualified coach is worth its weight in gold.”
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor
Caliber uses two algorithm-informed measurements to assess your progress: strength score and strength balance. Your strength score measures your progress based on how you’re advancing at particular exercises. Your strength balance shows how developed your major muscle groups are compared to each other. These measurements can be especially useful for beginners who want to hone in on their weaknesses.
Caliber programs are periodized, meaning you’ll perform the same exercises for several weeks following progressive overload principles. This style of training can help produce greater strength gains. (2) Every few weeks, your coach will update your plan based on your performance metrics.
Another valuable component that Caliber offers is nutrition coaching. Our tester was happy to report that her coach provided “sound advice within her scope of practice.” Her coach also helped her overcome some issues with food and macro tracking by offering an alternative accountability solution: sending photos of her meals.
Since Caliber coaches are certified nutrition coaches rather than registered dietitians, they can help teach you how to track macros, provide tips for selecting healthier options when grocery shopping or dining out, and educate you on the benefits and drawbacks of different diets. However, they aren’t allowed to send you fully individualized meal plans, provide medical nutrition therapy, or instruct you to follow a specific diet based on your health information.
To track nutrition, Caliber coaches encourage their clients to use Cronometer. Cronometer is an integrated nutrition tracking app with a deep database of foods and a convenient barcode scanner for quickly adding an item to your eating log. Your coach also has access to your nutrition information if you use Cronometer, which can provide valuable insight and discussion points during your check-ins.
All in all, the level of attention you receive makes Caliber an excellent option if you’re looking for a virtual, data-driven training platform.
What customers are saying
Caliber has more than 2,500 reviews in the Apple App Store. Many positive reviews praise the personalized coaching and level of accountability.
“My coach, Jonathan, helped me to build the program tailored to my goals and adjusted it as we went along. It is instrumental in having a resourceful accountability partner (coach) to make progress and learn as you go.”
Alexey L., Apple App Store
However, one user with the screen name “The local traveler” had high hopes about Caliber but canceled after their trainer failed to check in or update the workouts for several weeks.
“The trainer, while nice, offered very generic messages 1-2x per week,” the reviewer commented. “Although they did seem encouraging, it sounded like a copy and paste type message. I fell behind on logging workouts for a week and noticed the trainer did not mention anything about it so I thought I would go another week without logging anything to see if they noticed (accountability). Nothing was ever mentioned.”
Specs
| Price | $200 a month (but can vary depending on your package) |
| Free trial | No, but there is a free-forever version |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio and strength |
Best online personal trainer for weight loss: Joggo
Key product features
What you should know
Designed for runners of all abilities, Joggo creates a fully personalized running program based on your goals, needs, and lifestyle. Between audio-guided workouts and custom meal plans, you’ll be armed with two key resources that can help you shed some extra pounds.
- Joggo uses quiz results to give you an estimate of how much time it’ll take to reach your goal weight using the app’s running plan.
- For $2 per week, you can add a strength-training workout component, which can be an effective way to further support your weight-loss efforts.
- As a weight-loss-focused running app, Joggo is best suited for those who need structured cardio and nutrition plans.
Why we like Joggo as the best online personal trainer for weight loss
Joggo provides personalized running and nutrition plans that can help you stay on track, whether running on treadmills or outdoors. Designed by a former Ironman competitor, the cardio-focused app includes several tools to support your weight-loss efforts, such as a weight tracker to monitor your progress. Its personalized running plans utilize GPS location tracking and distance and speed monitoring to give you an accurate breakdown of your workouts.
Before you start, the app will ask a few questions about your current fitness level, diet, and overall health. You can choose to have a meal plan included in your program. The meal plan is personalized based on your goals, dietary preferences, allergies, and foods you like or don’t like to eat. It includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snack options for each day. Our product tester had no issues with the setup process, rating it 4 out of 5 stars.
Based on your responses to the beginning questions, Joggo will present different running plans with estimated timelines of how long it’ll take to hit your target weight. The workouts include warm-up and cool-down exercises, which are key to avoiding injuries. (3)
You won’t have to worry about getting bored with your workouts, as Joggo has a variety of running workout options. For example, some sessions include speed work, while others focus on longer-duration runs for building cardiovascular endurance.
Compared to other personal training apps, Joggo doesn’t provide the same level of in-depth instruction. You don’t work with a coach and only receive voice-guided cues during your run. Our product reviewer gave the app 3 out of 5 stars in the instruction category for this reason. She noted that experienced runners may deem audio cues like “remember to breathe” unnecessary. But if you prefer, you can turn this feature off to avoid distractions.
Although Joggo doesn’t give a pricing breakdown on their website, you can get more details about the total cost once you complete an online quiz. Our product tester went through that process and found that a two-month running plan costs about $60 (roughly $7.59 per week).
Meanwhile, a four-month plan comes in at about $73, or about $5.29 per week. You can even go for a six-month plan for about $10.13 per week. You can also spend another $2 per week on an optional strength-training plan. This plan can help balance out your routine and further assist with both your weight-loss efforts and overall running performance. (4, 5, 6)
“The goal of any weight loss program should be to maintain as much muscle—or lean tissue—as possible. That not only requires consistent, quality protein as part of a balanced diet, but it does so in conjunction with regular strength training.”
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor
If the 12-3-30 workout or long walks haven’t produced the results you’re looking for, Joggo can provide structure, along with nutritional support, to ramp up your efforts. Just don’t expect the same level of interactive features or accountability as you’ll get with some of the other personal training apps on this list.
What customers are saying
Joggo has nearly 900 reviews on Trustpilot. One user enjoys being able to use the voice instructor feature while still listening to his music. Another reviewer named Deanna Young was impressed with the real-time feedback component.
“The app allows me to be more intentional and mindful with my runs. It gives me real-time feedback that really works! I’m impressed with how it’s not generic feedback as well.”
Deanna Y., Trustpilot
However, other users felt that workouts could be more challenging. In addition, several reviews expressed disappointment about the lack of integration with Garmin or other non-Apple smartwatches.
Specs
| Price | Starts around $60 for two months |
| Free trial | No |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength |
Best online personal trainer for beginners: FlexIt
Key product features
What you should know
FlexIt is a beginner-friendly platform that allows you to work out with a certified personal trainer from your home, outside, or wherever you’re most comfortable. Depending on your goals and budget, you can purchase multi-session bundles to save money and establish a consistent training schedule.
- Although FlexIt doesn’t offer a free trial, you can schedule your first session for just $5.
- At a rate of about $1 per minute, this online personal trainer costs about the same as an in-person trainer, which we think is a fair value.
- Beginners can reap the rewards of investing in a coach who will create a goal-based plan and guide them through each workout—all while retaining the flexibility to train in the environment where they feel most comfortable.
Why we like FlexIt as the best online personal trainer for beginners
The fitness industry has transformed to the point that you can get an in-person training experience without any face-to-face interaction. If you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, FlexIt is a viable solution that can help you hit the ground running.
FlexIt suits beginners well due to its flexibility. It allows you to schedule sessions of either 30, 45, or 60 minutes with a trainer who will be present the entire time. Similar to the corporate gym setting, you pay in a bundle of sessions (four, eight, or 12) and schedule them at your convenience.
FlexIt begins with a brief assessment to evaluate your current fitness levels and goals. Then, you can find a certified personal trainer or nutritionist who aligns with your needs. FlexIt features specialists in a variety of fields, including bodybuilding, HIIT, pilates, and even physical therapy. You can even mix and match different trainers to get assistance in multiple areas.
But, as seasoned personal trainers, we believe the assessment could go into greater detail. It only asks basic questions such as your primary goals, the days and times you like to work out, and your preferred training modality. It would be helpful to include other information like your injury history, current eating habits, and current training regimen. This information can give a more well-rounded overview so you can be paired with the right coach.
Sessions cost between $39-$73, depending on which bundle you purchase. The higher end of that range falls in line with what you would pay for in-person training. However, you don’t have to worry about fighting for space in the gym, as you can train from wherever you feel most comfortable.
What customers are saying
While several reviewers on the Google Play Store spoke highly of the level of interaction with their coaches, the number of bugs and lack of polish with the app couldn’t be ignored.
“Frequent issue with the messenger not loading,” one verified user named Kacy wrote.
A recent review also spoke about issues with the app’s messaging capabilities. While the quality of coaching isn’t an issue, the app itself could use improvements.
Specs
| Price | $39-$73 per session, depending on the bundle |
| Free trial | One trial session for $5 |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
Best online personal trainer for expert-guided workouts: CoPilot
Key product features
What you should know
CoPilot provides personalized workouts and nutrition guidance for half the cost of Future and Caliber Premium. While the overall design and simplicity of the app stand out, some Android users have reported interface issues.
- Our product tester enjoyed how seamlessly CoPilot integrated with his iPhone and Apple Watch.
- At $99 per month, CoPilot is less expensive than some other top online personal trainers—plus, you can try it out for free for two weeks.
- With step-by-step guidance and feedback from a certified coach, CoPilot is a worthwhile investment for those who need expert support at a lower cost than other options.
Why we like CoPilot as the best online personal trainer for expert-guided workouts
The aptly named CoPilot app pairs you with a certified personal trainer who can steer you in the right direction based on your fitness goals and preferred training style. You’ll get expert-driven workouts that include live feedback, plus guidance on creating meal plans from trainers who are also certified nutritionists.
Following a brief assessment, CoPilot recommends coaches who align with your goals. However, you have the ultimate say over who you work with. Once connected with a coach, you can have unlimited interaction with them through messaging, feedback, and video calls.
One of our product testers tried CoPilot on his iPhone and Apple Watch. He reported a positive experience following the workouts, which included supporting videos.
“I was very impressed with the overall design and simplicity of the app and the integration of the iPhone and Apple Watch.”
Team Product Tester
However, CoPilot falls short in a few areas. First, our tester pointed out that aside from your coach, there is no online community for additional support. Research has shown that a sense of community—either online or in-person—can help people stick with exercise for longer amounts of time. (7, 8)
“Social support is important for adherence to exercise programs, with research showing that adults view social influences as a significant motivator,” Roper adds. (8)
While our tester had no issues using the app on his iPhone, Android users have raised concerns about bugs and interface issues. And, while you can still track your workouts using your watch’s fitness or heart rate tracker, CoPilot doesn’t have a built-in app for Garmin, Fitbit, or non-Apple smartwatches.
Yet for $99 a month, CoPilot still offers plenty of value by providing personalized training plans, nutrition guidance, multiple lines of communication, and the flexibility to perform workouts at home or in the gym.
What customers are saying
CoPilot has generated a lot of praise on the Apple App Store. Many users have improved their fitness and overall health thanks to the intuitive app and the support of a certified fitness trainer.
“With the help of my coach, I’ve been able to gain a healthier relationship with my body and wellness.”
Username “With Will there’s a way,” Apple App Store
Users love that CoPilot seamlessly syncs with their Apple Watches for a plug-and-play data tracking experience. Research shows that wearable fitness devices, like an Apple Watch, can provide additional motivation to people wearing them thanks to easily accessible data. (9)
“The other nice thing about this app is that workouts I do outside of the program that are recorded on my Apple Watch are included in a graph that charts my overall fitness,” one reviewer said.
Specs
| Price | $99 per month |
| Free trial | Two weeks |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
Best online personal trainer for women: Girls Gone Strong
Key product features
What you should know
A women-specific health and fitness coaching and certification company, Girls Gone Strong offers nutrition, exercise, and mindset coaching through a year-long online program.
- GGS Coaching only opens twice per year, which leads to spots selling out quickly.
- While GGS coaching costs $299 per month for 12 months, you can save 45% off the general public price by joining their pre-sale list.
- Women who want to make long-term lifestyle changes to improve their health and overall wellness will appreciate the support from expert coaches and the GGS community.
Why we like Girls Gone Strong as the best online personal trainer for women
For women who want to work with someone who understands their struggles, Girls Gone Strong is a great option. It allows you to get holistic coaching on your eating habits, exercise routine, mindset, and overall approach to living a healthy lifestyle.
The all-encompassing Girls Gone Strong (GGS) platform includes nutrition, exercise, and mindset coaching for women with different goals, abilities, and training styles. Our expert reviewers consider GGS to be well-rounded, and they like how the app considers all aspects of wellness instead of just training. This comprehensive approach can better help participants benefit from GGS’s instruction, expertise, and accountability.
The 12-month program requires serious commitment, but you’ll be fully supported each step of the way. Expert reviewers loved that this isn’t a quick fix, “overnight solution” type of program. GGS coaches are available five days a week for accountability and troubleshooting. They can also adapt your training plan to fit your schedule and provide feedback about your progress.
There’s no shortage of workout variety with GGS. From routines to assist with fat loss or muscle gain to bodyweight and resistance band workouts, you have plenty of options to keep you engaged.
GGS Coaching isn’t cheap, though. At about $300 a month, it’s pricey for a virtual training program. Many apps fall around the $100-$200 range per month.
That said, if you’re not satisfied with your results after participating in the year-long program, you’ll get a full refund.
Specs
| Price | $299 per month |
| Free trial | No |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
In-person vs. online personal trainers
There are a few key differences between in-person and online personal trainers. For instance, it can be challenging for a virtual trainer to maintain as high of a degree of accountability since clients don’t have to commit to meeting at a specific time. Having the flexibility to perform and log your workouts at your convenience can lead to skipped sessions and derailed progress.
On the other hand, while in-person trainers schedule sessions and provide direct instruction, feedback, and motivation, you’ll have to pay more for their services. In-person trainers typically cost around $1 per minute, if not more. Online personal trainers usually offer monthly packages, with their hourly rate falling closer to $25-$50. Making the choice between in-person and online training may come down to how much you need extra accountability.
Whether you’re trying in-person or online personal training, it’s essential that your coach has a personal training certification from an accredited program. Well-regarded certifications include the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Proper certifications ensure your trainer understands how to create a successful fitness plan that should include key elements like strength training, cardio, nutrition, and recovery.
Both in-person and online personal trainers have access to interactive platforms. These tools allow them to provide feedback at just about any time with videos, messages, and reminders, which can be helpful motivators for all fitness levels. (10) Depending on the platform, the trainers can provide in-depth data and visual representations of your progress.
No matter which type of trainer you prefer, most market their services and share client success stories through their social media channels. Plus, you can find additional resources and support via online groups. These groups make it easy to see why many people have shifted toward an app-based approach that offers a sense of community.
Benefits of online personal trainers
There are a few key benefits of choosing online personal training to guide your workouts.
Affordability
In-person training sessions can cost more than $60 an hour. Working with a virtual personal trainer can cost closer to $25-$50 an hour, making the online route a more affordable option.
Personalized attention
Whether you have a question about an exercise or need guidance on hitting your protein goal, you’ll be able to get the answers you need from your trainer. Depending on the app, you can message your coach anytime. You may even be able to schedule one-on-one video calls to discuss any challenges you’ve encountered.
Flexibility
Online personal trainers adapt to your schedule and goals. They can shift workouts around if you’re traveling or change your routine if you’re injured. Plus, working with an online trainer means you can work out wherever you feel most comfortable. You don’t have to go to a specific facility to train in person.
Customized workouts
Arguably the biggest benefit of an online personal trainer is that you won’t get pigeonholed into a one-size-fits-all program. Instead, your coach will use questionnaires and assessments to create a unique training plan. The program will be tailored to your fitness level and health and physique goals.
How we test online personal trainers
Our team has completed hundreds of workouts using some of the top fitness apps and training programs. During testing, we assessed various elements that contribute to a positive user experience. For more information on each factor, check out our fitness program testing methodology page.
Program design—30%
Workout variety is key to keeping you motivated and stimulated as you progress in your fitness journey. In addition to evaluating an app’s workout options, our team also looked for accountability features and real-time messaging tools that allow for access to an app’s coaches.
We also considered the following criteria when ranking personal training apps:
- Explanation
- Versatility
- Reasonable amount of training volume
Value—30%
Our team’s evaluation of value comes down to whether the cost aligns with the tools and features the app offers. Here’s everything we factor into a personal training app’s value rating:
- Fair price
- Personalization
- Technology
Extra options—20%
We recognize that movement isn’t the only crucial element of a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, stress management, and sleep health also play a significant role in your well-being.
That’s why we look for personal training apps that go beyond exercise instruction and also offer the following:
- Additional programs
- Nutrition coaching
- Tech extras
Customer experience—20%
We understand that your overall experience with a personal training app is key to determining how likely you are to stick with the app long term.
When deciding which apps would make the list above, we considered factors such as:
- Reliable and user-friendly apps
- Reviews
- Customer service
- Free trials and flexible cancellation policies
FAQs
Are online personal trainers worth it?
Investing in an online personal trainer can be a worthwhile investment if you want to become stronger, fitter, and more confident. A trainer can help guide you with direct feedback and mindset tips to overcome plateaus and stay committed. Plus, a certified coach will provide structure to your workouts so you strike the right balance of intense training and proper recovery, along with offering accountability along the way.
Even if you can’t afford a premium online personal training program, you can still succeed by finding one that fits your budget. Sometimes all it takes is having a basic fitness program that’s easy to follow to make major changes.
What can I expect from an online personal trainer?
An online personal trainer will provide multiple tools to help you reach your fitness goals. They’ll create a workout program tailored to your abilities, needs, and equipment. Many plans will include video demonstrations of each exercise so you know the proper form. Research shows that a personalized video component can support your overall results and your self-confidence as you workout. (11)
An online personal trainer will also hold you accountable. They’ll monitor your progress, make sure you complete your workouts, and check in with you routinely via in-app messaging or video calls. You can enjoy many of the benefits of working with an in-person trainer without having to pay such a steep price.
What platforms do online personal trainers use?
Online personal trainers use many platforms to engage and work with their clients. FlexIt is one of the most popular options. Platforms like this make it easy for coaches and clients to connect while also providing the infrastructure for nutrition plans, video courses, progress tracking, and more.
Is online personal training cheaper than in-person training?
Even at $200 per month, an online personal training app like Future is still cheaper than in-person training. Typically, certified personal trainers charge around $1 per minute. At that rate, three 30-minute sessions per week would come out to $90. A month’s worth of face-to-face training would come out to $360—nearly double the cost of an app subscription.
Of course, some people perform better when they have a coach by their side. But if you’re self-motivated and can thrive in a virtual training environment, the online option is a great money-saving solution.
Our experts
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD, is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson, and more to help busy executives develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, is an associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in Exercise Science and Biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Harry Neale
Harry Neale holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied languages and literature. He has taught language courses, as well as writing-intensive literature and history courses, worked as a translator and researcher, and has 10 years of experience editing and fact-checking academic and B2B content.
Amanda Dvorak, CPT
Amanda Dvorak has been writing and editing fitness and nutrition content since 2021, with a heavy focus on equipment and supplement reviews. She has contributed to BarBend, Breaking Muscle, FeastGood, and PowerliftingTechnique. While she currently does CrossFit out of her garage gym, Amanda also enjoys lifting heavy weights, running, cycling, and hiking. She is a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Stephen Sheehan, CPT
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Stephen Sheehan is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist who uses his fitness expertise to review products for Fortune Recommends™. A two-time University of Florida graduate, he has a diverse writing and editing background that’s primarily focused on sports, health and fitness, and e-commerce content. His work has been featured in Runner’s World and Keto Magazine, as well as Bulletproof, Breaking Muscle, and YouFit Gyms.