Modern technology has enabled personal trainers and clients to work together without needing to be in the same room, let alone the same time zone. In-person training still has its advantages. But the ability to train virtually makes it easier for more people to build strength, burn fat, and develop better habits while balancing their daily responsibilities. (1)
Personal training apps make it possible for health-conscious folks to have a defined plan to follow. Many platforms offer in-depth progress tracking, customized workouts, and messaging capabilities. How much individualized support you need will determine what type of app and level of investment you should make. To help you find the ideal fit, we researched and tested more than 30 of the best workout apps that offer personal training on key characteristics such as value, interactive features, ease of use, instruction, and more.
Best personal training app overall
If you want a fitness program tailor-made for you, look no further than Future. Our top overall personal training app offers an incredible level of customization and continuous support from a certified coach. Though expensive, it’s worth the cost if you need accountability and motivation—along with a dynamic workout routine specifically geared to your goals.
Our picks of the best personal training apps
- Best overall: Future
- Best for weight loss: CoPilot
- Best with meal plan: Caliber
- Best for cardio: Joggo
- Best for strength training: JuggernautAI
- Best for fitness classes: iFIT
- Best for beginners: FlexIt
Compare personal training apps
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| Future | CoPilot | Caliber | Joggo | JuggernautAI | iFIT | FlexIt | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Free trial | No | Two weeks | Free forever version | No | Two weeks | 30 days | $5 trial session |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness | Cardio, strength, functional fitness | Cardio and strength | Cardio, strength | Strength, powerlifting, powerbuilding, bodybuilding | Cardio, strength, functional fitness | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
| Price | $199 a month | $99 a month | Starts at $14 a month | $60 for two months | $29.74 a month; $300 for one year | $15 a month for an individual plan | $32-$85 a session |
Best personal training app overall: Future
Key product features
What you should know
Future will match you with a certified personal trainer who will create personalized workout programs and hold you accountable with frequent check-ins.
- One of our lead reviewers gave Future a perfect accountability score, as his coach routinely checked in and utilized feedback to make adjustments to his workouts.
- The $199 monthly subscription cost is well worth it considering you could pay nearly double that amount for in-person training.
- If you value accountability and flexibility, Future is a fantastic platform where you can work directly with a coach who’s invested in your success.
- Future has a neat feature that lets you send videos to your coach so you can receive feedback on your form.
Why we like Future as best overall
From its intuitive interface to its unparalleled level of personalization, Future checks all the boxes we look for in the best personal training apps. A few of our team members have utilized it for several years to help hold them accountable during their respective fitness journeys. That speaks volumes about the high-quality programming and support you receive from the certified coaches on the platform.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Future customizes your experience every step of the way. The app starts with a short questionnaire about your current workout habits and fitness goals. From there, you can select a coach who you will be able to access via in-app messaging and video calls.
The setup process proved painless for our product tester, who rated it 5 out of 5 stars. That high score can also be attributed to the initial FaceTime call with her coach—something that added another layer of personalization.
Your coach will utilize all the information you provide to construct a weekly workout plan that includes strength training, cardio sessions, and scheduled rest days. Rest days are important in any well-rounded fitness program because you need time to repair and build muscle tissue, replenish glycogen stores, and recover sufficiently to optimize your performance. (2, 3) Plus, your coach will also plan each workout based on what equipment you have.
All three of our reviewers rated the app 4.5 out of 5 stars for ease of use. One particularly enjoyed having audio and visual cues for each exercise. The cues helped keep the workout flowing smoothly. Another user-friendly feature our team enjoyed was the ability to rate and provide feedback about each workout. This information allowed their coaches to make adjustments to their programs.
Most importantly, Future earned 5 out of 5 stars for accountability from two of our reviewers.
“My coach is fantastic. She would check in with me almost every day to see how I was feeling, how the workout went, or to ask why I hadn’t done the workout yet. This was a big motivator for me.”
Kate Meier, Team Product Tester
Exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, adds, “Accountability is a big part of the success of any program. It makes sense, as it’s nice to have someone—or others—to check in with you on your success and progress and to help with any challenges. The success of a social network, or a coach, has also been shown in research to improve outcomes.” (4)
In addition, pairing Future with your Apple Watch will allow you to monitor your activity rings and workouts consistently and effortlessly. This is a form of a gamifying app, which has been shown to enhance outcomes and simply make things stick. (5) For data-driven individuals, the integration with smartwatches—including the Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 models—will certainly be a big plus.
“Smartwatches and fitness trackers are known to significantly increase physical activity and improve health,” notes Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, an associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. (6)
Perhaps the only significant drawback about Future is its $199 per month price tag. While that may seem expensive, hiring an in-person trainer could cost well over $300 per month, depending on how many sessions you book. And given the level of customization, accountability, and instruction you receive from a certified coach, we believe $199 still represents great value.
Check out our in-depth Future review for more information.
What customers are saying
Users on the Apple App Store appreciate that their coaches adjust their workout routines based on their travel and work schedules, as well as the equipment they have available. In addition, many enjoy the level of individualized attention and accountability.
“This isn’t just a generic workout app. My coach, Laura-Lynn, creates new workouts for me every week that target my specific needs. We have video check-ins, and we message every week and after every workout to make sure my goals are being met. I have some injuries and some changes to my body after pregnancy, but she’s able to work around them and help me get my strength back.”
Mashka Lubov, Apple App Store
While some people don’t mind paying $199 per month for the app, others consider the price a drawback. One of the only other consistent criticisms of Future is the lack of nutrition coaching and meal plans, which is a large part of well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
Specs
| Price | $199 per month |
| Free trial | No |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
Best personal training app for weight loss: CoPilot
Key product features
What you should know
CoPilot offers a well-rounded approach to weight loss by combining personal training with nutrition coaching. Live feedback on your form and regular check-ins with your coach are other standout features.
- Our product tester appreciated that the programmed workouts included video demonstrations of every exercise so he could perform the movements correctly.
- At $99 per month, CoPilot is one of the least expensive one-on-one personal training apps available.
- If you need nutritional guidance and personalized training plans from a certified coach, CoPilot can be the key to succeeding on your weight-loss journey.
Why we like CoPilot as best for weight loss
An all-in-one app that supports your weight loss journey, CoPilot allows you to choose a certified online personal trainer who aligns with your fitness goals and preferred training style. Besides getting expert-driven workouts that include live feedback on your form, you also receive assistance with creating meal plans that will help you trim extra pounds, if that’s your goal.
To get started, you must take a brief assessment that will allow you to find a trainer who suits your needs. Once you select a coach, you can look forward to consistent communication through messaging and video calls. That helps you stay accountable, which is one of the biggest keys to achieving a specific weight-loss goal. (7)
One of the best interactive features of CoPilot includes live feedback on your pacing and form. This is especially useful for beginners who may not be familiar with more technical exercises. One of our product testers who used CoPilot on his iPhone and Apple Watch also enjoyed that the workouts included videos to follow along with.
“I was very impressed with the overall design and simplicity of the app and integration of the iPhone and Apple Watch.”
Team Product Tester
However, he was disappointed by the lack of an online community for additional support and accountability outside of his coach. Still, at $99 per month, CoPilot is a cost-effective option if you’re looking for an online training platform that offers more than just new workouts every week.
Coaches who are also certified nutritionists can help you put together macro-friendly meal plans. Because they aren’t registered dietitians, though, they legally can’t tell you exactly what to eat, tell you to take specific supplements, or treat medical conditions.
Still, these plans will allow you to stay on track with your fitness and weight goals. In addition, the app allows you to work on four daily routines (or habits) at a time, which can help you build a well-rounded lifestyle that focuses on your physical and mental health.
“This is a very unique offering and a great feature,” says Mohr. “Many apps focus simply on fitness and/or nutrition.”
What customers are saying
Users on the Apple App Store consistently praise the ability to have workouts tailored to their needs.
“On the other end of this app…is an actual human being, who can work around my schedule and equipment to develop a plan,” wrote a reviewer with the screen name brchaplin. “I can do the workouts any time. I think this system would work for anyone, ranging from the not-so-fit like me to people who already do gym workouts.”
“I can do the workouts any time. I think this system would work for anyone, ranging from the not-so-fit like me to people who already do gym workouts.”
Username “brchaplin,” Apple App Store
In addition, CoPilot’s seamless integration with Apple Watches has helped many users stay accountable.
Several negative reviews pointed out issues with the app not functioning properly. Besides technical glitches, a few customers found their CoPilot experience disappointing due to trainers who did not deliver high-quality programming.
Specs
| Price | $99 per month |
| Free trial | Two weeks |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
Best personal training app with meal plan: Caliber
Key product features
What you should know
In addition to customized workout programming, Caliber also offers nutrition guidance from certified nutrition coaches. Your personal trainer will also provide regular feedback and update your plan as you progress.
- Our product tester appreciated her coach’s adaptability in holding her accountable for her food choices.
- While it only costs $19 per month for group coaching via Caliber Pro, the price for one-on-one coaching is significantly higher, starting at $200 per month.
- Caliber’s vast array of resources and tracking tools makes it a great platform for those who want to work with a certified personal trainer remotely.
Why we like Caliber as best with meal plan
As one of the top-rated personal training platforms we’ve tested, Caliber stands out for its personalized workout plans and excellent nutrition programming. Available in three tiers, the platform uses scientific principles and data-driven programming to help you achieve your fitness goals.
The free-forever version allows you to create your own workout plan, but you don’t get access to a coach. Our product tester selected the Caliber Premium Coaching package, which starts at $200 a month. After an easy setup process that earned 5 out of 5 stars, she connected with a coach who created a customized training plan. All paid versions of the Caliber app include coaching across nutrition and healthy habits in addition to strength and conditioning.
Although the price tag may seem high, our reviewer found Caliber to be worth the cost for several reasons. Primarily, she appreciated the excellent level of accountability, rating it 5 out of 5 stars.
“It doesn’t get better than this except for being with a trainer in person. This style of personal training kind of forces you to be held accountable because the trainer can really see what you’re doing all the time.”
Team Product Tester
Our reviewer also appreciated her trainer’s routine check-ins that included video reviews of the previous week’s workouts. Her coach also outlined incremental goals for the coming week. Plus, the app has a feature that lets you record right from within so you can send videos directly to your trainer for feedback.
Besides having a customized weightlifting and cardio routine to follow, Caliber also helps guide your nutrition. Our tester said her coach provided sound advice and helped her improve her relationship with food.
Note, however, that Caliber’s nutrition coaches aren’t registered dietitians. They can provide general nutrition advice about tracking macros, shopping for healthy meals, and the pros and cons of various diets. They can’t tell you to follow a specific diet, tell you exactly which foods to eat, or help treat medical conditions.
What customers are saying
Caliber is one of the top personal training apps on the Apple App Store. Customers consistently praise the level of individualized attention they receive from their coaches.
“My coach listens to me but doesn’t allow me to slack off,” wrote one reviewer with the screen name FelinatheFox. “She educated me as we went through each workout as to which muscles are being worked and the anticipated outcome.”
Another user who admitted to previously struggling with consistency has found investing in the Caliber app to be worthwhile, especially when trainers in her area cost about $80 per session. Her trainer has adjusted her workouts based on her busy schedule and conducts multiple weekly check-ins.
While there aren’t many negative reviews, one customer wrote that her trainer didn’t maintain consistent communication or change up the workouts. Another customer pointed out that the app doesn’t integrate with many fitness trackers. This makes it more challenging to monitor your health data and performance metrics.
Specs
| Price | $200 per 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, strength, functional fitness |
Best personal training app for cardio: Joggo
Key product features
What you should know
With Joggo, you’ll get a personalized plan tailored to your goals, fitness level, and lifestyle. The option to add a strength training plan allows you to follow a more well-rounded workout routine.
- Despite the app’s heavy emphasis on weight loss, our product tester found the coaching points on form and pacing useful.
- Although Joggo primarily focuses on running programs, you can add a strength training component to your routine for just $2 per week.
- Whether you like being outdoors or on a treadmill, this app is designed for beginners and intermediate runners who want more structure to their cardio routines.
Why we like Joggo as best for cardio
Founded by a former Ironman competitor, Joggo aims to help people reach their running and weight loss goals by providing personalized running and nutritional plans. The app features several tools to support your journey, including GPS locating tracking, distance and speed monitoring, and audio guidance for workouts.
If you’re trying to drop a few pounds, there’s also a weight tracker to record your progress. Even if you don’t need this feature, Joggo’s other tools can help you get more out of your cardio workouts and improve your speed and endurance.
Our product reviewer found the setup process straightforward, giving Joggo 4 out of 5 stars in this category. Once you answer questions about your current fitness level, diet, health issues, and other relevant information, Joggo presents different running plan options with estimates of how long it’ll take you to achieve your goal.
While our tester gave Joggo 3 out of 5 stars for instruction, she didn’t feel it was necessary to force users to look at or go through a short warm-up before starting their run. That feature may benefit beginners who need ideas on how to prepare for a run. But more experienced runners may find themselves tapping ahead to get to the actual workout.
Our tester also found the voice guidance feature that provides cues like “remember to breathe” too basic for advanced runners.
Joggo won’t cost you nearly as much as some of the other online personal training apps on this list. While the company doesn’t publish pricing on its website, you can get a general idea of the prices based on the results of completing an online quiz.
A two-month running plan checks in at about $3.80 per week, while a four-month plan costs about $3.05 per week. You can also commit to a six-month plan for about $2.53 per week. In comparison, other personal training apps can cost $50 or more per week.
With Joggo, you can also add a strength-training workout plan that focuses on your upper body and core for $2 per week. However, the lack of lower-body strength training shouldn’t be overlooked. Although Joggo doesn’t incorporate it in its programming, we would still encourage you to hit at least one or two leg day sessions per week. Research shows that lower-limb resistance exercise can help improve running economy and potentially reduce the risk of running-related injuries. (8)
A second tester pointed out another potential drawback.
“Joggo places a lot of emphasis on running for weight loss. But that wasn’t my goal when I used it to get back into running after having a baby. I’d encourage anyone who wants to try the app to not view cardio as the end-all, be-all approach to weight loss.”
Team Product Tester
Overall, the app lacks interactive features and accountability measures other than push notifications. Still, the fact you can use Joggo to perform treadmill or outdoor runs should prevent you from getting bored with the same workout environment. If you’ve been relying on the 12-3-30 workout or long walks for cardio, this app can provide more variety and a structured approach that’ll help you shed some pounds or boost your stamina.
What customers are saying
Reviewers on the Apple App Store enjoy that the workouts go beyond just running, with some including speed work and bodyweight exercises.
However, several reviews point out that the app has trouble recognizing your data.
“The idea behind it is good, but the app has a lot of trouble recognizing your data, loading previous run data, or forgetting it all together!” commented one user with the screen name daleleyiii.
On Trustpilot, verified user Deanna Young expressed appreciation for 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 Young, Apple App Store
Still, many customers called attention to technical issues that made it difficult to rely on the app. In addition, several negative reviews expressed frustration about the lack of integration with smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Specs
| Price | Starts around $2.53 per week |
| Free trial | No |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength |
Best personal training app for strength training: JuggernautAI
Key product features
What you should know
JuggernautAI’s technology creates customized, structured strength training workouts to help you get stronger and build muscle. The app will automatically update your plan as you progress toward your goals.
- According to our product tester, the app provides a solid measure of accountability even though you don’t work with a coach.
- At around $35 per month, this app provides solid value for those looking for high-level strength training programming.
- If you’re keen on gaining size and strength, JuggernautAI takes away the guesswork and empowers you to make progress toward your goals.
Why we like JuggernautAI as best for strength training
If building muscle and strength matter most, you can’t go wrong with this app from accomplished powerlifter and championship-winning coach Chad Wesley Smith. JuggernautAI, a strength and hypertrophy fitness program, allows the everyday athlete to benefit from his expertise without any face-to-face interaction.
Unlike some of the other personal training apps on this list, you don’t work with a live coach. Instead, the highly intuitive AI uses data to develop a routine that will help you improve at the three core powerlifting movements: the squat, deadlift, and bench press. Some of the data points it utilizes are your previous fitness experience, personal records, weak points, and current training load.
While some folks may prefer to work directly with a coach, our product tester enjoyed Juggernaut’s smart and responsive AI technology.
However, even though the setup process proved quick and painless, the lack of human interaction did lead to a lower accountability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. While having an app with scheduled workouts helped our reviewer stay on track, it still didn’t provide as much accountability as having routine check-ins with a certified coach.
Furthermore, Juggernaut only earned 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features. Other than logging your readiness, weights, sets, and reps, you won’t spend a ton of time interacting with the app. Again, though, this may work just fine if you’re more concerned about getting your workouts done than scrolling on your phone.
Juggernaut AI also utilizes a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to adjust your training plan. RPE is a scale from 1-10 that measures the intensity of your lifts. An RPE of 1 represents a lift that requires very little effort. An RPE of 10 is a max-effort lift, usually applied when trying to set a new personal record. RPE is a validated tool in terms of regulating exercise intensity. (9)
Juggernaut AI shines in the value category. After six weeks of training with the app, our reviewer gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars.
“At $35 per month, this is a phenomenal value. There are tons of other workout apps out there that do nothing but serve up on-demand, pre-filmed workouts for $30 or more per month. This app is like getting the insights of a real coach for next to nothing.”
Team Product Tester
What customers are saying
The JuggernautAI app has earned widespread respect from users on the Apple App Store. Many customers noted that they’ve seen improvements in their core lifts since using the program. It’s also helped users become more comfortable with their technique.
“The training adapts based on your weak points, lifting style, available equipment, etc. Unlike most templates, the workout can change between sets just based on the RPE of the previous set… there really is no better app out there.”
Ken Wright, Apple App Store
While the level of individualization has also earned positive remarks from customers, there are a few criticisms of the app. One review noted that JuggernautAI will be difficult for beginners to use.
“Wouldn’t recommend to beginners, although possible, I feel some of the information needed to be answered and the questions themselves might be hard to understand for those that are new,” commented user Ben Shaw.
Specs
| Price | $35 per month; $350 for one year |
| Free trial | Two weeks |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Strength, powerlifting, powerbuilding |
Best personal training app for fitness classes: iFIT
Key product features
What you should know
Compatible with cardio equipment from brands like NordicTrack and ProForm, iFIT offers thousands of classes to prevent boredom.
- Our product tester deemed iFIT “a true Peloton competitor” based on her experience with outdoor runs and bike rides.
- If you want to get your loved ones involved in fitness, you can purchase a family plan for $39 per month.
- With ample variety and engaging instructors, iFIT is an excellent choice for those who want an interactive training experience that doesn’t require a trip to the gym or studio.
Why we like iFIT as best for fitness classes
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to break a sweat on your new cardio machine or trying to get your family to become more active, iFIT is one of the best apps when it comes to ramping up the energy and interaction. With thousands of live and on-demand classes, you have ample flexibility to find workouts tailored to your preferences.
Utilized by more than six million people, this virtual training platform allows you to take classes at home with quality instructors who provide motivation and instruction. iFIT also syncs with ellipticals, treadmills, and other equipment, making it a terrific tool to get more out of an expensive cardio machine.
During testing, our product reviewer found the app easy to use, rating it 4.5 out of 5 stars in this category. She was able to browse through a deep library of classes that included everything from yoga and strength training to rowing machine and bike workouts. Plus, she liked being able to see all the workouts she completed, along with key metrics like calories burned, average heart rate, and the duration of each session.
iFIT also excels at keeping you motivated and engaged. It earned 4 out of 5 stars for its interactive features. Our product tester enjoyed being able to join different challenges that included a leaderboard where she could see how she stacked up against other participants. She also found the live class component useful, as it gave her a gym-like feel right at home.
At just $15 a month for the individual plan, iFIT gives you excellent bang for your buck.
“Good value for the price! You get a lot of different types of classes, which can be great for a casual exerciser.”
Team Product Tester
You get access to over 16,000 classes and nearly 200 instructors. You can also pick your classes based on whether you want to be in the studio or outdoors. If you prefer the former, you can complete your workout in a more traditional indoor setting. But if you want to make your workout experience truly unique, you can row with your instructor on a waterway in French Polynesia or go for a hill run along the beach using iFIT’s global workouts.
One of the biggest drawbacks we found is that iFIT doesn’t offer clear plans for progression. Without a one-on-one coach there to push you, you may find yourself stuck running at the same pace or using the same resistance levels on the bike over and over again. Not challenging yourself can cause you to stagnate. (10)
What customers are saying
This interactive personal training platform has generated positive feedback on the Apple App Store for providing an immersive experience and a wide variety of workouts. Plus, iFIT works well with different cardio equipment, including some of the best treadmills and rowing machines.
“Most of the trainers are very personable and knowledgeable. The camera work and the fitness training offered in these workouts, filmed in beautiful locales, are a great motivator for getting on your exercise equipment.”
VS Raine, Apple App Store
A few negative reviews mentioned that it can be difficult to navigate the workout library, which can lead to spending too much time looking around for the right fit.
“If you want to follow 2 different series at the same time, or jump out of your current series to do a quick one-off workout, it is difficult to go back and find the series you were working on,” noted a user with the screen name W.C.999. “There should be a simple way to browse ‘recently played’ workouts, similar to how music apps work. There should also be a way to easily find a 20-min or 30-min workout with your favorite trainer through a search.”
Specs
| Price | Family plan is $39 per month or $396 per year; individual plan is $144 per year |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cycling, treadmill, HIIT, rowing, strength training, yoga, pilates, bodyweight |
Best personal training app for beginners: FlexIt
Key product features
What you should know
FlexIt takes the guesswork out of starting a fitness routine. Their personal trainers create customized training plans that can be done anywhere. Live feedback from coaches also ensures beginners are using proper form and working at a safe pace.
- FlexIt gives you the option to commit to a monthly plan (for a minimum of two months) or choose their pay-as-you-go method, which is slightly more expensive on a per-session basis.
- At about $1 per minute, the cost per session falls in line with what you would pay for in-person training.
- Beginners will benefit from working directly with a certified personal trainer who caters to their schedule, available equipment, fitness level, and specific goals—all in a remote setting.
Why we like FlexIt as best for beginners
FlexIt is an interactive platform that provides a live personal training experience while allowing you to work out from wherever you want. Based on our decades of experience in the industry, we believe FlexIt is well-suited for people who are just starting their fitness journeys.
FlexIt allows you to schedule sessions of either 30, 45, or 60 minutes with a certified personal trainer who will be present the entire time. If you’re new to working out, the 30-minute option is a great way to build a base level of strength, endurance, and confidence as you get more familiar with your coach. Not only can you select how long you want your sessions to be, but you can also choose to pay in a bundle of sessions (four, eight, or 12) and schedule them based on your availability.
To get started, you must take a brief assessment to evaluate your current fitness levels and goals. From there, you can find a coach or certified nutritionist who can create a structured training plan for you.
Many of our product testers are certified personal trainers themselves and found the assessment to be too simplistic. It only asked basic questions such as your goals, preferred workout schedule, and preferred training style. Our team members believe going into more detail about things like injury history and current eating habits would lead to stronger matches with a coach.
True to its name, FlexIt has coaches who specialize in many areas, including bodybuilding, HIIT, pilates, and boxing. You can even work with certified health and wellness experts in specialties like meditation, and pre- and post-natal care.
From a cost perspective, FlexIt is comparable to what you would pay for in-person training. Depending on which bundle you choose, sessions range between $36.40-$79.80. The upper end of that range falls in line with the average in-person training rate of about $1 per minute.
Beginners will benefit most from having a live trainer who can provide real-time feedback on form and pacing. This can help you avoid injuries and ensure you’re completing the workout with an appropriate level of intensity. And if you lack the confidence to work out in front of dozens of gym members, FlexIt lets you reap the rewards of training.
What customers are saying
Customers on the Google Play Store enjoy having a workout app that offers live coaching in various formats, as it provides something similar to an in-person training experience at a much cheaper cost.
“Very convenient and wonderful encouragement.”
Tara Brooks-Smith, Google Play Store
Despite the positive experiences working with a coach in a virtual setting, many users pointed out issues with FlexIt’s messaging features. Overall, misspellings and bugs detract from an app that otherwise boasts plenty of intriguing capabilities.
Specs
| Price | $36.40-$79.80, depending on the bundle |
| Free trial | One trial session for $5 |
| Compatible with | iOS, Android |
| Workout types | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
Benefits of personal training
Personal training apps provide many of the same benefits as an in-person trainer, but at a lower cost. Primarily, they provide you with a plan of attack to conquer your fitness goals. For some, just having a workout routine to adhere to can make all the difference in staying consistent. Others may want more high-level programming, nutrition coaching, or other services in an all-in-one app.
Moreover, personal training apps are beneficial for accountability and motivation. Whether you’re a beginner who needs help with your technique or someone with a busy travel schedule who needs a coach to keep you on track, this is one way to get the support you need. Between in-app messaging, video check-ins, and daily notifications, there are multiple avenues to help you remain on the right path.
Plus, many apps offer logging and tracking features. These features allow you to see how well you’re progressing and whether your coach needs to adjust your program.
How to choose the best personal training app for you
With so many personal trainer apps to choose from, it’s important to find one that will help you conquer your health and wellness goals at a reasonable cost. Besides price, other factors you should consider when shopping around include:
Workout style
Are you looking to level up your cardio? Or are you trying to build strength and size? Some training apps are specifically geared toward particular training modalities, making them great fits for some folks and not so useful for others. Select a platform that includes the types of workouts you enjoy—and that will deliver results.
Instruction
Do you need one-on-one coaching? How comfortable are you with performing strength training exercises on your own? Beginners may need more nuanced instructions and consistent feedback to avoid any training pitfalls.
Ease of use
Some mobile app interfaces can be fairly complicated, especially if you’re new to working out virtually. Experienced lifters and those with specific performance or physique goals may appreciate the complexity of a data-driven platform. Others may find it to be a hindrance.
Progression
A personal training app should be the exact opposite of “set it and forget it.” Whether you’re working with a live coach or relying on AI technology, your program should change over time as you become stronger and fitter. Progressive overload, or gradually increasing your workout intensity, is a time-tested principle that has a major impact on muscle growth and development. (10)
Nutrition coaching
What you put into your body will directly affect your results. A nutrition coach can take the guesswork out of eating and make sure you’re fueling up properly to meet your demands and needs.
Remember that a certified nutrition coach has a limited scope of practice compared to a registered dietitian. A nutrition coach can provide general nutrition advice based on current research regarding topics such as setting and tracking macros. He or she can’t prescribe specific diets, diagnose or treat medical conditions, or prescribe supplements. For more individualized nutrition guidance, it’s best to consult with a registered dietitian.
How we test personal training apps
Collectively, our team has completed thousands of training sessions using some of the most popular fitness apps. During the research and evaluation process, we assessed the various components that impact a user’s virtual training experience. For more information on each factor, check out our fitness program testing methodology page.
Program design—30%
We assessed whether each app has enough variety to keep you motivated and stimulated. We also looked for accountability features and real-time messaging tools that would allow us to get immediate feedback from our coaches.
Furthermore, we considered the following criteria when ranking personal training apps:
- Explanation
- Versatility
- Reasonable amount of training volume
Value—30%
We assessed 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%
While movement is a crucial element of a healthy lifestyle, it’s not the only thing that matters. What you eat, how well you manage stress, and how well you sleep also play a significant role in your health and 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 know that your overall experience with a personal training app determines how likely you are to stick with it for the 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
How much does a personal training app cost?
Personal training apps vary widely in price, depending on the number of features and level of support you need. Ones that provide basic workout and macro tracking may be free or cost less than $50 per month. If you want a more personalized experience with a dedicated coach, that could cost more than $100 a month.
For example, our top overall personal training app (Future) has a monthly cost of $200. Yet when you compare the cost of an app to paying for an in-person trainer (which could be $60 or more an hour), you’ll save money by going the virtual route.
What is the most popular fitness coach app?
Some of the most popular fitness coach apps include Future, Caliber Strength Training, iFIT, JuggernautAI, and FlexIT. Each app offers unique benefits and drawbacks, with some being better suited for specific training modalities.
Can I use a personal training app if I’m new to working out?
A personal training app is a fantastic tool for beginners. Instead of walking into the gym without a plan, you can rely on an app to provide a structured workout protocol based on your fitness level and goals. Many apps include an exercise library with video demonstrations so you can see how to perform a movement properly. Plus, you can receive even more support from a dedicated coach who will provide feedback, motivation, and guidance as you embark on your fitness journey.
Are personal trainers certified when they work on apps?
Fitness professionals who use apps to connect with and coach clients must hold valid certifications. This ensures you’ll be paired with a personal trainer who has the qualifications and knowledge to provide high-quality programming, even in a remote setting. Some platforms also include access to certified nutritionists or licensed physical therapists for more specific support.
Our experts
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper 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.
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 all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Amanda Dvorak, CPT
Amanda Dvorak is a Fortune Recommends writer and editor. She 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).
Harry Neale, Ph.D.
Fact-checker Dr. Harry Neale holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied languages and literature. He has taught 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.
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.