Online personal training has revolutionized the fitness industry, offering unparalleled flexibility, affordability, and access to top-notch expertise from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, the right online personal trainer can provide the guidance, motivation, and personalized workout plans you need to achieve your goals.
In this article, we will explore the 7 best online personal trainers, each excelling in different areas to cater to a wide range of fitness needs.
1. Future Fitness App
Future Fitness is a personal training app that pairs users with qualified coaches to create customized workout plans. Launched in 2019, the app aims to provide a digital personal training experience that is both flexible and personalized. Users start by filling out a questionnaire about their fitness goals, experience, and available equipment. They are then matched with a coach who designs a tailored workout plan. The app supports communication through messaging and video calls, and it integrates with Apple Watch to track performance metrics.
Pros
- Personalized Training Plans: Each user gets a workout plan tailored to their specific goals and available equipment.
- Accountability: Coaches provide regular check-ins and feedback, helping users stay motivated and on track.
- Flexibility: Users can complete workouts on their own schedule, making it convenient for busy lifestyles.
- Variety of Workouts: The app offers a wide range of exercises, from bodyweight workouts to complex Olympic lifts.
- User Interface: The app is well-designed and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use.
Cons
- Cost: At $199 per month, the app is relatively expensive compared to other fitness apps.
- Apple Watch Requirement: To get the full experience, users need an Apple Watch, which adds to the overall cost.
- No Real-Time Coaching: While coaches provide feedback, there is no real-time interaction during workouts.
Price
- Monthly Subscription: $199 per month, with discounts available for longer commitments (e.g., $149 per month for an annual subscription).
- First Month Discount: New users can often get a discount on their first month, sometimes as low as $49.
- Apple Watch Rental: Users who don’t own an Apple Watch can rent one for a $199 deposit.
2. Virtual Personal Training
VirtualPersonalTraining.org offers online personal training with Samuel Parker. Samuel is an ISSA certified personal trainer based in Atlanta, offering comprehensive online personal training services. With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, Samuel specializes in hypertrophy, muscle growth, cardiovascular endurance training, and HIIT.
His online personal training program includes weekly 60-minute coaching sessions, customized workout plans, nutritional guidance, habit tracking, and 24/7 access via WhatsApp.
Clients also benefit from weekly email check-ins and optional bi-weekly Zoom or phone calls to discuss progress. Samuel’s approach is highly personalized, aiming to help clients achieve their fitness goals through tailored plans and continuous support.
Pros
- Personalized Plans: Samuel provides customized workout plans that cater to individual goals, whether for home, gym, or both. This ensures that each client receives a program tailored to their specific needs and fitness levels.
- Nutritional Guidance: Alongside workout plans, Samuel offers detailed nutritional advice to complement the physical training, helping clients achieve a holistic approach to fitness.
- Continuous Support: Clients have access to Samuel via WhatsApp, ensuring they can get support and answers to their questions at any time. Weekly email check-ins and optional bi-weekly calls further enhance this support system.
Cons
- Cost: The price for Samuel Parker’s online personal training services ranges from $400 to $1,200, which may be considered high for some potential clients. This could be a barrier for those on a tighter budget.
- Virtual Limitations: As with any online training, there is a potential risk of incorrect exercise form due to the lack of physical presence of the trainer. This could lead to injuries if not properly monitored.
- Accountability Challenges: While Samuel offers extensive support, the virtual nature of the training means that clients need to be self-motivated and disciplined to follow through with the program without the physical presence of a trainer to push them.
Price
Samuel Parker’s online personal training services are priced as follows:
- 1-Month Plan: $400 for 4 sessions (60 minutes each)
- 2-Month Plan: $800 for 8 sessions (60 minutes each)
- 3-Month Plan: $1,200 for 12 sessions (60 minutes each)
These plans include weekly coaching sessions, customized workout plans, nutritional guidance, habit tracking, and continuous support through various communication channels.
3. Caliber Fitness App
Caliber Fitness is an online personal training app that focuses on strength training and progressive overload. The app pairs users with certified personal trainers who create customized workout and nutrition plans based on the user’s goals, experience, and available equipment. Caliber offers three tiers of service: a free version, a group coaching plan, and a premium one-on-one coaching plan. The app supports communication through chat and video calls, and it is available on both iOS and Android.
Pros
- Personalized Training and Nutrition Plans: Users receive customized workout and nutrition plans tailored to their specific goals.
- Accountability: Regular check-ins and feedback from coaches help users stay motivated and on track.
- Flexibility: Workouts can be done at home or in a gym, and the app adjusts plans based on available equipment.
- Comprehensive Support: The app includes features like video demonstrations of exercises and the ability to send workout videos to coaches for feedback.
- Results Guarantee: Caliber offers a refund if users do not achieve their fitness goals.
Cons
- Cost: The premium plan is expensive, starting at $200 per month.
- No In-Person Support: All interactions are online, which may not be ideal for users who prefer face-to-face coaching.
- Limited Compatibility: The app syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit but may not be compatible with all fitness trackers.
Price
- Free Version: Access to a library of basic strength training and cardio workouts.
- Group Coaching Plan: $19 per month, offering group coaching and community support.
- Premium One-on-One Coaching: Starts at $200 per month, with options for additional video calls and expanded packages that can cost up to $266 per month.
4. FlexIt
FlexIt is a virtual personal training platform that offers live, 1-on-1 personal training and nutrition coaching. Users can access these services through the FlexIt app or online, making it convenient to work out from home, the gym, or any location. FlexIt provides flexible gym access with participating gyms, eliminating the need for traditional memberships and contracts. The platform offers a variety of training programs, including strength training, cardio, Pilates, yoga, Barre, boxing, meditation, and nutrition coaching. FlexIt also features a premium service called FlexItPRO™, which connects users with elite trainers who typically work with celebrities and professional athletes.
Pros
- Live Virtual Coaching: FlexIt offers real-time, personalized feedback and coaching from certified trainers, which can be more effective than pre-recorded workouts.
- Flexibility and Convenience: Users can schedule sessions at their convenience and work out from any location, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or who travel frequently.
- Variety of Trainers and Programs: FlexIt provides access to a wide range of trainers and fitness programs, allowing users to mix and match trainers based on their specific goals and preferences.
- Comprehensive Wellness Plan: In addition to fitness training, FlexIt offers nutrition coaching and other wellness services, such as meditation and pre/post-natal care.
- First Session for $5: FlexIt offers an affordable trial session, allowing users to experience the platform before committing to a more expensive plan.
Cons
- App Issues: Some users have reported that the FlexIt app can be finicky and buggy, particularly on Android devices, which can hinder the overall user experience.
- Initial Assessment: The initial fitness assessment is considered basic and could benefit from more detailed questions to better tailor the training program to individual needs.
- Cost: While FlexIt is generally less expensive than in-person training, it is still more costly than many other fitness apps that do not offer live coaching.
Price
- Session Costs: Prices range from $36 to $88 per session, depending on the bundle and session length (30, 45, or 60 minutes).
- Trial Session: The first session is available for $5.
- Subscription Plans: Monthly subscription plans are available, with options for four, eight, or twelve sessions per month, requiring a two-month commitment.
5. iFIT
iFIT is a subscription-based fitness app that offers thousands of on-demand workout classes, including strength training, cardio, yoga, HIIT, and more. The app is compatible with various exercise machines, such as treadmills, rowing machines, and bikes, and can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. iFIT provides a community-based feel with features like challenge groups, leaderboards, and live events. The app also includes mental wellness and cooking classes, making it a comprehensive fitness and wellness platform.
Pros
- Wide Variety of Classes: iFIT offers a vast library of over 16,000 classes, catering to different fitness levels and preferences. Users can choose from various workout types, including global and Google Maps workouts that allow virtual exploration of different locations.
- Integration with Equipment: iFIT is compatible with several fitness equipment brands, and some machines can automatically adjust settings like incline and resistance to match the instructor’s guidance during classes.
- Community Features: The app includes challenge groups, leaderboards, and live events, which help keep users motivated and engaged.
- Comprehensive Wellness Offerings: In addition to fitness classes, iFIT provides mental wellness sessions, cooking classes, and nutrition guidance, offering a holistic approach to health and fitness.
- Affordable Family Plan: iFIT offers a family plan that allows up to five separate accounts, making it a cost-effective option for households.
Cons
- Subscription Cost: While iFIT is not the most expensive fitness app, it does require a monthly or yearly subscription, which may not be suitable for those looking for free workout options.
- Music Selection: Some users have reported that the app’s music selection is not diverse enough, which can affect the workout experience.
- Customer Service Issues: There have been complaints about poor customer service and difficulties with upgrades, which can be frustrating for users.
- No Live Studio Classes: iFIT discontinued live studio-style classes in 2022, which may be a drawback for users who prefer live interaction during workouts.
Price
- Individual Plan: $15 per month.
- Family Plan: $39 per month, which includes up to five separate accounts.
- Free Trial: iFIT offers a 30-day free trial, allowing users to explore the app before committing to a paid plan.
6. Aaptiv
Aaptiv is an audio-based fitness app that offers a wide range of workouts guided by expert trainers. The app is designed to provide users with the experience of having a personal trainer in their pocket, offering workouts across various disciplines such as running, strength training, yoga, and more. Aaptiv’s unique selling point is its audio-centric format, which allows users to focus on their workouts without needing to watch a screen. The app also includes features like AI-powered SmartCoach, which creates personalized workout plans based on user input.
Pros
- Audio-Based Workouts: Ideal for users who prefer not to look at a screen while working out. The audio instructions are clear and motivating, making it easy to follow along.
- Variety of Workouts: Offers a wide range of workout types, including running, strength training, yoga, and more. This variety helps keep workouts interesting and caters to different fitness goals.
- Personalization: The SmartCoach feature uses AI to create customized workout plans based on user preferences and goals. This helps users stay on track and achieve their fitness objectives.
- Community Features: Includes social features like community feeds, team challenges, and stat tracking with unlockable badges, which help keep users motivated.
- Accessibility: Available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Lack of Visual Demonstrations: The app is primarily audio-based, which may not be ideal for visual learners who prefer to see exercise demonstrations.
- Technical Issues: Some users have reported technical issues, particularly on Android devices.
- Not Ideal for Beginners: While the app offers a variety of workouts, it may not be the best choice for complete beginners who need more visual guidance and form correction.
Price
- Monthly Subscription: $14.99 per month.
- Annual Subscription: $99.99 per year, which reduces the monthly cost to approximately $8.33.
- Free Trial: 7-day free trial available with the annual subscription plan.
7. Obé Fitness
Obé Fitness is an online fitness platform that offers both live and on-demand workout classes. The platform is known for its high-energy, studio-style classes that cover a wide range of fitness disciplines, including strength training, HIIT, dance, yoga, and more. Obé Fitness aims to make working out fun and accessible, with a focus on creating a vibrant community and offering personalized workout plans based on user preferences and goals.
Pros
- Variety of Classes: Offers over 20 types of workout classes, including strength training, HIIT, dance, yoga, and more. This variety ensures that users can find classes that suit their preferences and fitness levels.
- Live and On-Demand Options: Provides up to 22 live classes per day and a library of over 10,000 on-demand classes, allowing users to work out at their convenience.
- Personalization: Users can take a quiz to receive personalized workout plans that adapt based on their progress and preferences. The app also integrates data from Apple HealthKit for more tailored recommendations.
- Community Engagement: Features a robust community with options to connect via a private Facebook group, share progress, and participate in challenges.
- Inclusivity: Offers classes for all fitness levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced, as well as specialized programs for prenatal and postnatal fitness.
Cons
- Short Free Trial: The free trial period is only 7 days, which may not be enough time for users to fully evaluate the platform.
- Technical Issues: Some users have reported issues with class loading and app functionality, particularly when using offline mode or casting to a TV.
- Price: On the pricier side compared to other fitness apps, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
Price
- Monthly Subscription: $27 per month.
- Quarterly Subscription: $65 per quarter.
- Annual Subscription: $199 per year, which reduces the monthly cost to approximately $16.58.
- Free Trial: 7-day free trial available for new users.
