Online personal training has revolutionized the fitness industry, offering a flexible, cost-effective, and highly personalized approach to achieving fitness goals. Unlike traditional in-person training, online personal training allows clients to work out on their own schedule, from any location, and often at a fraction of the cost. This method of training has become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for remote fitness solutions.
In this article, we will explore the seven best online personal trainers, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and what sets them apart in the crowded digital fitness landscape.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, improve your cardiovascular health, or simply stay active, these top-rated online personal trainers can help you achieve your fitness goals from the comfort of your home.
1. Virtual Personal Training
VirtualPersonalTraining.org offers online personal training with Samuel Parker. Samuel is an ISSA certified personal trainer based in Atlanta. 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 is designed to cater to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, providing personalized workout plans, nutritional guidance, and continuous support to help clients achieve their fitness goals.
Pros
Personalized Approach: Samuel offers customized workout plans tailored to individual goals, whether for home, gym, or both. This ensures that each client receives a program that fits their specific needs and lifestyle.
Comprehensive Support: Clients benefit from weekly 60-minute online coaching sessions, nutritional guidance, habit tracking, and 24/7 access to Samuel through WhatsApp. This level of support helps clients stay motivated and accountable.
Cons
Cost: The pricing for Samuel’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: While Samuel offers comprehensive virtual support, some clients might prefer in-person training for hands-on guidance and immediate feedback. The virtual format may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who need more direct supervision.
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)
2. FlexIt
FlexIt is an online personal training platform designed to offer a flexible and personalized fitness experience. It allows users to connect with certified personal trainers, nutritionists, and other health professionals from the comfort of their homes or any location they prefer. FlexIt provides a variety of training options, including strength training, HIIT, pilates, and physical therapy, making it suitable for users with diverse fitness goals. The platform offers sessions in 30, 45, or 60-minute increments and allows users to purchase multi-session bundles to save money and establish a consistent training schedule.
Pros
Live Virtual Coaching: FlexIt offers real-time, one-on-one personal training sessions, providing a highly interactive and personalized experience.
Customizable Plans: Users can mix and match different trainers and specialists to create a comprehensive wellness plan tailored to their specific needs.
Flexible Scheduling: Sessions can be scheduled at the user’s convenience, and the platform supports various session lengths (30, 45, or 60 minutes).
Variety of Specialists: Access to a wide range of professionals, including personal trainers, nutritionists, and physical therapists, ensures a holistic approach to fitness and wellness.
Convenience: Users can train from anywhere, eliminating the need to visit a gym and providing a comfortable and private workout environment.
Cons
App Issues: Some users have reported bugs and a lack of polish in the app, particularly with messaging capabilities.
Initial Assessment: The initial fitness assessment is considered basic and could benefit from more detailed questions to better match users with the right trainers.
Higher Cost: While the services are comprehensive, they come at a higher cost, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
Price
Per Session: $39 to $73, depending on the bundle purchased.
Monthly Packages: Range from $134 to $734.30 per month, depending on the number of sessions and duration.
Connected Training Program: $75 per month, which includes 16 personalized workouts and virtual check-ins with a trainer.
3. Future
Future is a premium online personal training app that pairs users with qualified personal trainers to create customized workout plans. Launched in 2019, Future aims to provide a highly personalized fitness experience by leveraging technology to deliver tailored workouts and ongoing support. The app is designed to be used with an Apple Watch, which helps track performance metrics and provides real-time feedback to trainers. Future is ideal for users looking for a flexible and comprehensive fitness solution that can be accessed from anywhere.
Pros
Highly Personalized Plans: Future offers fully customized workout plans based on the user’s fitness level, goals, and available equipment.
Accountability and Motivation: Regular check-ins and feedback from personal trainers help keep users motivated and accountable.
User-Friendly Interface: The app is well-designed and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use.
Variety of Workouts: Future provides a wide range of workout options, from strength training to HIIT, ensuring users can find routines that suit their preferences and goals.
Flexibility: Users can work out at their convenience, whether at home, in a gym, or while traveling.
Cons
High Cost: At $199 per month, Future is one of the more expensive online personal training options, which may be a barrier for some users.
Requires Apple Watch: To get the full experience, users need an Apple Watch, which adds to the overall cost if they don’t already own one.
No Real-Time Coaching: Unlike some other platforms, Future does not offer live coaching during workouts, which may be a drawback for users who prefer real-time interaction.
Price
Monthly Membership: $199 per month, with discounts available for longer commitments (e.g., $179 for 3 months, $169 for 6 months, $149 for 12 months).
First Month Discount: New users can often get a significant discount on their first month, sometimes as low as $49.
Apple Watch Rental: If users do not own an Apple Watch, they can rent one for a $199 deposit.
4. Caliber Fitness
Caliber Fitness is an online personal training platform that focuses primarily on strength training. It offers personalized, data-driven workout programs and nutrition plans designed to help users build muscle and improve body composition. Caliber pairs users with certified personal trainers who provide individualized coaching and support through the app. The platform is available on both iOS and Android and includes features such as video coaching, weekly check-ins, and progress tracking.
Pros
Personalized Training Plans: Caliber offers highly customized workout and nutrition plans tailored to individual goals, fitness levels, and available equipment.
Certified Trainers: All trainers are certified and have extensive experience, ensuring professional and effective guidance.
Comprehensive Support: The app provides constant communication with trainers via chat and video calls, along with weekly check-ins to adjust plans based on progress.
Science-Based Approach: Caliber uses scientifically-backed methods like progressive overload to ensure effective strength training and muscle growth.
Flexible Options: The app offers both free and paid versions, with the free version providing access to a library of workouts.
Cons
High Cost: The premium version starts at $200 per month, which can be expensive compared to other online training options.
Focus on Strength Training: The app is primarily geared towards strength training, which may not be ideal for those looking for more cardio-focused programs.
Nutrition Guidance Limitations: While trainers provide nutrition advice, they are certified nutrition coaches, not registered dietitians, which means the guidance may be more general.
Price
Free Version: Access to a library of basic strength training and cardio workouts.
Pro Version: Group coaching for around $14-$19 per month.
Premium Coaching: One-on-one coaching starting at $200 per month, with expanded packages including additional features like weekly or monthly Zoom calls starting at $266 per month.
5. Joggo
Joggo is a personalized running app designed to help users achieve their running and weight loss goals. The app provides customized running plans, meal plans, and educational resources tailored to the user’s fitness level and goals. Joggo includes features such as GPS tracking, audio guidance, and progress tracking, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced runners.
Pros
Personalized Running Plans: Joggo creates tailored running programs based on the user’s fitness level, goals, and lifestyle.
Comprehensive Support: The app offers audio-guided workouts, meal plans created by certified nutritionists, and educational resources on running and nutrition.
Affordable: Joggo is relatively low-cost compared to other fitness apps, making it accessible for users on a budget.
Motivational Features: The app includes features like audio guidance and progress tracking to keep users motivated and on track with their goals.
Cons
Subscription-Based Pricing: Users need to pay a recurring fee to access the app’s features, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Technical Issues: Some users have reported issues with the app’s functionality, such as problems with data tracking and map features.
Limited Integration: The app does not integrate with all fitness devices, such as Garmin and Fitbit, which may be a drawback for some users.
Price
Two-Month Plan: Approximately $33.
Four-Month Plan: Approximately $49.
Six-Month Plan: Approximately $66.
Additional Features: Users can add a strength-training workout plan for an additional $2 per week.
6. iFIT
iFIT is an interactive personal training platform that offers thousands of on-demand workout classes led by certified trainers. It is designed to work seamlessly with compatible exercise equipment from brands like NordicTrack, ProForm, and FreeMotion. With iFIT, users can access a vast library of over 16,000 workouts, including strength training, cardio, yoga, meditation, and more. The trainers can automatically adjust the resistance and incline of compatible machines, providing an immersive and personalized experience.
Pros
Vast library of over 16,000 on-demand workouts across various disciplinesÂ
Automatic adjustment of resistance and incline on compatible equipment for a seamless experienceÂ
Ability to explore stunning global locations and trails through interactive workoutsÂ
Access to progressive training series and challenges to stay motivatedÂ
Compatibility with popular fitness equipment brands like NordicTrack and ProFormÂ
Option for individual or family membership plansÂ
Cons
Relatively expensive, with individual membership costing $15 per month and family membership $39 per monthÂ
Discontinued live studio-style classes in 2022, focusing solely on on-demand contentÂ
Some complaints about poor customer service and difficulties with upgradesÂ
Lacks true one-on-one personal training or coachingÂ
Price
Individual Membership: $15 per month or $180 per yearÂ
Family Membership (up to 5 accounts): $39 per month or $396 per yearÂ
7. Aaptiv
Aaptiv is an audio-based fitness app that provides guided workouts led by expert trainers. With over 2,500 classes and 30 new sessions added weekly, Aaptiv offers a wide range of workout types, including strength training, running, yoga, meditation, and more. The app’s unique audio-based approach allows users to follow along with the trainer’s voice instructions without needing to watch a screen constantly. Aaptiv also includes features like workout programs, challenges, and a social community.
Pros
Audio-based workouts allow for a more discreet and screen-free experienceÂ
Wide variety of workout types and disciplines to choose fromÂ
Motivating and engaging trainers who provide real-time guidanceÂ
Personalized workout plans and programs tailored to individual goalsÂ
Social community and challenges to stay motivated and connectedÂ
Affordable monthly or yearly subscription optionsÂ
Cons
Lack of visual demonstrations may be challenging for beginners or visual learnersÂ
No hands-on form correction or personalized feedback from trainersÂ
Limited equipment options, primarily focused on bodyweight or minimal equipmentÂ
Audio-only format may not be suitable for all workout types or preferencesÂ
Tips to consider before picking an athletic or personal trainer(Opens in a new browser tab)
Price
Monthly Subscription: $14.99 per monthÂ
Annual Subscription: $99.99 per year (approximately $8.33 per month)
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