
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to hit the gym or attend fitness classes can be challenging. Fortunately, the rise of online personal training has made it easier than ever to achieve your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health, online personal trainers offer personalized guidance, expert advice, and flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle.
This article explores seven of the best online personal training options available, each offering unique features and approaches to help you reach your fitness aspirations.
1. Online Personal Training With Samuel Parker
Samuel Parker is an ISSA certified personal trainer based in Atlanta, offering comprehensive online personal training services. His program includes customized workout plans, nutritional guidance, and continuous support tailored to individual goals and lifestyles. Samuel specializes in various disciplines, including hypertrophy, muscle growth, cardiovascular endurance training, and HIIT.
Pros
- Personalized workout plans for home, gym, or both
- Weekly 60-minute online coaching sessions
- Nutritional guidance and habit tracking
- 24/7 access to the trainer via WhatsApp
- Access to educational resources, including e-books on diet plans and exercises
- Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
- Flexible scheduling with bi-weekly Zoom or phone call options
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some app-based alternatives
- Requires self-motivation and discipline for remote training
- May lack the immediate feedback of in-person training
Price
- Ranges from $400 to $1,200 depending on the chosen plan
- Options include:1-Month Plan: 4 sessions (60 minutes each)
2. Future
Future is a digital personal training platform that pairs users with elite certified coaches for personalized workout plans. The service is designed to offer a high-touch, one-on-one coaching experience through its app, which is available on iOS and Android. Users start by completing a questionnaire about their fitness levels, goals, and preferences, which helps in matching them with a suitable coach. The app facilitates ongoing communication and workout adjustments based on user feedback and performance.
Pros
- Personalized Coaching: Each user gets a dedicated coach who tailors workout plans to their specific needs and goals.
- Flexibility: Workouts can be done at home or in the gym, and the app accommodates various types of equipment.
- Accountability: Regular check-ins and feedback from the coach help keep users motivated and on track.
- Data Integration: The app integrates with Apple Watch and other devices to track performance metrics and provide real-time feedback.
Cons
- Cost: At $199 per month, Future is relatively expensive compared to other online training options.
- No In-Person Guidance: As a fully virtual service, it lacks the hands-on guidance that some users might prefer.
- Equipment Dependency: Some workouts may require specific equipment, which could be a limitation for users with limited access.
Price
- Monthly Membership: $199 per month.
- Annual Membership: $149 per month when billed annually.
3. iFIT
iFIT is an interactive fitness platform that offers a wide range of workouts, including strength training, cardio, yoga, and more. The platform is integrated with various fitness equipment like treadmills, bikes, and rowers, providing an immersive workout experience. iFIT’s workouts are led by professional trainers and can be streamed on compatible devices, including smart TVs and fitness equipment screens.
Pros
- Variety of Workouts: iFIT offers a diverse range of workout types, catering to different fitness levels and preferences.
- Interactive Experience: The platform provides an immersive experience with scenic routes and interactive features that adjust the equipment’s resistance and incline automatically.
- Global Workouts: Users can virtually travel to different locations around the world, making workouts more engaging.
- Family Membership: One subscription can be used by multiple family members, adding value for households with multiple users.
Cons
- Equipment Requirement: To fully utilize iFIT’s features, users need compatible fitness equipment, which can be a significant investment.
- Subscription Cost: While more affordable than some personal training services, the cost can add up, especially if premium equipment is also purchased.
- Internet Dependency: A stable internet connection is required to stream workouts, which might be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
Price
- Monthly Membership: $39 per month.
- Annual Membership: $396 per year (equivalent to $33 per month).
- Family Plan: Available at $396 per year, allowing multiple users to access the platform under one subscription.
4. Caliber
Caliber is a science-based fitness and nutrition coaching program that offers personalized one-on-one online personal training. It focuses primarily on strength training and provides customized workout and nutrition plans tailored to individual goals. Caliber uses a data-driven approach to help clients build muscle, lose fat, and improve overall fitness.
Pros
- Highly personalized training plans and nutrition guidance
- One-on-one coaching with certified personal trainers
- Science-based approach with measurable results
- Flexible workout options for gym or home training
- 24/7 coach access via messaging app
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other online training options
- Primarily focused on strength training, may not be ideal for those seeking other fitness modalities
Price
- Caliber Premium (one-on-one coaching): Starts at $200 per month
- Caliber Pro (group coaching): $19 per month
- Free version available with limited features
5. Down Dog
Down Dog is primarily a yoga-focused fitness app that generates unique, personalized yoga practices for users. While not a traditional online personal trainer, it offers customizable workouts across various fitness modalities including yoga, HIIT, barre, and meditation.
Pros
- Highly customizable workouts generated for each session
- Variety of fitness options beyond just yoga
- Suitable for all experience levels
- Affordable pricing compared to traditional personal training
- Ability to download classes for offline use
Cons
- Lacks one-on-one personal coaching
- May not be ideal for those seeking highly specialized strength training or nutrition guidance
Price
- Monthly subscription: $9.99
- Annual subscription: $59.99
- Frequent sales and discounts available
6. Aaptiv
Aaptiv is an audio-based fitness app that offers a wide variety of on-demand workouts led by expert trainers. It provides personalized fitness experiences through AI-powered technology, allowing users to access thousands of workouts across multiple disciplines, including strength training, running, yoga, and meditation.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 2,500 audio-guided workouts
- AI-powered SmartCoach feature for personalized workout plans
- Diverse range of workout types and difficulty levels
- No need for visual guidance, allowing for distraction-free workouts
- Suitable for both gym and home workouts
Cons
- Lack of visual demonstrations may be challenging for beginners or visual learners
- Not ideal for those focused on heavy weightlifting or muscle gain
- Some users report technical issues, especially on Android devices
Price
- $14.99 per month
- $99.99 per year (approximately $8.33 per month)
7. FlexIt
FlexIt offers live, one-on-one virtual personal training sessions with certified trainers from top fitness brands. The platform provides personalized workout experiences tailored to individual goals and needs, allowing users to train from anywhere at any time.
Pros
- Live, personalized training sessions with certified trainers
- Flexible scheduling and ability to train from anywhere
- Option to work with various specialists, including physical therapists and nutritionists
- No equipment required, though some basic items can enhance workouts
- Suitable for all fitness levels, including those recovering from injuries
Cons
- More expensive than some app-based alternatives
- Requires a stable internet connection for live sessions
- May not be ideal for those who prefer self-guided workouts
Price
- As low as $30 per session
- Pricing may vary based on the type of specialist and session duration