As a middle-aged sales professional, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling a demanding career. Long hours, client meetings, and constant travel often leave little time for hitting the gym or attending fitness classes. That’s why I’ve turned to online personal trainers to help me stay in shape and manage stress.
After trying various options, I’ve compiled a list of the 7 best online personal trainers that cater to busy professionals like us. These virtual fitness gurus offer the flexibility, expertise, and motivation we need to squeeze in effective workouts, whether we’re at home, in a hotel room, or sneaking in a quick session between calls. From personalized workout plans to nutrition guidance, these online trainers have transformed my approach to fitness, proving that with the right support, it’s possible to prioritize our health without sacrificing our careers.
1. CoPilot (Now Trainwell Fitness)
CoPilot, recently rebranded as Trainwell Fitness, offers a unique approach to online personal training. This iOS and Android app pairs users with certified personal trainers who create personalized workout programs tailored to individual needs and goals. The app guides users through workouts with specific instructions and examples, tracking progress automatically. A standout feature is the ability to message your coach and schedule video calls anytime within the app, providing a high level of personalized support.
Trainwell Fitness employs only certified personal trainers with over three years of experience and degrees in fitness-related fields, ensuring expert guidance. The workout plans are evidence-based, focusing on fundamental principles of strength training and exercise. The app’s interface mimics the experience of having an in-person trainer, providing detailed exercise instructions and form videos.
One of Trainwell’s strengths is its flexibility. The program adapts to life changes, such as busy work periods, illnesses, or vacations, with coaches adjusting workout plans accordingly. The app also integrates with Apple Health and Google Health Connect, allowing for a comprehensive view of all fitness data in one place.
However, at $99 per month (with a 3-month bundle) after a 14-day free trial, Trainwell Fitness is a significant investment. While expensive for a fitness app, it’s considerably more affordable than traditional in-person training sessions, which can cost $40-$100 per session.
2. Online Personal Training with Samuel Parker
Online Personal Training with Samuel Parker offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to fitness coaching in the digital age. Samuel Parker, an ISSA-certified personal trainer based in Atlanta, brings over a decade of experience in the fitness industry to his virtual training platform. With a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Georgia and a background as a triathlon athlete, Parker combines academic knowledge with practical experience to deliver effective and enjoyable training programs.
The core of Parker’s online personal training service is its customization and flexibility. Clients receive tailored workout plans that can be executed at home, in a gym, or a combination of both, depending on their preferences and available resources. These plans are complemented by nutritional guidance, ensuring a holistic approach to health and fitness. The service stands out for its high level of accessibility, offering 24/7 support through WhatsApp and optional bi-weekly Zoom or phone calls to discuss progress and make necessary adjustments.
Parker’s training philosophy is grounded in science-based nutrition and fitness coaching. He emphasizes real results without resorting to gimmicks or quick fixes. The program includes personalized workout routines, nutrition plans, and consistent motivation and accountability. This approach caters to a wide range of fitness goals, including muscle growth, cardiovascular endurance, HIIT training, and weight management.
The online personal training package is structured to provide comprehensive support. It includes weekly 60-minute online coaching sessions, customized workout plans, nutritional guidance, habit tracking, and access to an educational library of e-books written by Parker. These resources cover various topics such as diet plans, abs training, and at-home exercises, providing clients with additional knowledge to support their fitness journey.
3. iFIT
iFIT is a comprehensive online fitness platform that offers a wide variety of guided workouts led by world-class trainers. The app provides access to thousands of at-home workouts, including cardio, HIIT, strength training, yoga, cycling, and more. One of iFIT’s unique features is its Global Workouts, which allow users to virtually train in stunning locations worldwide, from Antarctica to Bora Bora.
The platform boasts over 100 personal trainers, including Olympians, professional athletes, and biomechanics experts. This diverse roster ensures that users of all fitness levels can find suitable guidance and motivation. iFIT is compatible with various exercise machines and can be used with or without equipment, offering flexibility for different workout environments.
iFIT goes beyond just physical fitness, offering mental wellness and cooking classes as part of its holistic approach to health. The app includes features like challenge groups and leaderboards to foster a sense of community among users. Another standout feature is the Google Maps integration, allowing users to virtually explore different areas while exercising.
Pricing for iFIT varies, with options for individual and family plans on both monthly and yearly bases. An individual monthly plan starts at $15 per month, while a family plan is available for $39 per month. While not the most expensive option on the market, some users find the ongoing subscription costs challenging.
4. Joggo
Joggo is a personalized running app designed to help users achieve their fitness goals through tailored training plans, progress tracking, and motivational support. Launched in 2020 by Chris Zibutis, an experienced marathon runner and Ironman competitor, Joggo aims to make professional running coaching accessible to everyone.
The app begins with an in-depth quiz to understand the user’s physical condition, lifestyle, habits, and goals. This information, along with an initial assessment run, is used to create a customized training regimen. Joggo offers plans for various distances, including 5K, 10K, and 21K (half-marathon), making it suitable for beginners and more experienced runners alike.
One of Joggo’s standout features is its personalized training plans, which adapt every two weeks based on progress tests. These plans incorporate a variety of running exercises, including speed drills, tempo runs, hill runs, intervals, and fartleks. The app also offers video-guided strength training exercises focusing on full-body workouts, emphasizing lower body and core strength.
Joggo provides audio-guided encouragement during runs, GPS tracking, performance analytics, and a treadmill mode. The app also includes a 24/7 digital coach support feature, allowing users to ask questions, adjust schedules, and update plans instantly. Additionally, Joggo offers heart rate zone (HRZ) training and customized nutrition plans with over 10,000 recipes to choose from.
While Joggo has many positive features, some users have reported that the app tends to focus heavily on weight loss, even when not specified as a goal. There have also been complaints about the customized meal plans leaving users in a calorie deficit.
5. Obé Fitness
Obé Fitness is a comprehensive virtual fitness platform offering thousands of live and on-demand studio-style classes. The platform is designed to bring the energy and instruction of studio classes into the comfort of your home, making it convenient for users to maintain a consistent workout routine.
Obé offers a wide variety of class types, categorized into three pillars of movement: Define (including Pilates, sculpt, strength, power, and barre), Sweat (featuring dance cardio, HIIT, cardio boxing, and bounce), and Flow (encompassing various yoga styles). The platform provides 20 live classes per day and a library of over 10,000 on-demand workouts, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
One of Obé’s strengths is its flexibility. Classes range from 5 to 60 minutes in length, catering to various schedules and fitness levels. The platform also offers pre- and postnatal workouts, as well as structured programs ranging from 7 to 28 days for those who prefer a more guided approach.
Obé is known for its high-energy, certified fitness expert instructors who bring enthusiasm and expertise to each class. The platform also features a user-friendly interface with robust filtering options, making it easy to find the perfect workout based on class type, duration, equipment needed, and more.
Recently, Obé has introduced personalized training plans based on a user quiz and data from Apple HealthKit. These bespoke progressive training programs are designed to increase in challenge over time and adapt to the user’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
While Obé offers a wealth of content and features, it’s worth noting that it falls on the pricier side for a fitness app. However, many users find the variety of classes, quality of instruction, and personalized approach worth the investment.
6. Down Dog
Down Dog is a versatile and user-friendly fitness app that has gained popularity for its highly customizable yoga and workout sessions. Originally focused on yoga, the app has expanded to include HIIT, barre, and pilates workouts, making it a comprehensive fitness solution for users with varying interests and skill levels.
One of Down Dog’s most distinctive features is its ability to generate unique workouts for every session. Using advanced algorithms, the app creates millions of possible combinations, ensuring that users never repeat the same routine twice. This approach keeps workouts fresh and engaging, helping to maintain motivation and prevent boredom.
The app offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their practice to their specific needs and preferences. Users can adjust factors such as practice type, duration, level, focus areas, voice guidance, music, and pace. This level of personalization makes Down Dog suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Down Dog’s interface is clean and intuitive, with high-quality video demonstrations and clear audio instructions. The app also offers offline functionality, making it convenient for users to practice without an internet connection. Regular updates introduce new poses, sequences, and features, keeping the content fresh and aligned with current fitness trends.
While Down Dog excels in providing variety and customization, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t offer live classes or direct interaction with instructors. For some users, this lack of real-time feedback might be a drawback. However, for those who prefer self-guided workouts with flexibility in timing and content, Down Dog presents an excellent option.
7. Future
Future is a premium online personal training service that aims to bridge the gap between in-person coaching and digital fitness apps. The platform pairs users with dedicated personal trainers who create customized workout plans and provide ongoing support and motivation.
The Future experience begins with a comprehensive onboarding process. Users are matched with a trainer based on their goals, preferences, and schedule. This is followed by a video call where the trainer and client discuss fitness objectives, any limitations or injuries, and available equipment. This personalized approach ensures that each workout plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
One of Future’s standout features is the high level of interaction between clients and trainers. Trainers communicate daily with their clients through the app, offering encouragement, answering questions, and adjusting workouts as needed. This constant communication helps maintain accountability and motivation, mimicking the support of an in-person trainer.
Future integrates with Apple Watch (which is provided to users who don’t already own one) to track workouts and monitor progress. Trainers can see clients’ completed workouts, heart rates, and other metrics, allowing them to adjust plans based on real-time data. The app also includes video demonstrations of exercises, ensuring proper form and technique.
While Future offers a highly personalized experience, it comes at a premium price point. At $149 per month, it’s one of the more expensive online personal training options available. However, many users find the cost justified by the level of personalization and support they receive, which is often comparable to in-person training at a fraction of the cost.
Future’s approach is particularly beneficial for those who need structure and accountability in their fitness routine, as well as those recovering from injuries or dealing with specific physical limitations. The combination of personalized plans, ongoing support, and technology integration makes Future a comprehensive solution for those seeking a high-end online personal training experience.
