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If you love working out but wish you had a personal trainer to hold you accountable, finding the best online personal trainer can turn those dreams into a reality. In this day and age, we have the privilege of doing so many things from the comfort of home and this includes personal training sessions. An online fitness coach can help you reach your health and fitness goals, make sure you're following a set program, and address any questions you may have about form or exercises.
The Best Online Personal Trainer - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Online Personal Trainer: Future
- Best Online Personal Trainer for Science-Based Training: Caliber
- Best Online Personal Trainer for Runners: Joggo
- Best Online Personal Trainer for Weight Loss: Future
- Best Online Personal Training for Live Online Training: Tonal
- Best Online Personal Trainer for Yoga: Alo Moves
- Best Online Personal Trainer for Bodybuilding: Caliber
- Best Online Personal Trainer for Women: Joggo
- Best Online Personal Trainer for Low-Intensity Workouts: Beachbody (BODi)
You'll likely meet with your online coach if you’ve ever used a personal training app, but with so many options, it might be tough to choose. That's where we come in. We know how much of a positive impact finding the right trainer can have on your fitness goals. That's why we've rounded up our top six choices so you can choose the best online personal trainer to suit your goals, preferences, and budget.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Online Personal Trainer - Future
SPECS
- Price: $149/month
- Equipment needed: Program designed to fit equipment available
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Workouts offered: HIIT, endurance, strength, gymnastics, etc.
GET 50% OFF FUTUREWe chose Future as the best overall online personal trainer because they have coaches with a variety of fitness certifications including CrossFit, yoga, and nutrition coaching. Upon signing up, you'll complete a questionnaire and then choose a coach from a pool of coaches that are selected based on your survey answers. From there, you'll connect with them to discuss your lifestyle, schedule, health and fitness history, and goals. Your coach will design a custom workout plan based on the home workout equipment you have (or don't have). That said, it probably wouldn't hurt to have a few dumbbells or resistance bands on hand.
Workouts shared in the app weekly include video demonstrations that help clarify technique and form. If you have questions you can send a video to your coach and they will respond with specific feedback. During your workout, you'll hear voice recordings from your online coach to motivate and prepare you for the next movement.
What We Like
- In-app messaging allows you to message your coach
- You can change your coach at any time
- No exercise equipment needed
- Workout plan adds variation to keep you motivated
- A variety of accredited coaches to suit your needs
What We Don't Like
- Trainers aren't present during your workout
- Need Apple watch for best user experience
Read our full Future review.
Best Online Personal Trainer for Science-Based Training - Caliber
SPECS
- Price: $217/month ($7/day for first 3 months)
- Equipment needed: Program designed to fit equipment available
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Workouts offered: Live and on-demand workouts
START TODAYWith a combination of science-based training, cutting-edge technology, expert coaching, and a "results guarantee," Caliber was the obvious choice for this category. After you complete your initial consultation, Caliber connects you with a one-on-one coach who will design a customized program and guide you toward your fitness goals by keeping you motivated and accountable.
After the free 30-minute consultation, you'll be given a goal assessment and then can access the app. Once your goals are locked in, your trainer can customize your workout program to fit the equipment you have on hand and help create a nutrition plan to fulfill all your dietary needs. The Caliber app is full of evidence-based information and lessons to shape your mind along with your body and give you the tools and knowledge you need for lasting results. The app also allows you to keep an open line of communication between you and your trainer.
Another cool app feature is the game-based Strength Score that gets completed as you reach your fat loss and muscle-building goals. Completing each "circle" on the dashboard may be the thing that can help keep you motivated in the long run.
What We Like
- Free consultation
- Workouts customized to your equipment and needs
- Ability to consults with coach via app
- App provides weekly lessons, tips, and guidance
- "Results in 12 weeks or money-back" guarantee
What We Don't Like
- No interactive online community
- Customer support only available through email
- Expensive
Best Online Personal Trainer for Runners - Joggo
SPECS
- Price: $66 (2-month plan), $92 (4-month plan), $132 (6-month plan)
- Equipment needed: Running shoes, smartwatch
- Platform: iOS, Android, iWatch
- Workouts offered: Sprint and endurance running
START TODAYJoggo is an app designed for runners by runners that can help you create your own unique cardio experience that matches your goals from 5k races to marathon training. With Joggo, you'll get a personalized running program developed by an elite coach with easy-to-follow running workouts—including audio guidance for warm-ups and cool-downs—and a custom meal plan tailored to your needs and preferences.
The app can also track all your running metrics like distance, speed, GPS location, activity history, and total weight loss. Additionally, you'll get access to auto-guidance and educational content. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced runner looking to dial in your training, this app can offer you a variety of options for low-to-high-impact workouts on the track, road, or treadmill. You also won't have to invest in a ton of expensive equipment for this journey; you'll only need a decent pair of running shoes and a smartwatch.
What We Like
- Can connect with elite running coach
- Beginner-friendly
- Useful for intermediate and advanced runners tracking metrics
- Provides a training regimen with suggestions for workouts/meals
- Access to guidance and educational content
What We Don't Like
- You will need to purchase/prep your meal plan
- Limited to those who enjoy running
Best Online Personal Trainer for Weight Loss - Future
SPECS
- Price: $149/month
- Equipment needed: Program designed to fit equipment available
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Workouts offered: HIIT, endurance, strength, gymnastics, etc.
GET 50% OFF FUTUREWeight loss programming isn't "one-size-fits-all" and will depend on several factors, like training frequency, diet adherence, and motivation. Future takes all the stress and guesswork out of this equation by connecting you with a personal trainer that can help design a custom program for your weight loss goals catered to your home equipment and training needs. Your personal trainer will consider your feedback when making any necessary program adjustments to keep you on track. You can view exercise demonstrations in the app or record your form and share the video with your trainer to minimize the risk of injury.
Not feeling your coach? No worries, you can switch trainers at any time and find the person that best suits your needs. Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint; if you want to lose weight—and keep it off—an effective training program featuring guidance and encouragement from a fitness professional is a safe bet.
What We Like
- Customized workout plans for weight loss
- A variety of accredited coaches to suit your needs and keep you motivated
- In-app messaging allows you to message your coach
- You can change your coach at any time
- No exercise equipment needed
What We Don't Like
- Trainers aren't present during your workout
- Need Apple watch for best user experience
Best Online Personal Training for Live Online Training - Tonal
SPECS
- Price: $49/month subscription, $3,995 touchscreen
- Equipment needed: 24" Tonal touchscreen
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Workouts offered: Strength, HIIT, cardio, yoga, mobility, live classes
Tonal is a smart home gym system that provides everything you need to get a dynamic workout in one place. Once purchased, professional Tonal installers will mount the system to your wall for you, and you can get started on your fitness journey. Tonal also features personalized interactive workouts and live classes through their membership program that you can follow along with in real-time. There are thousands of available workouts, including gym standards like HIIT, cardio, and upper-, lower-, and full-body strength training. You can also access excellent recovery options like yoga, stretching, and meditation to help keep you motivated and active on non-training days.
The Tonal system is as smart as they come and is equipped with a bar and handles that can be digitally adjusted via Bluetooth. When training, you can listen to guidance from the coach or select a playlist to help you power through your program. You'll also have the option to purchase additional creature comforts to complete your home gym, like a workout bench, rope, exercise mat, and foam roller.
This is all incredible, cutting-edge fitness technology, so it does come with a pretty hefty price tag, but Tonal does have financing options available. They also allow returns within 30 days of your purchase and a two-year limited warranty.
What We Like
- Variety of interactive programming and live classes
- Gives you weight suggestions and strength assessment to set baseline weights for movements
- Compact, only requires 7' of floor space
- 2-year limited warranty and financing available
What We Don't Like
- Very expensive
- 200-lb. max weight isn't heavy enough for everyone
Read our full Tonal review.
Best Online Personal Trainer for Yoga - Alo Moves
SPECS
- Price: $20/month or $199/year
- Equipment needed: Yoga mat, yoga blocks
- Platform: iOS, Android, desktop
- Workouts offered: 6 yoga forms, mindfulness, skills
Alo Moves is our choice for the best online personal trainer for yoga because when you sign up you get unlimited access to their four different class categories. They offer yoga, fitness, mindfulness, and skill classes. If your focus is yoga, they have different types of yoga classes including a prenatal yoga class.
When choosing your workout you can select from a variety of instructors and class times. Since the classes have different skill levels, you'll be able to find one that suits you whether you're a beginner or an expert yogi. If you choose to attend a live class you can ask questions and instructors can give you pointers to help improve your form.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Subscription includes unlimited classes
- 4 different class types
- 14-day free trial
What We Don't Like
- Not compatible with fitness tracking devices
- No communication with instructors in between classes
Read our full Alo Moves review.
Best Online Personal Trainer for Bodybuilding - Caliber
SPECS
- Price: $217/month ($7/day for first 3 months)
- Equipment needed: Program designed to fit equipment available
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Workouts offered: Live and on-demand workouts
START TODAYNo, you're not seeing double; Caliber is also our choice for the best online personal trainer for bodybuilding. After your free consultation with one of their fitness advisors, you'll be paired with an experienced coach that is reachable 24/7. Your bodybuilding coach will check in with you regularly for guidance and any program adjustments needed to achieve your muscle-building or weight-loss goals. Additionally, the Caliber app uses scientific and evidence-based information and lessons to keep you informed and a feature that allows you to film your workouts for assessment and adjustments from your personal trainer.
What We Like
- Free consultation with a fitness professional
- Workouts customized to your equipment and needs
- Ability to consults with coach via app
- App provides weekly lessons, tips, and guidance
What We Don't Like
- No interactive online community
- Customer support only available through email
- Expensive
Best Online Personal Trainer for Women - Joggo
SPECS
- Price: $66 (2-month plan), $92 (4-month plan), $132 (6-month plan)
- Equipment needed: Running shoes, smartwatch
- Platform: iOS, Android, iWatch
- Workouts offered: Sprint and endurance running
START TODAYWhen you sign up for Joggo, you'll be working with an elite coach who can help you achieve your running goals, whether you're training for a 5k, a half-marathon, or trying to lose weight by adding cardio to your routine. With the Joggo app, you'll be receiving a personalized training program developed by an elite coach with easy-to-follow running workouts—including warm-ups and cool-downs—and a customized meal plan tailored to your needs and dietary preferences. The app also tracks your metrics like distance, speed, GPS location, activity history, and total weight loss as you progress.
Additionally, you'll get access to auto-guidance and educational content. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced runner looking to dial in your training, this app can offer you a variety of options for low-to-high-impact workouts wherever you run.
What We Like
- Beginner-friendly and goal-focused
- Useful for intermediate and advanced runners tracking metrics
- Provides a training regimen with suggestions for workouts/meals
- Access to guidance and educational content
What We Don't Like
- You will need to purchase/prep your meal plan
- Limited to those who enjoy running
Best Online Personal Trainer for Low-Intensity Workouts - Beachbody (BODi)
SPECS
- Price: $89 (3 months), $179 (12 months), $50/month for 36 months + BODi Bike Studio
- Equipment needed: Dumbbells, resistance bands, exercise bike
- Platform: iOS, Android, desktop
- Workouts offered: Beginners only, strength training, cycling, weightlifting
Whether you're a beginner, have a preexisting condition or injury, or simply need a break from HIIT or heavy strength training, BODi by Beachbody has your training needs covered with their "Beginners Only" low-impact programming to ease you into a regular fitness routine. Then you can take full advantage of their strength and weightlifting options as you build your strength and stamina. They're even attempting to snatch Peloton's "interactive-cardio-crown" with their Bike Block classes that pair your stationary bike with cross-training workouts.
BODi also hooks you up with simple eating plans and a library of over one thousand healthy recipes. Feeling a lack of motivation? BODi has weekly motivation and Mindset Master Classes to guide you toward your health and wellness goals. You'll also get calendars and support tools to keep you on track. If you're still unsure if BODi is right for you, take advantage of the 14-day free trial and give it a shot before fully committing.
What We Like
- Free trial
- Several low-intensity workouts to choose from
- 100+ workout programs
- Beginners only classes
- Healthy recipe database and meal guidance
What We Don't Like
- Will need your own equipment, including bike
- No ability to speak directly with trainers
How We Chose the Best Online Personal Trainers
We researched the most popular and buzzworthy online personal training apps and programs to determine the top performers based on criteria such as cost, variety of programs, and interactivity. We went even further by breaking down the equipment you will need—including smart technology—to use these personal training programs to their full potential. Lastly, we factored in the cost of each program so that you can compare them to each other as well as to the overall cost for an in-person trainer or gym membership fees.
How to Choose the Best Online Personal Trainer
Identify Your Wants and Needs
When looking for an online personal trainer, keep in mind your goals, experience level, and what type of exercise you want to do. From there, you can look for an online coach whose experience supports your wants and needs. It's also a good idea to be aware of the type of feedback and personality you enjoy. For instance, you may want a coach that's more even-quilled over one that's upbeat.
Research
Once you've specified your wants and needs it's time to find an online coach. Outside of making sure their style and personality are a good fit, it's important to look at any degrees, certifications, and experience they may have. We recommend choosing a program that allows you to switch your coach if you find the one you signed up with isn't a good fit, since this can greatly impact your success.
Final Thoughts
The best online personal trainer will be the one you can stick with because they meet all your individual needs, such as budget, motivation, or workout diversity. Personal training apps and programs like those on our list have made it easier and more affordable than ever to find a fitness coach that can design the best workouts and nutrition plans to help you reach your goals without the time and energy expended at the gym. These apps also make fitness more accessible for those that suffer from social anxiety but want the accountability of live classes, performance metrics, or a coach you can interact with as much or as little as you choose.
FAQs About Online Personal Trainers
Is online personal training cheaper than in-person training?
The overwhelming consensus is that online personal training is less expensive than in-person training and has other benefits, like more flexibility in terms of trainers you can choose from, the types of programs offered, and your exercise times. This is the better option if you have a busy schedule and prefer to exercise from home or on the go. Some programs offer less support and guidance than others since the trainer isn't always there to answer questions or correct your form. So, while it will save you money, it's important to consider your experience level and needs before committing to an online program.
Is an online personal trainer worth it?
An online personal trainer can be very beneficial if you have goals you want to achieve and if you'd like some help and guidance getting there.
How much should I pay for an online personal trainer?
The price you're willing to pay depends on your budget and needs.
How many days a week should you see a personal trainer?
That depends on which program you sign up for since some meet weekly while others may meet more or less often. How often you meet will also vary based on your schedule and preferences.
How many personal training sessions do I need?
Your amount of personal training sessions needed comes down to your fitness goals, but most personal trainers will design programs with at least two to three workouts per week. Whether or not you interact with your trainer during these sessions depends on the app you have chosen.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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