The Best Virtual Personal Trainers of 2024 to Enhance Your Workout

What Are Virtual Personal Trainers?

If you’re trying to enhance your workout and have fitness goals you are working on, getting a personal trainer can be a great way to push forward your efforts. However, the cost can also be high, so it doesn’t suit everyone’s budget.

An online personal training program or app is more affordable, and it also allows you to workout from the comfort of your own home if you have the suitable equipment. They also offer you flexibility in your training schedule.

Personal trainer and RDN  Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, NASM-CPT cites the benefits of virtual personal training:

Online personal training in general is more accessible, typically more affordable and provides more flexibility in terms of schedule. Depending on the platform you use, some apps and programs will send you reminders and more to keep you on track and hold you accountable ^[1].

Our team of professional fitness and nutritional experts assessed the existing programs and came up with a list of the best virtual trainers of 2023. In this article we’ll talk about each one in detail, to help you decide on the one that best suits your needs.

Overview of Our Choices For the Best Virtual Personal Trainers

How Do Virtual Trainers Compare With Real Trainers?

Collaborating with a one-on-one personal trainer live can offer great benefits, as they can more carefully plan a program tailored to your needs and goals. A trainer also provides encouragement and motivation, and in person they can adjust your movements to make sure you are performing the exercises correctly.

A study published in the Journal of Sports and Science Medicine by Steven R. McClaran assessed volunteers from 20-65 years of age and concluded that one-one one personal training effectively positively changed attitudes towards physical activity ^[2].

The value of virtual training depends on the program, but most provide some kind of personal assessment, either through a quiz, a real trainer, or both. Many offer one-on-one video meetings for advice and encouragement.

While the disadvantage is that the trainer can’t always correct you in person, evidence indicates they can provide great results as well as motivation. Some experts believe that virtual training is just as effective as in person sessions.

A study published in Education and Information Technologies by Nur Azlina Mohamed Mokmin and Nurullizam Jamiat studied the impact of a virtual trainer using motor learning theory and concluded that users were motivated and many successfully improved their fitness levels ^[3].

How Did We Choose the Best Virtual Personal Trainers?

Our team of fitness professionals assessed the existing digital trainers on the market, including programs, apps, and individual trainers who offer online services. These are some of the most important criteria we considered, and you should look at the same points to assess products on your own.

• Features and Workouts Offered: We selected programs that offer a wide range of workout options as well as added features to boost your motivation and fitness level.
• Technology/Equipment Required: As many people who want virtual training are looking for the option to work out at home, we favor programs that do not require you to purchase expensive at-home equipment.
• Manufacturer Reputation: It’s best to purchase from a well-known manufacturer, as they are more likely to offer quality products and services.
• Trainers and Coaches: We looked carefully at the qualifications and certifications of the trainers associated with each program or app to assess the quality of the advice provided.
• Value For Cost: We looked at the price of each program alongside the features and services they have to offer to determine the value for cost and whether the virtual trainer is worth it.
• Customer Reviews: Reading the user reviews is a great way to learn about the customer experience and the pros and cons of the program. We have only selected online training programs with excellent feedback.

The Best Virtual Personal Trainers of 2023

#1 Future Fitness

4.8

Shop Now At Official Website

Key Info:

• Dedicated coach, customized training plans and workouts
• Cost: $149/Month
• iOS and Android compatible

Future Fitness App is a virtual training program which assesses your needs via a quiz and then matches you with your own coach who customizes your workout plan.

You meet with your trainer via FaceTime to discuss your goals and adjust your program as you go on, based on preferences and metrics. While the program is not the cheapest, it does offer a one-on one-approach that is close to a real in person experience.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Plans are customized to your needs and preferences.
• The app has very positive user reviews.
• Trainers adjust your program based on metrics.

Cons

• There are less costly platforms.
• The results may vary depending on motivation.

#2 Joggo

4.8

Shop Now At Official Website

Key Info:

• App specific for runners
• Prices: 2 months $60, 4 months $89, 6 months $263
• Tracks your progress
• iOS, Apple Watch, and Android compatible

Joggo is an app designed for runners, from beginners to long-time experts. It allows users to plan personalized programs based on their goals or select from set training plans. Joggo tracks your progress through GPS to provide accurate data and performance metrics.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Music streaming is integrated into the app for a more pleasant running experience.
• Customers find the app easy to navigate.
• Allows for easy sharing of tracking data on social media.

Cons

• Specific to runners, without other training options.
• The app uses up a lot of battery life.

#3 FlexIt

4.8

Shop Now At Official Website

Key Info:

• Top fitness experts offer personal training and workout plans
• iOS, Web, and Android compatible
• Prices run from $30-$50 + per session

FlexIt is a virtual personal training app which allows you to visit top gyms around the U.S on a pay as you go model to meet with leading fitness experts for advice and workout planning. Using video technology, you talk to these one-on-one with experts for private training and have them correct you virtually during your routine.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Trainer watches your workout and correct you virtually.
• Gives you access to highly qualified trainers.
• Provides pay as you go option to use various top gyms in the US.

Cons

• The prices are high for the market.
• The results may differ depending on commitment and motivation.

#4 iFIT

4.8

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Key Info:

• Some workouts require equipment, while others do not.
• Prices: Annual Family Plan $396, Monthly Family Plan $39, Yearly Individual Plan $180
• Compatible with iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV

iFIT is a training app which offers a huge selection of workouts, and with close to 6.5 million members, it’s very popular. The app is compatible with NordicTrack and ProForm machines, but there are numerous classes that require no equipment. They offer yoga, HIIT, strength training, and much more.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• They have highly qualified trainers running the workouts.
• iFIT has a huge library of on-demand classes in a range of areas.
• The app offers fun challenges for motivation and variety.

Cons

• Some users have complained about app functionality issues.
• They no longer offer live classes as of May 2023.

#5 Obé Fitness

4.8

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Key Info:

• Best training app specifically for women
• Prices: $27/month, $65 quarterly, $199 annually
• Compatible with all main web browsers, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, iOS, TV, fire tablets

Ob Fitness is a workout program that allows you to stream from a selection of thousands of exercise classes to your phone, computer, TV, or tablet. Options include high intensity cardio workouts, cycling, strength training, postnatal exercises, and more. The optimal program for women, it allows you to tailor your workouts to your needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• The prices are reasonable, and they give you a 7 day trial.
• They offer a huge selection and variety of classes.
• Celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Kate Hudson recommend Ob.

Cons

• The program is not suitable for serious bodybuilders.
• You don’t get a one-on one trainer.

#6 Map My Run

4.8

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Key Info:

• App specifically for runners
• Prices: Monthly subscription $5.99; yearly subscription $29.99
• Requires Apple Watch, Watch OS 7.0 or more current to run

Map My Run is an app for runners which has a built in GPS for tracking all of your running activity on an interactive map. It provides detailed data on your pace, calories burned, distance traveled, speed, and elevation. The program also offer audio coaching as you run, commenting on your progress, pace, or other aspects of your performance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Map My Run is a very reasonably priced app.
• The activity feed offers the option of community support.
• You can share your workout progress on social media.

Cons

• It focuses on running exclusively with no other workout options.
• The program may drain your battery quickly.

#7 Strava

4.8

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Key Info:

• Allows for tracking of over 30 activities including cycling, running, and others.
• Prices: Core features are free, membership is $11.99/month; $79.99/year
• Compatible with iOS 14.0 or more current, Apple Watch, Android, web browser, and syncs with many other apps and devices

Strava is an app that tracks your progress using GPS technology on a range of indoor and outdoor activities like hiking, running, swimming, surfing, weight training, and more. It allows you to engage in fitness challenges with other members, and has features for sharing data on social media.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• The app has safety features like automatic text messaging and GPS tracking.
• Strava offers detailed performance analytics.
• The prices are more reasonable than some of the competing apps.

Cons

• Strava drains your battery quickly.
• Requires self-motivation, as you are not matched with a coach.

#8 Nike Training Club

4.8

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Key Info:

• Offers classes with and without equipment required
• Price: FREE
• iOS and Android compatible

Nike Training Club is an app which offers a huge selection of more than 200 workout classes including bodybuilding, yoga, cardio, HIIT, and more. You can also get personal advice from trainers and nutrition experts. During the coronavirus lockdown Nike made the app free to help people stay in shape, and it remains and will remain a no-charge app.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• They offer a free video library of resources.
• The instructors are highly qualified professionals.
• Classes range from 5-50 minutes for different levels.

Cons

• There are some workouts that require a lot of equipment.
• Results may vary for different users and levels.

#9 Peloton

4.8

Shop Now At Official Website

Key Info:

• Some classes require equipment while others require none.
• Prices: Select from free app, App One for $16.99/month or App+ for $30/month
• Use on Amazon compatible devices: Apple iOS, Android, Apple TV, Google Chromecast

Peloton is a comprehensive fitness app which began with a focus on cycling and rowing. However, they now offer access to a huge range of classes including yoga, cardio, strength training, HIIT, mediation, running, and more. They have live classes every day, and there is also a community you can join for support and encouragement.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• They offer a 30-day free trial before purchase.
• Use of the app does not require a bike, treadmill, or rowing machine.
• The cost is very reasonable, and there is a free option

Cons

• If you choose classes that require equipment, it could get costly.
• The program may not be ideal for those who want to focus on building muscles.

#10 Noom

4.8

Shop Now At Official Website

Key Info:

• Equipment is not necessarily required, as your workouts suit your needs.
• Price: Many options; 1 Month $70; annual plan $209
• iOS and Android compatible

Noom is a popular weight loss app which assesses you with a quiz on their site and designs a personalized nutrition and exercise program for you. The app allows you to track your daily behavior and progress, and you can meet with an individual trainer for advice or modifications to your plan. It uses a behavioral approach to help you change your eating and workout patterns.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• It helps teach you long term healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
• About 78% of users lose some weight with Noom.
• They offer one-one one coaching for personal advice and encouragement.

Cons

• Some users find it time-consuming to do all the daily tracking.
• The results may vary depending on lifestyle and motivation.

Quick Comparison Table

Product	Future Fitness App	Joggo	FlexIt	Trainerize
Rating	4.7	4.5	4.4	4.3
Price	$149/Month	2 months $60 4 months $89 6 months $263	4 monthly sessions $134.00. 8 monthly sessions $259.20	Plans from free to $250 depending on features offered
Best For	Best Overall Virtual Trainer	Best Online Trainer For Beginners	Best Virtual Trainer For Live Coaching	Best Online Trainer For Coaches
Cancellation Policy	First month is risk-free- cancel anytime	14 Day Returns	2 months minimum before cancellation	Cancel anytime through web account
Customer Reviews	4.7/5 on Trustpilot	4.3/5 on Trustpilot	4.7/5 on Apple App Store	3.9/5 on Trustpilot