As a middle-aged real estate agent, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain a consistent workout routine. Between showing properties, meeting clients, and managing paperwork, finding time to hit the gym often feels like an impossible task. That’s why I’ve turned to online personal trainers to help me stay fit and energized, even with my hectic schedule.
After trying various fitness apps and virtual coaching services, I’ve discovered that the right online personal trainer can make all the difference. They provide the flexibility I need to squeeze in workouts between appointments, offer expert guidance to keep me motivated, and help me achieve my fitness goals without the need for expensive gym memberships or rigid class schedules.
In this article, I’m excited to share 7 best online personal trainers. Whether you’re a busy professional like me, a stay-at-home parent, or simply someone who prefers working out in the comfort of your own home, these virtual fitness gurus offer something for everyone. From personalized workout plans to nutrition advice, these online trainers have helped me transform my fitness journey, and I’m confident they can do the same for you. For additional muscle support, incorporating supplements like HMB can enhance your progress by helping to preserve lean muscle mass during intense training.
1. Joggo
Joggo is a running-focused app designed to help users achieve their fitness and weight loss goals through personalized running plans. Founded in 2021 by Chris Zibutis, a former Ironman competitor, Joggo creates customized training programs based on various factors such as current fitness level, height, weight, age, gender, and preferred workout times. The app adapts every two weeks to keep up with users’ progress, ensuring that the training remains challenging and effective.
One of Joggo’s standout features is its comprehensive approach to fitness. In addition to running plans, the app offers strength training sessions, which are primarily quick bodyweight workouts that can be done without gym equipment. This holistic approach helps users improve their overall fitness and reduce the risk of injuries. Joggo also provides nutrition information and meal plans created by certified nutritionists, supporting users in making healthier dietary choices.
The app’s user-friendly interface allows for easy scheduling and rescheduling of workouts, making it flexible for those with busy lifestyles. Joggo also offers audio-guided encouragement during runs and the ability to switch between outdoor and indoor (treadmill) sessions seamlessly. However, some users have reported that the app tends to focus heavily on weight loss, even when it’s not specified as a primary goal.
2. Online Personal Training with Samuel Parker
Online Personal Training with Samuel Parker offers a comprehensive and personalized fitness solution for individuals seeking expert guidance from the comfort of their own homes. 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.
Parker’s approach to online personal training is rooted in his extensive background in exercise science and his personal experience as a triathlete. He combines his academic knowledge with practical insights to create tailored fitness programs that cater to a wide range of clients, from youth athletes to seniors with specific health conditions. This versatility allows him to adapt his methods to suit various fitness levels, goals, and physical limitations.
The online personal training program offered by Samuel Parker is designed to provide clients with a holistic fitness experience. It includes weekly 60-minute online coaching sessions, customized workout plans for both home and gym environments, and nutritional guidance.
Parker places a strong emphasis on accountability, offering 24/7 access through WhatsApp, weekly email check-ins, and optional bi-weekly Zoom or phone calls to discuss progress. This level of support ensures that clients remain motivated and on track with their fitness goals.
One of the standout features of Parker’s program is its flexibility. Clients can choose from various plan durations, ranging from one to three months, allowing them to commit to a timeframe that suits their needs and lifestyle. The program also includes access to an educational library of e-books written by Parker himself, covering topics such as diet plans, abs training, and at-home exercises. This additional resource helps clients deepen their understanding of fitness and nutrition principles.
Parker’s training philosophy is grounded in science-based nutrition and fitness coaching. He eschews “magic tricks” and “gimmicks,” instead focusing on proven strategies for fitness training and nutrition. His approach is results-driven, with a strong emphasis on education, motivation, and accountability. This combination of personalized attention and evidence-based methods has garnered positive feedback from clients who report significant improvements in their strength, endurance, and overall fitness levels.
3. JuggernautAI
JuggernautAI is a smart powerlifting and powerbuilding program developed by Chad Wesley Smith, an accomplished strength athlete and owner of Juggernaut Training Systems. This app utilizes artificial intelligence to create highly individualized training plans for users interested in strength training and muscle building.
The app’s strength lies in its ability to collect and analyze a vast amount of user data to create truly personalized programs. JuggernautAI considers factors such as training history, current fitness level, personal records, goals, and ideal training schedule to design strength and hypertrophy blocks. This level of customization ensures that users receive a training experience similar to working with a personal coach, but at a fraction of the cost.
JuggernautAI’s programming is particularly well-suited for those training in home gyms, as the workouts can be accomplished with basic equipment such as a barbell, plates, and a rack. The app uses the RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and RIR (Reps In Reserve) methods to adjust training intensity on a daily basis, taking into account factors like recovery, sleep, and nutrition.
One of the app’s most appreciated features is its extensive library of over 300 detailed exercise technique videos, which help users maintain proper form and technique. JuggernautAI also offers a supportive community of fellow athletes and coaches, along with weekly video Q&A sessions. While the app is primarily focused on strength training and doesn’t include cardio workouts, it provides an intelligent and responsive training experience for those looking to improve their powerlifting or powerbuilding performance.
4. Down Dog
Down Dog is a highly customizable yoga app that has revolutionized the way people practice yoga at home. Founded in 2021, this app offers over 60,000 different configurations, ensuring that users never have to repeat the same workout twice. Down Dog’s strength lies in its ability to generate brand new yoga practices every time you come to your mat, making it a refreshing alternative to pre-recorded videos.
One of Down Dog’s standout features is its beginner-friendly approach. The app offers a Beginner 1 Level, allowing newcomers to start their yoga journey in the comfort of their own homes. It also provides multiple practice types, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Gentle, Restorative, and Yin, catering to various preferences and skill levels.
The app’s customization options are extensive. Users can choose from six different yoga teachers’ voices, select their preferred music style, and even target specific areas like back pain through the Boost feature. Down Dog also offers dynamic changing music that rises and falls with your breathing, creating an immersive experience.
Down Dog’s user-friendly interface and seamless video generation have impressed many users. The app’s ability to create flows that feel as smooth as a real class, despite being auto-generated, has been particularly praised. Additionally, the app syncs across all devices, allowing users to maintain their practice wherever they go.
5. Caliber
Caliber takes a different approach to online personal training, focusing on strength training and overall fitness. This app stands out for its use of real human coaches rather than relying solely on AI or algorithms to create custom workouts.
Caliber offers a comprehensive fitness experience that goes beyond just workout routines. The app provides personalized training plans, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle coaching, all tailored to the user’s specific goals and needs. This holistic approach aims to help users achieve transformational changes in their body composition.
One of Caliber’s key features is its robust workout logging system. The app allows users to track unlimited workouts, view exercise history, and even suggests exercise substitutes to keep routines fresh. Caliber also provides detailed exercise guidance and demonstrations, breaking down movements into different phases to ensure proper form.
The app’s progress tracking is particularly noteworthy. Caliber uses two algorithmic measurements – strength score and strength balance – to give users a clear picture of their progress and potential areas for improvement. This data-driven approach helps users and their coaches make informed decisions about training focus and progression.
Caliber’s coaching feature is a significant draw for many users. The app matches users with certified personal trainers who provide one-on-one guidance through video calls, messaging, and personalized workout plans. This human touch adds an extra layer of accountability and support, which many find motivating and beneficial to their fitness journey.
6. FlexIt
FlexIt is a versatile fitness platform that offers live, one-on-one virtual personal training and nutrition coaching. Founded by Chris Zibutis, a former Ironman competitor, FlexIt provides users with a highly personalized fitness experience that can be accessed from anywhere. The app’s standout feature is its ability to connect users with expert trainers for real-time, customized workouts tailored to individual goals and fitness levels.
One of FlexIt’s key strengths is its flexibility. Users can choose from a variety of session lengths, including 30, 45, and 60-minute increments, and can opt for either monthly memberships or pay-as-you-go plans. This adaptability extends to the types of workouts available, with trainers specializing in strength training, cardio, yoga, pilates, and more. FlexIt also offers comprehensive health support, including diet and nutrition guidance, meditation, and pre/post-natal care.
The platform’s user-friendly interface allows for easy scheduling and rescheduling of workouts, making it convenient for those with busy lifestyles. FlexIt’s video technology enables seamless interaction between trainers and users, creating an experience that many find more effective than pre-recorded workouts. In fact, 88% of surveyed users reported that FlexIt’s Virtual Personal Training (VPT) is significantly more effective than pre-recorded workouts, and 73% preferred it to in-person personal training sessions.
7. Obé Fitness
Obé Fitness is a vibrant, energetic fitness platform that offers both live and on-demand workout classes. Known for its signature neon-lit studio and high-energy instructors, Obé provides a diverse range of workout options suitable for various fitness levels. The platform boasts over 10,000 on-demand classes, with new content added daily, ensuring that users always have fresh workouts at their fingertips.
Obé’s class offerings are extensive, covering more than 20 different types of workouts. These include popular options like HIIT, strength training, yoga, Pilates, barre, and dance cardio. The platform also features unique offerings such as “bounce” classes using mini trampolines. Classes are typically 28 minutes long, though there are also options for shorter 5-10 minute sessions and longer 45-60 minute workouts.
One of Obé’s strengths is its team of engaging, certified fitness instructors. These trainers are known for their friendly, relatable approach, often making users feel as if they’re working out with a friend. The instructors perform every rep alongside the users, providing form guidance and encouragement throughout the session.
Obé’s user interface is intuitive and well-designed, featuring a color-coded system that categorizes workouts into “Sweat,” “Define,” and “Flow” pillars. The platform also offers curated programs ranging from 7 to 28 days, catering to those who prefer a more structured approach to their fitness routine. While Obé doesn’t provide a specific nutrition plan, it does offer a partnership program with Weight Watchers for those interested in dietary guidance.