The best personal training apps of 2024 to help you achieve your fitness goals

Modern technology has enabled personal trainers and clients to work together without needing to be in the same room, let alone the same time zone. In-person training still has its advantages. But the ability to train virtually makes it easier for more people to build strength, burn fat, and

develop better habits

while balancing their daily responsibilities. (

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Personal training apps make it possible for health-conscious folks to have a defined plan to follow. Many platforms offer in-depth progress tracking, customized workouts, and messaging capabilities. How much individualized support you need will determine what type of app and level of investment you should make. To help you find the ideal fit, we researched and tested more than 30 apps on key characteristics such as value, interactive features, ease of use, instruction, and more.

Our picks of the best personal training apps

Compare personal training apps

Best personal training app overall:


Future

Best personal training app overall

If you’re looking for a customizable personal training experience, Future has the tools to help you crush your fitness goals.

Key product features

Assessment


FaceTime call

Accountability


Direct message

Training plan


Customized

Form feedback


Video review

What you should know

Future will match you with a certified personal trainer who will create personalized workout programs and hold you accountable with frequent check-ins.

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  One of our lead reviewers gave Future a perfect accountability score, as his coach routinely checked in and utilized feedback to make adjustments to his workouts.
  
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  The $199 monthly subscription cost is well worth it considering you could pay nearly double that amount for in-person training.
  
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  If you value accountability and flexibility, Future is a fantastic platform where you can work directly with a coach who’s invested in your success.
  
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  Future has a neat feature that lets you send videos to your coach so you can receive feedback on your form.
  

Why we like Future as best overall

From its intuitive interface to its unparalleled level of personalization, Future checks all the boxes we look for in the best personal training apps. A few of our team members have utilized it for several years to help hold them accountable during their respective fitness journeys. That speaks volumes about the high-quality programming and support you receive from the certified coaches on the platform.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Future customizes your experience every step of the way. The app starts with a short questionnaire about your current workout habits and fitness goals. From there, you can select a coach who you will be able to access via in-app messaging and video calls.

The setup process proved painless for our product tester, who rated it 5 out of 5 stars. That high score can also be attributed to the initial FaceTime call with her coach—something that added another layer of personalization.

Your coach will utilize all the information you provide to construct a weekly workout plan that includes strength training, cardio sessions, and scheduled rest days. Rest days are important in any well-rounded fitness program because you need time to repair and build muscle tissue, replenish glycogen stores, and recover sufficiently to optimize your performance. (

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All three of our reviewers rated the app 4.5 out of 5 stars for ease of use. One particularly enjoyed having audio and visual cues for each exercise. The cues helped keep the workout flowing smoothly. Another user-friendly feature our team enjoyed was the ability to rate and provide feedback about each workout. This information allowed their coaches to make adjustments to their programs.

Most importantly, Future earned 5 out of 5 stars for accountability from two of our reviewers.

Exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, adds, “Accountability is a big part of the success of any program.  It makes sense, as it’s nice to have someone—or others—to check in with you on your success and progress and to help with any challenges. The success of a social network, or a coach, has also been shown in research to improve outcomes.” (

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In addition, pairing Future with your Apple Watch will allow you to monitor your activity rings and workouts consistently and effortlessly. This is a form of a gamifying app, which has been shown to enhance outcomes and simply make things stick. (

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) For data-driven individuals, the integration with smartwatches—including the Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 models—will certainly be a big plus.

“Smartwatches and fitness trackers are known to significantly increase physical activity and improve health,” notes Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. (

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Perhaps the only significant drawback about Future is its $199 per month price tag. While that may seem expensive, hiring an in-person trainer could cost well over $300 per month, depending on how many sessions you book. And given the level of customization, accountability, and instruction you receive from a certified coach, we believe $199 still represents great value.

What customers are saying

Users on the App Store appreciate that their coaches adjust their workout routines based on their travel and work schedules, as well as the equipment they have available. In addition, many enjoy the level of individualized attention and accountability.

While some people don’t mind paying $199 per month for the app, others consider the price a drawback. One of the only other consistent criticisms of Future is the lack of nutrition coaching and meal plans, which is a large part of well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

Specs

Best personal training app for weight loss:


CoPilot

Best personal training app for weight loss

Between meal planning and customized workouts, your CoPilot coach can help you lose weight, build muscle, and develop healthy habits.

Key product features

Live feedback


Pacing and form

Training plan


Personalized

Coach access


Unlimited

What you should know

CoPilot offers a well-rounded approach to weight loss by combining personal training with nutrition coaching. Live feedback on your form and regular check-ins with your coach are other standout features.

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  Our product tester appreciated that the programmed workouts included video demonstrations of every exercise so he could perform the movements correctly.
  
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  At $99 per month, CoPilot is one of the least expensive one-on-one personal training apps available.
  
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  If you need nutritional guidance and personalized training plans from a certified coach, CoPilot can be the key to succeeding on your weight-loss journey.
  

Why we like CoPilot as best for weight loss

An all-in-one app that supports your weight loss journey, CoPilot allows you to choose a certified personal trainer who aligns with your fitness goals and preferred training style. Besides getting expert-driven workouts that include live feedback on your form, you also receive assistance with creating meal plans that will help you trim extra pounds, if that’s your goal.

To get started, you must take a brief assessment that will allow you to find a trainer who suits your needs. Once you select a coach, you can look forward to consistent communication through messaging and video calls. That helps you stay accountable, which is one of the biggest keys to achieving a specific weight-loss goal. (

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One of the best interactive features of CoPilot includes live feedback on your pacing and form. This is especially useful for beginners who may not be familiar with more technical exercises. One of our product testers who used CoPilot on his iPhone and Apple Watch also enjoyed that the workouts included videos to follow along with.

However, he was disappointed by the lack of an online community for additional support and accountability outside of his coach. Still, at $99 per month, CoPilot is a cost-effective option if you’re looking for an online training platform that offers more than just new workouts every week.

Coaches who are also certified nutritionists can help you put together macro-friendly meal plans. Because they aren’t registered dietitians, though, they legally can’t tell you exactly what to eat, tell you to take specific supplements, or treat medical conditions.

Still, these plans will allow you to stay on track with your fitness and weight goals. In addition, the app allows you to work on four

daily routines

(or habits) at a time, which can help you build a well-rounded lifestyle that focuses on your physical and mental health.

“This is a very unique offering and a great feature,” says exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “Many apps focus simply on fitness and/or nutrition.”

What customers are saying

Users on the Apple App Store consistently praise the ability to have workouts tailored to their needs.

“On the other end of this app…is an actual human being, who can work around my schedule and equipment to develop a plan,” wrote a reviewer with the screen name brchaplin. “I can do the workouts any time. I think this system would work for anyone, ranging from the not-so-fit like me to people who already do gym workouts.”

In addition, CoPilot’s seamless integration with Apple Watches has helped many users stay accountable.

Several negative reviews pointed out issues with the app not functioning properly. Besides technical glitches, a few customers found their CoPilot experience disappointing due to trainers who did not deliver high-quality programming.

Specs

Best personal training app with meal plan:


Caliber

Best personal training app with meal plan

Available in three tiers, Caliber is a fitness coaching program that delivers science-backed strength training and nutrition plans.

Key product features

Training plan


Periodized

Food tracking


Cronometer app

Accountability


Weekly review

Demo library


Hybrid

What you should know

In addition to customized workout programming, Caliber also offers nutrition guidance from certified nutrition coaches. Your personal trainer will also provide regular feedback and update your plan as you progress.

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  Our product tester appreciated her coach’s adaptability in holding her accountable for her food choices.
  
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  While it only costs $19 per month for group coaching via Caliber Pro, the price for one-on-one coaching is significantly higher, starting at $200 per month.
  
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  Caliber’s vast array of resources and tracking tools makes it a great platform for those who want to work with a certified personal trainer remotely.
  

Why we like Caliber as best with meal plan

As one of the top-rated personal training platforms we’ve tested, Caliber stands out for its personalized workout plans and excellent nutrition programming. Available in three tiers, the platform uses scientific principles and data-driven programming to help you achieve your fitness goals.

The free-forever version allows you to create your own workout plan, but you don’t get access to a coach. Our product tester selected the Caliber Premium Coaching package, which starts at $200 a month. After an easy setup process that earned 5 out of 5 stars, she connected with a coach who created a customized training plan. All paid versions of the Caliber app include coaching across nutrition and healthy habits in addition to strength and conditioning.

Although the price tag may seem high, our reviewer found Caliber to be worth the cost for several reasons. Primarily, she appreciated the excellent level of accountability, rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

Our reviewer also appreciated her trainer’s routine check-ins that included video reviews of the previous week’s workouts. Her coach also outlined incremental goals for the coming week. Plus, the app has a feature that lets you record right from within so you can send videos directly to your trainer for feedback.

Besides having a customized weightlifting and cardio routine to follow, Caliber also helps guide your nutrition. Our tester said her coach provided sound advice and helped her improve her relationship with food.

Note, however, that Caliber’s nutrition coaches aren’t registered dietitians. They can provide general nutrition advice about tracking macros, shopping for healthy meals, and the pros and cons of various diets. They can’t tell you to follow a specific diet, tell you exactly which foods to eat, or help treat medical conditions.

What customers are saying

Caliber is one of the top personal training apps on the App Store. Customers consistently praise the level of individualized attention they receive from their coaches.

“My coach listens to me but doesn’t allow me to slack off,” wrote one reviewer with the screen name FelinatheFox. “She educated me as we went through each workout as to which muscles are being worked and the anticipated outcome.”

Another user who admitted to previously struggling with consistency has found investing in the Caliber app to be worthwhile, especially when trainers in her area cost about $80 per session. Her trainer has adjusted her workouts based on her busy schedule and conducts multiple weekly check-ins.

While there aren’t many negative reviews, one customer wrote that her trainer didn’t maintain consistent communication or change up the workouts. Another customer pointed out that the app doesn’t integrate with many fitness trackers. This makes it more challenging to monitor your health data and performance metrics.

Specs

Best personal training app for cardio:


Joggo

Best personal training app for cardio

Joggo is a personalized running app that offers customized workouts and meal plans to help you get fit and improve your performance.

Key product features

Plan update


Every two weeks

Workouts


Audio-guided

Meal Planning


Included

Tracking


GPS

What you should know

With Joggo, you’ll get a personalized plan tailored to your goals, fitness level, and lifestyle. The option to add a strength training plan allows you to follow a more well-rounded workout routine.

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  Despite the app’s heavy emphasis on weight loss, our product tester found the coaching points on form and pacing useful.
  
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  Although Joggo primarily focuses on running programs, you can add a strength training component to your routine for just $2 per week.
  
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  Whether you like being outdoors or on a treadmill, this app is designed for beginners and intermediate runners who want more structure to their cardio routines.
  

Why we like Joggo as best for cardio

Founded by a former Ironman competitor, Joggo aims to help people reach their running and weight loss goals by providing personalized running and nutritional plans. The app features several tools to support your journey, including GPS locating tracking, distance and speed monitoring, and audio guidance for workouts.

If you’re trying to drop a few pounds, there’s also a weight tracker to record your progress. Even if you don’t need this feature, Joggo’s other tools can help you get more out of your cardio workouts and improve your speed and endurance.

Our product reviewer found the setup process straightforward, giving Joggo 4 out of 5 stars in this category. Once you answer questions about your current fitness level, diet, health issues, and other relevant information, Joggo presents different running plan options with estimates of how long it’ll take you to achieve your goal.

While our tester gave Joggo 3 out of 5 stars for instruction, she didn’t feel it was necessary to force users to look at or go through a short warm-up before starting their run. That feature may benefit beginners who need ideas on how to prepare for a run. But more experienced runners may find themselves tapping ahead to get to the actual workout.

Our tester also found the voice guidance feature that provides cues like “remember to breathe” too basic for advanced runners.

Joggo won’t cost you nearly as much as some of the other online personal training apps on this list. While the company doesn’t publish pricing on its website, you can get a general idea of the prices based on the results of completing an online quiz.

A two-month running plan checks in at about $3.80 per week, while a four-month plan costs about $3.05 per week. You can also commit to a six-month plan for about $2.53 per week. In comparison, other personal training apps can cost $50 or more per week.

With Joggo, you can also add a strength-training workout plan that focuses on your upper body and core for $2 per week. However, the lack of lower-body strength training shouldn’t be overlooked. Although Joggo doesn’t incorporate it in its programming, we would still encourage you to hit at least one or two leg day sessions per week. Research shows that lower-limb resistance exercise can help improve running economy and potentially reduce the risk of running-related injuries. (

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A second tester pointed out another potential drawback.

Overall, the app lacks interactive features and accountability measures other than push notifications. Still, the fact you can use Joggo to perform treadmill or outdoor runs should prevent you from getting bored with the same workout environment. If you’ve been relying on the 12-3-30 workout or long walks for cardio, this app can provide more variety and a structured approach that’ll help you shed some pounds or boost your stamina.

What customers are saying

Reviewers on the App Store enjoy that the workouts go beyond just running, with some including speed work and bodyweight exercises.

However, several reviews point out that the app has trouble recognizing your data.

“The idea behind it is good, but the app has a lot of trouble recognizing your data, loading previous run data, or forgetting it all together!” commented one user with the screen name daleleyiii.

On Trustpilot, verified user Deanna Young expressed appreciation for the real-time feedback component.

Still, many customers called attention to technical issues that made it difficult to rely on the app. In addition, several negative reviews expressed frustration about the lack of integration with smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Specs

Best personal training app for strength training:


JuggernautAI

Best personal training app for strength training

The brainchild of a record-setting powerlifter, JuggernautAI uses intuitive AI to create highly personalized strength training plans.

Key product features

Coaching


Intuitive AI

Free trial


Two weeks

Workout type


Strength

Workout time


45-70 minutes

What you should know

JuggernautAI’s technology creates customized, structured strength training workouts to help you get stronger and build muscle. The app will automatically update your plan as you progress toward your goals.

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  According to our product tester, the app provides a solid measure of accountability even though you don’t work with a coach.
  
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  At around $35 per month, this app provides solid value for those looking for high-level strength training programming.
  
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  If you’re keen on gaining size and strength, JuggernautAI takes away the guesswork and empowers you to make progress toward your goals.
  

Why we like JuggernautAI as best for strength training

If building muscle and strength matter most, you can’t go wrong with this app from accomplished powerlifter and championship-winning coach Chad Wesley Smith. JuggernautAI, a strength and hypertrophy fitness program, allows the everyday athlete to benefit from his expertise without any face-to-face interaction.

Unlike some of the other personal training apps on this list, you don’t work with a live coach. Instead, the highly intuitive AI uses data to develop a routine that will help you improve at the three core powerlifting movements: the squat, deadlift, and bench press. Some of the data points it utilizes are your previous fitness experience, personal records, weak points, and current training load.

While some folks may prefer to work directly with a coach, our product tester enjoyed Juggernaut’s smart and responsive AI technology.

However, even though the setup process proved quick and painless, the lack of human interaction did lead to a lower accountability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. While having an app with scheduled workouts helped our reviewer stay on track, it still didn’t provide as much accountability as having routine check-ins with a certified coach.

Furthermore, Juggernaut only earned 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features. Other than logging your readiness, weights, sets, and reps, you won’t spend a ton of time interacting with the app. Again, though, this may work just fine if you’re more concerned about getting your workouts done than scrolling on your phone.

Juggernaut AI also utilizes a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to adjust your training plan. RPE is a scale from 1-10 that measures the intensity of your lifts. An RPE of 1 represents a lift that requires very little effort. An RPE of 10 is a max-effort lift, usually applied when trying to set a new personal record. RPE is a validated tool in terms of regulating exercise intensity. (

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Juggernaut AI shines in the value category. After six weeks of training with the app, our reviewer gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars.

“At $35 per month, this is a phenomenal value,” she said. “There are tons of other workout apps out there that do nothing but serve up on-demand, pre-filmed workouts for $30 or more per month. This app is like getting the insights of a real coach for next to nothing.”

What customers are saying

The JuggernautAI app has earned widespread respect from users on the Apple App Store. Many customers noted that they’ve seen improvements in their core lifts since using the program. It’s also helped users become more comfortable with their technique.

While the level of individualization has also earned positive remarks from customers, there are a few criticisms of the app. One review noted that JuggernautAI will be difficult for beginners to use.

“Wouldn’t recommend to beginners, although possible, I feel some of the information needed to be answered and the questions themselves might be hard to understand for those that are new,” commented user Ben Shaw.

Specs

Best personal training app for fitness classes:


iFIT

Best personal training app for classes

Compatible with various fitness equipment, iFIT is an interactive platform that gives you a group class experience from home.

Key product features

Classes


16,000+

Workout types


Over 60

Trainers


More than 180

Equipment


Not needed

What you should know

Compatible with cardio equipment from brands like NordicTrack and ProForm, iFIT offers thousands of classes to prevent boredom.

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  Our product tester deemed iFIT “a true Peloton competitor” based on her experience with outdoor runs and bike rides.
  
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  If you want to get your loved ones involved in fitness, you can purchase a family plan for $39 per month.
  
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  With ample variety and engaging instructors, iFIT is an excellent choice for those who want an interactive training experience that doesn’t require a trip to the gym or studio.
  

Why we like iFIT as best with classes

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to break a sweat on your new cardio machine or trying to get your family to become more active, iFIT is one of the best apps when it comes to ramping up the energy and interaction. With thousands of live and on-demand classes, you have ample flexibility to find workouts tailored to your preferences.

Utilized by more than six million people, this virtual training platform allows you to take classes at home with quality instructors who provide motivation and instruction. iFIT also syncs with ellipticals, treadmills, and other equipment, making it a terrific tool to get more out of an expensive cardio machine.

During testing, our product reviewer found the app easy to use, rating it 4.5 out of 5 stars in this category. She was able to browse through a deep library of classes that included everything from yoga and strength training to rowing and bike workouts. Plus, she liked being able to see all the workouts she completed, along with key metrics like calories burned, average heart rate, and the duration of each session.

iFIT also excels at keeping you motivated and engaged. It earned 4 out of 5 stars for its interactive features. Our product tester enjoyed being able to join different challenges that included a leaderboard where she could see how she stacked up against other participants. She also found the live class component useful, as it gave her a gym-like feel right at home.

At just $15 a month for the individual plan, iFIT gives you excellent bang for your buck.

You get access to over 16,000 classes and nearly 200 instructors. You can also pick your classes based on whether you want to be in the studio or outdoors. If you prefer the former, you can complete your workout in a more traditional indoor setting. But if you want to make your workout experience truly unique, you can row with your instructor on a waterway in French Polynesia or go for a hill run along the beach using iFIT’s global workouts.

One of the biggest drawbacks we found is that iFIT doesn’t offer clear plans for progression. Without a one-on-one coach there to push you, you may find yourself stuck running at the same pace or using the same resistance levels on the bike over and over again. Not challenging yourself can cause you to stagnate. (

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What customers are saying

This interactive personal training platform has generated positive feedback on the App Store for providing an immersive experience and a wide variety of workouts. Plus, iFIT works well with different cardio equipment, including some of the best treadmills and rowing machines.

A few negative reviews mentioned that it can be difficult to navigate the workout library, which can lead to spending too much time looking around for the right fit.

“If you want to follow 2 different series at the same time, or jump out of your current series to do a quick one-off workout, it is difficult to go back and find the series you were working on,” noted a user with the screen name W.C.999. “There should be a simple way to browse ‘recently played’ workouts, similar to how music apps work. There should also be a way to easily find a 20-min or 30-min workout with your favorite trainer through a search.”

Specs

Best personal training app for beginners:


FlexIt

Best personal training app for beginners

FlexIt is a great alternative to in-person training, as you can book live virtual sessions based on your schedule and fitness goals.

Key product features

Sessions


30-60 minutes

Bundles


4, 8 or 12

Cancellation


Within 12 hours

Feedback


Real-time

Coaching


One-on-one

What you should know

FlexIt takes the guesswork out of starting a fitness routine. Their personal trainers create customized training plans that can be done anywhere. Live feedback from coaches also ensures beginners are using proper form and working at a safe pace.

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  FlexIt gives you the option to commit to a monthly plan (for a minimum of two months) or choose their pay-as-you-go method, which is slightly more expensive on a per-session basis.
  
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  At about $1 per minute, the cost per session falls in line with what you would pay for in-person training.
  
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  Beginners will benefit from working directly with a certified personal trainer who caters to their schedule, available equipment, fitness level, and specific goals—all in a remote setting.
  

Why we like FlexIt as best for beginners

FlexIt is an interactive platform that provides a live personal training experience while allowing you to work out from wherever you want. Based on our decades of experience in the industry, we believe FlexIt is well-suited for people who are just starting their fitness journeys.

FlexIt allows you to schedule sessions of either 30, 45, or 60 minutes with a certified personal trainer who will be present the entire time. If you’re new to working out, the 30-minute option is a great way to build a base level of strength, endurance, and confidence as you get more familiar with your coach. Not only can you select how long you want your sessions to be, but you can also choose to pay in a bundle of sessions (four, eight, or 12) and schedule them based on your availability.

To get started, you must take a brief assessment to evaluate your current fitness levels and goals. From there, you can find a coach or certified nutritionist who can create a structured training plan for you.

Many of our product testers are certified personal trainers themselves and found the assessment to be too simplistic. It only asked basic questions such as your goals, preferred workout schedule, and preferred training style. Our team members believe going into more detail about things like injury history and current eating habits would lead to stronger matches with a coach.

True to its name, FlexIt has coaches who specialize in many areas, including bodybuilding, HIIT, pilates, and boxing. You can even work with certified health and wellness experts in specialties like meditation, and pre- and post-natal care.

From a cost perspective, FlexIt is comparable to what you would pay for in-person training. Depending on which bundle you choose, sessions range between $36.40-$79.80. The upper end of that range falls in line with the average in-person training rate of about $1 per minute.

Beginners will benefit most from having a live trainer who can provide real-time feedback on form and pacing. This can help you avoid injuries and ensure you’re completing the workout with an appropriate level of intensity. And if you lack the confidence to work out in front of dozens of gym members, FlexIt lets you reap the rewards of training

What customers are saying

Customers on the Google Play Store enjoy having a workout app that offers live coaching in various formats, as it provides something similar to an in-person training experience at a much cheaper cost.

Despite the positive experiences working with a coach in a virtual setting, many users pointed out issues with FlexIt’s messaging features. Overall, misspellings and bugs detract from an app that otherwise boasts plenty of intriguing capabilities.

Specs