Hey, I'm Matt. And if you've landed here, you're probably staring at about fifty different online personal training options wondering which one is actually right for you.
I get it. The online fitness space has absolutely exploded. There are apps, AI programmes, subscription services, and one-to-one coaches all promising to transform your body from the comfort of your living room. Some cost nothing. Some cost hundreds of pounds a month. And honestly? Not all of them are worth your time.
As an online personal trainer myself, I've seen what works and what doesn't : both from coaching my own clients remotely and from watching people bounce between programmes that never quite fit. So let me break this down for you properly.
First Things First: What Are You Actually Looking For?
Before you even start comparing programmes, you need to get clear on a few things:
Your main goal. Are you trying to lose weight? Build strength? Train for a running event? Improve your mobility? Different programmes specialise in different outcomes. A running coach will approach your training very differently to someone focused on hypertrophy.
Your budget. Online personal training ranges from completely free (app-based programmes with no live support) to premium one-to-one coaching that can run £150+ per month. Neither is inherently better : it depends on what you need.
How much support you actually want. Some people thrive with a pre-written plan and zero check-ins. Others need someone in their corner, messaging them when they miss a session. Be honest with yourself here.
Your schedule. If you're juggling a demanding job, kids, and life admin, you need something flexible. Live-only programmes with fixed session times might not cut it.
The Main Types of Online Training (And Who They Suit)
Let me walk you through the different formats you'll come across:
1. App-Based Programmes (Low or No Cost)
These are your Aaptivs, your Down Dogs, your free workout libraries on YouTube. They give you access to hundreds (sometimes thousands) of workouts, often guided by audio or video.
Pros: Cheap or free. Huge variety. Great for self-motivated people who just need structure.
Cons: Zero personalisation. No one checks if you're doing movements correctly. No accountability. If you skip a week, nobody notices.
Best for: Beginners who want to dip their toe in, or experienced gym-goers who just need fresh ideas.
2. AI-Generated Programming
Apps like JuggernautAI use algorithms to build training plans based on your inputs. You log your lifts, the AI adjusts.
Pros: More personalised than generic apps. Often very good for strength-focused goals.
Cons: Still no human oversight. Can't account for how you're feeling, injuries, or life stress. Doesn't adapt to YOU : just to data.
Best for: Intermediate lifters who understand programming basics and want something smarter than a static plan.
3. Hybrid Memberships
Some gyms and fitness brands offer online coaching as part of a membership. Life Time is a good example : you get access to facilities AND virtual training.
Pros: Flexibility to train in-person or online. Good if you travel a lot.
Cons: Often pricier. The online element can feel like an afterthought.
Best for: People who want the gym experience but need backup options when they can't get there.
4. One-to-One Online Coaching
This is what I do. You get a real human coach who builds your programme, checks in with you regularly, adjusts things based on how you're progressing, and actually holds you accountable.
Pros: Fully personalised. Someone in your corner. Adapts to your life, not the other way around. Real accountability.
Cons: Costs more than apps. Requires you to communicate with your coach (which is actually a good thing).
Best for: Anyone who's tried DIY fitness and struggled to stay consistent. Anyone with specific goals, injuries, or busy schedules. Anyone who values having a coach who actually knows their name.
Quick Comparison: What's Out There
Here's a snapshot of how different programmes stack up:
| Your Priority | Type of Programme | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Free access | App-based (e.g., Boostcamp) | 1,000+ free programmes, no coaching |
| Beginners | Audio-guided apps (e.g., Aaptiv) | 2,500+ workouts, beginner-friendly |
| Weight loss | Coached platforms (e.g., Trainwell) | Real coach + nutrition guidance |
| Strength training | AI programming (e.g., JuggernautAI) | Algorithm-built strength plans |
| Live sessions | Virtual PT platforms (e.g., FlexIt) | Live 1-on-1 video sessions |
| Full accountability | 1-to-1 online coaching | Dedicated coach, daily/weekly check-ins, fully custom plans |
The sweet spot for most people? One-to-one online personal training. It costs more than an app, sure. But it actually works : because someone is paying attention.
What to Look For in a Good Online Personal Trainer
Not all online coaches are created equal. Here's what separates the good ones from the "downloaded a template off the internet" ones:
They ask questions before prescribing anything. A good coach wants to know your goals, your history, your injuries, your lifestyle, your stress levels. If someone sends you a programme without a proper consultation, run.
They check in regularly. Whether that's daily messages, weekly calls, or video form checks : there should be consistent communication. You shouldn't feel like you're training alone.
They adjust. Life happens. Work gets busy. Sleep goes out the window. A good online personal trainer adapts your programme to what's actually going on, not what was planned three weeks ago.
They explain the "why." You should understand why you're doing what you're doing. That's how you learn. That's how you build habits that last beyond the coaching relationship.
They specialise (or know their limits). If you need a running coach and someone claims they can do that plus bodybuilding plus rehab plus nutrition, be cautious. Jack of all trades often means master of none.
Why Accountability Is the Secret Ingredient
Look, I've written a whole post on this called The Secret Sauce of Success: Remote Accountability. But the short version is this:
Most people don't fail because they don't know what to do. They fail because no one's watching.
Having a coach who checks in, who notices when you've missed sessions, who celebrates your wins : that changes everything. It's the difference between "I'll start again Monday" and actually showing up.
And online coaching does this brilliantly. Your coach is in your pocket. You can message them when motivation dips. You can send a video of your deadlift and get feedback the same day. It's support without the hassle of scheduling face-to-face sessions.
So, How Do You Actually Choose?
Here's my honest advice:
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Start with your goal. Be specific. "Get fitter" isn't a goal. "Lose a stone and run 5K without stopping" is.
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Decide how much support you need. If you're self-motivated and just need a plan, an app might be fine. If you've tried that and it didn't work, you probably need a human.
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Set a realistic budget. Good one-to-one coaching isn't cheap, but it's an investment that actually pays off. Cheap programmes that don't work are the expensive option in the long run.
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Try before you commit. Most decent online coaches offer a consultation or trial period. Use it. See if you click.
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Read testimonials. Not the polished ones on the homepage : the real ones. What do actual clients say?
Ready to Explore Online Training?
If you're curious about how I work with clients remotely : building custom programmes, checking in regularly, keeping you accountable even when life gets chaotic : have a look at my personal training page or drop me a message.
This is part of a series I'm writing about online personal training. If you want to understand more about how it all works, check out the other posts : including Why Online Training is Actually Better Than In-Person and What to Expect in Your First Month of Online Training.
Because honestly? The right programme is out there. You just need to know what you're looking for.
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