Online personal training is becoming more popular because it usually costs less than hiring a trainer at the gym. More people are now choosing online trainers to help them reach weight loss and fitness goals.
A while back, Caliber Fitness, a US-based online personal training company, offered me an extended free trial so I could try their service and write an honest review on my blog. I was curious about online training. I had some concerns, but I was eager to try it.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up after clicking a link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I always share my honest opinions about the products and services I test.
My situation and goals
I wanted to start a new exercise routine, but my main goal was to lose fat—especially belly fat, which has crept up over the last few years. In my 30s my body shape changed: I didn’t gain much weight overall, but more fat settled around my waist. I wasn’t ready to accept it, so I decided to work with an online personal trainer for guidance, structure, and support. Doing it alone felt overwhelming; having a professional to guide and motivate me seemed like the best way to get results.
So what’s online personal training like? Is it worth it? Is it suitable for beginners? Below are the main pros and cons to help you decide.
Online personal training: Pros & Cons
Pros
– Cheaper than hiring an in-person trainer
– Helps you reach weight loss or fitness goals faster than going it alone
– Quick advice and motivation when you need it
– Custom workout plan based on your lifestyle and goals
– Nutrition guidance to speed up progress
– Unlimited chat/text/email support
Cons
– No one standing next to you to check form (you can send videos for feedback)
– Slower response time than an in-person trainer
– You need equipment or gym access
– It requires time and effort—if you don’t commit, it’s a waste of money
How Caliber Fitness works
Most online trainers follow a similar path, but systems differ. Caliber Fitness uses its own app to deliver plans and track progress. Here’s how the process goes when you sign up:
– Fill in a consultation form about your activity level, available workout time, past experience, goals, and preferences so your trainer can design a personalized plan.
– Download the training app and upload photos from different angles so your trainer can track your progress.
– After a few days, get your custom workout plan in the app.
– Review the workouts and ask questions or request adjustments.
– Start the plan and ask for support whenever needed—expect lots of questions early on.
– Continue training with regular updates from your trainer. Plans change as you progress to keep you challenged and on track.
My Caliber Fitness experience
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first—this was new to me. I worried about my knees, but my trainer gave me low-impact options and emphasized good form to avoid problems.
Getting started
At the beginning I got several emails from my trainer, Jacob, guiding me through next steps, the app, and how to use the FatSecret calorie tracking app. I was asked to upload photos and weigh myself weekly at the same time.
Calorie counting
I was already familiar with calorie tracking, so FatSecret was easy to use. Jacob reviewed my typical food intake—calories and macros—to see where I could improve. For the first week I logged food normally, then he suggested daily calorie and macro targets. There was no strict diet—just meeting nutrition goals— which I liked.
A lot to take in at first
There was a lot of information and a few tasks to set up at the start. Following the nutrition plan needed some planning, but beginnings are always the hardest. Commitment is required if you want real results.
Exercises and equipment
The program includes a variety of exercises focusing on strength training, which is key for fat loss, plus cardio a few times a week if weight loss is your goal. You’ll need some equipment or gym access. Your trainer will ask what you have—resistance bands, kettlebells, dumbbells, or basic home items like a chair—so the plan can match your equipment.
If you go to the gym, you’ll have everything you need. If you prefer home workouts and lack equipment, secondhand options (like Facebook Marketplace) are inexpensive.
Examples and instruction
Your workout and instructions appear in the app, with detailed descriptions and links to videos. I watched the videos several times before trying the moves and often watched them while exercising. I set up a large mirror and filmed myself to check form, and asked my partner to help correct me.
Getting form right is crucial to avoid injury and make workouts effective. If unsure, record a video and send it to your trainer through the app for feedback. You can also ask gym staff or experienced gym-goers for quick tips in person.
My results
I’m very happy with my results so far. My main aim was to lose belly fat, and I can tell by my belt—there’s one notch difference. I didn’t measure my waist before and after, so I don’t know the exact inches lost, but the change is noticeable. I’ve also lost 3 kg since starting with Jacob. That might not sound like much, but I didn’t have much to lose and I focused on fat loss, not just scale weight. Building muscle while losing fat doesn’t always show on the scales, so measuring with a tape is often more useful.
I also feel much stronger. I’m more toned and can lift more each week, which is motivating. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without my trainer’s guidance and encouragement. For that reason, I recommend trying Caliber Fitness to see what you can achieve.