Whether you’re new to fitness, or you’ve been at it for years, some level of coaching or guidance is vital to help achieve your goals. I’ve been competing in weightlifting for 25 years, and I wouldn’t have accomplished big milestones like competing at the Tokyo Olympics without having a coach in my corner.
With home gyms on the rise for fitness enthusiasts, quite a few online personal trainers have developed as mobile apps, being able to connect you with a virtual trainer. One such app is FlexIt; this app can connect you to a one-on-one session with a virtual trainer based on your training interests and fitness goals. It’s flexible as well, since you can buy sessions in bulk or one at a time, then book them later.
This app may help you accomplish your goals, but is this virtual personal training app worth your money? I took a look at this app recently, and we’ll discuss its pros and cons in this FlexIt Fitness review.
Flexing Our Review Muscles
In the world of fitness and health and wellness, Garage Gym Reviews has made a name for itself. We take pride in providing honest and expert reviews on fitness equipment, supplements, and the best workout apps. Unlike other review sites, the overwhelming majority of products we recommend have had hands-on testing done by our team of certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and lifelong athletes.
For FlexIt Fitness, I connected with a virtual personal trainer (VPT) for a 30-minute session. After my session, I explored the fitness app and all it had to offer. I rated FlexIt from 1 to 5 in categories based on our fitness equipment testing methodology:
- Trial period and price
- App setup and ease of use
- Level of instruction
- Accountability and interactive features
- Workout variety
- Equipment demands
- Overall value
FlexIt
FlexIt
Product Highlights
- FlexIt offers live 1-on-1 personal training and nutrition coaching online or via their app
- Take a goals assessment, choose a personal trainer, and customize your training schedule
- Flexible gym access with participating gyms that eliminates memberships and contracts
- Sessions can be purchased via monthly membership or pay-as-you-go plans
- Sessions are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live virtual coaching
- Individualized
- Variety of membership options
- Convenient
- Comprehensive wellness plan
- Mix-and-match trainers
Cons
- Reports that the app is finicky
- Some users felt the initial assessment lacking
Bottom Line
As an alternative to in-person training, FlexIT offers live virtual coaching. Each training plan is fully customizable and sessions are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments.
A Quick Look at FlexIt
Headquartered in New York, FlexIt started in 2019 as a way for people to gain gym access across the nation, paying on their phone through the app—and only paying for the time they spent on their workout routine. In 2020, the company made a major shift to bring personal training to the consumer. Fitness training sessions with a virtual personal trainer can be bought and performed one-on-one online in the comfort of your home.
Originally starting with personal trainers and general strength training, FlexIt has branched into other health and wellness fields: weight training, yoga, Barre, mobility, TRX training, HIIT, functional fitness, meditation, Pilates, boxing, and nutrition coaching, to name a few.
All coaches are certified in their respective fields, and you can find coaches to suit your needs. For example, if you’re looking for nutrition coaching, you can find a nutritionist to work with or a registered dietitian who can give you more involved coaching and meal plans. You can find a coach to challenge you, regardless of your fitness level.
Before You Buy
- Although the app is available on mobile devices, FlexIt recommends doing your virtual training sessions on a laptop with Google Chrome, or on a SmartTV.
- You can buy sessions in bundles and schedule them later, or you can subscribe to a monthly plan, which will save you money on each session. However, you’ll have to make a two-month commitment as well. You can purchase 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions with trainers, as single sessions or in bundles of 4, 8, or 12 sessions.
- While FlexIt virtual personal training sessions connect you with a certified specialist, FlexItPRO will connect you with a “premium” trainer. This trainer has worked with elite-level athletes or celebrities. Spots are limited, though, so you have to fill out an interest form to check availability.
Is FlexIt Worth It?
Prices vary for sessions based on the length of time and number of sessions, but you can expect around $40 per 30-minute session and around $80 for a 60-minute session. This cost is pretty expensive when compared to other health and fitness apps, but those other apps usually aren’t offering a one-on-one session with a virtual personal trainer.
This pricing is toward the lower cost of an in-person trainer, so you can still save money compared to most live personal trainers. You’re not saving a whole lot compared to an in-person session, but with the added benefits of working out in the convenience of your home, there is some decent value in this product. I rate the value a 3.5 out of 5, as it’s worth the price, but some may prefer in-person sessions if they have access nearby.
Android users may have a different experience than Apple users, as well. We’ll go over the reviews later on, but many Android users had difficulty with the app interface, so this may be something to hold off on if you’re using an Android device.
Great for:
- People wanting real-time feedback and coaching
- Those wanting to work out in the convenience of their home
- Anyone with a variety of health & fitness goals who’d want to connect with different trainers
Not recommended for:
- Lifters who prefer in-person coaching
- Android users who want a streamlined user interface
- Anyone who wants to save with a free workout app
FlexIt Specs
| Price | $36 to $88 per session, depending on the bundle |
| Trial period | First session for $5 |
| Platforms | Android, Apple, online |
| Training programs | Strength training, cardio, Pilates, yoga, Barre, boxing, meditation, nutrition |
Using FlexIt
I worked with Chris Pabon, AAPT-CPT, in my 30-minute session through FlexIt. Chris is a good example of the coaches on the app, as he is a certified personal trainer with 10 years of experience, specializing in strength training and athletic performance.
Honestly, I was a bit nervous trying this app out when I did; as an elite athlete, I was just a few weeks out from a major international competition and I didn’t want to do anything that might throw off my training. Having not used the app before, I was worried I would get paired up with a drill sergeant who’d kick my butt for 30 minutes straight.
This wasn’t the case at all. After discussing with Chris a little bit about my upcoming competition, we talked about my current fitness routine and decided on a light bodybuilding session, focusing on the upper back and shoulders with dumbbells. We ended the session with some split squats, which were a great warm-up to my front squat session later in the day.
RELATED: Exercises for Upper Back
All this to say, I was very impressed with the professionalism and expertise during my virtual training session. Chris was knowledgeable and was able to suit the workout to my needs.
Let’s take a look at the app now, along with a deeper dive into training sessions.
Pricing and Trial Period
If there are weak spots to the FlexIt app, I’d say the price is one of them. Most online personal training apps can save you money when compared to an in-person training session. However, at about $80 for a 60-minute session, it’s only comparable to in-person training pricing—albeit it’s on the cheaper end of personal training. Because of that, I rate the pricing a 1 out of 5.
You get one trial session through FlexIt, but it’s not free. It’s heavily discounted, at only $5 for your first session. Along with this, new users also have a small library of 4-week programs available, which is a nice addition. Because the trial period is limited to one discounted session, though, I rate the trial a 2 out of 5.
App Setup and Ease of Use
In my testing, I used both the online portal and the Android version of the app. Setting up my account and getting started was a breeze; just fill out a short survey on your fitness goals (weight loss, muscle gain, etc.), and you’re ready to connect with a virtual trainer. I give the setup a 5 out of 5.
I found navigating the app fairly easy, as you can search for coaches based on schedules and training routines. The check-in feature for gym access is also available, although you’ll be limited if you’re in the wrong area—I had no gyms available in the Charlotte area. I give the app a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use, only because FlexIt recommends using a laptop or TV for actual training sessions.
Instruction
My virtual trainer was knowledgeable, flexible, and willing to work with me based on my schedule and fitness goals. During our one-on-one session, he demonstrated each movement and gave coaching cues during each set of my workout. Getting real-time feedback is a priceless tool on a fitness app. Plus, each trainer you work with is a certified professional, earning FlexIt a 5 out of 5 in the level of instruction.
RELATED: What Is a Personal Trainer?
Interactive Features
FlexIt pairs you up with a virtual coach, meaning you get accountability during your workouts. During sessions, a timer is displayed to give the trainer and athlete a time frame on your rest periods, as well as your training session in total. Along with that, the app has achievements to earn, based on time spent on the app and the number of trainers you’ve worked with. I could see this being a very motivating app, earning it a 4 out of 5 for interactive features.
Equipment and Workout Variety
Because you’re working with an actual trainer, FlexIt training sessions are completely tailored to the equipment you have available and the types of workouts you want to do. My workout needed an adjustable weight bench and dumbbells, but trainers can accommodate with resistance bands, barbells, or even bodyweight movements.
Trainers specialize in different modes of training, so you can choose your trainer based on the mode of workouts you want to perform. They vary broadly from weight training to yoga and meditation, so FlexIt gets a 5 out of 5 for workout variety.
FlexIt vs Future
Future
Future
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredible user interface; very well designed and intuitive
- Choose your own coach based on your personal preferences and goals
- Lots of variety in your workouts
Cons
- $199 per month membership cost
- No real-time coaching from your trainer
Bottom Line
Although it costs about $200 a month, Future features a user-friendly interface, customizable programming, and excellent support from your personal coach.
Another online personal trainer that connects you to a personal coach is Future. Although similar, Future is priced differently, with a flat monthly fee of nearly $200. While that seems like a lot, Future connects you with a coach who you can communicate with outside of training sessions, and they’ll message reminders about workouts, as well.
Because of the flat rate, Future will probably cost less (unless you do a 4-session monthly plan on FlexIt). However, if you’re interested in multiple modes of training, FlexIt might be a better option since you can hop to different types of trainers with prepaid sessions.
Check out our in-depth Future app review for our full thoughts on this app.
| FlexIt | Future | |
| Price | $36 to $88 per session, depending on the bundle | $199 per month |
| Trial period | First session for $5 | First month for 50% off |
| Platforms | Android, Apple, online | Android, Apple |
| Training programs | Strength training, cardio, Pilates, yoga, Barre, boxing, meditation, nutrition | Cardio, strength, functional fitness |
Customer Experience
Not to make a pun, but FlexIt is pretty flexible with its purchase options. You can buy sessions and book with a trainer later, or you can purchase a monthly subscription plan of four, eight, or 12 sessions each month. If you go this route, you’ll have a two-month commitment, though. You can cancel or reschedule a session up to 12 hours prior to the start of the session.
If you’re looking to cancel your monthly plan, after the initial two months you can send an email to customer service and they’ll help you cancel your subscription. There are multiple ways to contact them, either by phone, email, or a contact form.
Customer Reviews
Reviews on the Apple version of FlexIt are fairly high, as they average 4.7 stars out of 5 at the time of this writing. The Android version, however, has fewer positive reviews, earning only 3.8 stars.
The Apple reviews mostly talk about the gym access, and being able to just pay as you work out. The Android reviews go into the virtual trainer aspect of the app. The reviews are generally positive on the coaching and interaction; the lower ratings are based on the Android interface itself. Many users struggled to navigate the app, as hitting send on a message was hard to do because of the location of the button.
Some of the reviews are older, and it seems that FlexIt has worked on fixing most of these bugs since I have an Android phone and didn’t have any major issues with the app.
Final Verdict of Our FlexIt Fitness Review
The FlexIt Fitness app has a ton of options for just about any fitness enthusiast. For people in the right area, you can venture and try out new commercial gyms—but the big feature is the interaction with a virtual trainer. With a variety of specialists, you’re sure to find the right fit and method of training for your needs and fitness goals.
The trainers are certified professionals who you can trust to help you achieve your fitness goals. Although the pricing is higher than some may want from a fitness app, the flexibility and expert coaching may be enough for you to consider it to spice up your training program.
Full Rating
FlexIt App
As an alternative to in-person training, FlexIt offers live virtual coaching. Each training plan is fully customizable and sessions are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments.
Product Brand: FlexIt
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 36
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.1
FlexIt Fitness App: FAQs
How much is FlexIt?
FlexIt prices vary based on the number of sessions you purchase, as well as the length of sessions. A 30-minute session costs about $40 and a 60-minute session costs around $80. Monthly plans can commit you to weekly sessions and help save you money per session as well—although FlexIt requires a two-month commitment for these monthly plans.
How do I cancel FlexIt?
If you have a session scheduled through FlexIt, you can cancel and reschedule the session up to 12 hours prior to the start of the session.
Users who are on a monthly plan have a two-month commitment; after those first two months, you can email customer support to end your plan.
Is an online personal trainer worth it?
Online and virtual personal training apps can help home gym users save money and time instead of visiting a live personal trainer. While still pricey, most online personal training apps cost less per session than an in-person personal training session. Additionally, you can have a session with your trainer in the comfort of your home or while traveling.
Lastly, these apps connect you with an expert in whatever field you’re looking for, whether it’s for nutrition coaching, strength training, or cardio routines. You can rest assured that these certified experts can help you achieve your goals.
