Personal Trainer Online or In-Person: Which Is Better for Clients?

Let’s dive into a topic I’ve been exploring recently — the great debate of personal trainer online or in person. It’s a bit like trying to choose between black coffee or a fancy oat milk latte. Both do the job, both have their fans, and both come with a few caveats. But when it comes to fitness and helping your clients smash their goals, how do you know which option is best?

I’ve been doing a bit of digging into this — chatting to trainers, scouring forums, watching how other PTs are working with clients, and generally playing fitness detective. Because if you’re a personal trainer trying to work out whether online or in-person training is the way forward for your clients, you want a bit more to go on than just guesswork.

So, let’s break it down — the pros, the cons, and how to make the right call.

The Online Personal Trainer Life

Online personal training has exploded in recent years. It’s flexible, scalable, and often more affordable for clients — which means it’s become a pretty attractive option for a lot of people. 

Benefits of online training: 

Flexibility. Clients can train from wherever they like, at a time that suits them. Whether it’s a quick morning workout before work, or squeezing in a session during a lunch break, online training removes a lot of the usual scheduling headaches. 

Cost-effective. Without gym overheads or travel costs, online training tends to be cheaper for clients — and potentially more profitable for you as a trainer if you take on more clients remotely. 

Wider reach. You’re no longer limited by geography. Whether your niche is postnatal fitness, powerlifting, or training new runners, you can connect with people across the country (or even the globe). 

Content creation potential. With online training, there’s the opportunity to build workout libraries, create pre-recorded programmes, and offer hybrid packages that can generate passive income. 

Drawbacks of online training: 

Tech issues. From frozen screens to dodgy Wi-Fi, sometimes the biggest workout is simply getting Zoom to cooperate. And not every client is tech-savvy. 

Harder to correct form. It’s more difficult to spot subtle issues in posture or technique through a screen, especially if clients don’t have the best lighting or camera angle. 

Less motivation for some. While some clients thrive on independence, others may struggle to stay accountable without face-to-face encouragement. The temptation to stay on the sofa can be strong. 

Why In-Person Training Still Holds Strong 

Now for the tried-and-tested option — in-person training. It’s the traditional model, and for a lot of clients, it still works brilliantly. 

Benefits of in-person training: 

Immediate feedback. You can spot and correct form in real time. If someone’s deadlift is looking a bit questionable, you’re right there to guide them before bad habits set in. 

Stronger sense of accountability. Knowing they have a session booked, and that you’ll be waiting, helps clients stay consistent. It’s much harder to bail on a workout when your trainer’s stood at the gym door with a stopwatch and a plan. 

Personal connection. Face-to-face interaction builds trust and rapport. Some clients simply feel more comfortable and supported when they’re training in the same space as their PT. 

Access to equipment. When training in a gym or studio, there’s more variety in terms of equipment, which can be a game-changer for clients with specific goals or more advanced training needs. 

Drawbacks of in-person training: 

Less flexible. Clients have to travel, work around gym hours, and fit sessions into set time slots. For those with busy or unpredictable schedules, this can be a challenge. 

More costly. Generally speaking, in-person training is more expensive. That includes travel time, gym rental fees, and potentially longer sessions. 

Geographically limiting. You’re restricted to your local area. If a client moves or your availability changes, it can be harder to continue working together. 

So, Is It Better To Train As A Personal Trainer Online Or In Person? 

Back to the big question: personal trainer online or in person — which is better for your clients? 

And the honest answer? It depends. 

The best approach will vary depending on your client’s goals, preferences, experience level, and lifestyle. What works brilliantly for one person might completely flop for another. 

Here’s a little guide to help you decide what’s best for who: 

In-person training is usually best for clients who: 

Online training tends to work well for clients who: 

And if you’re thinking, “Well, my client kind of falls into both camps,” then consider a hybrid model. Many trainers are now offering one in-person session a week, paired with additional online check-ins or training plans. It’s a great way to give structure and support while still offering flexibility. 

For trainers looking to expand their knowledge or gain more qualifications to support their clients, there are plenty of accredited resources, such as Active IQ for certifications and career development in the fitness industry. They offer courses that cater to both in-person and online training needs, ensuring you’re equipped to handle all types of clients.

In Summary

At the end of the day, whether you’re a personal trainer online or in person, your success still hinges on how well you understand your client and tailor your approach to suit their needs. 

Ask the right questions. Are they consistent? Do they enjoy their sessions? Are they seeing progress? The answers to those will help guide the format that’s going to work best — not just for them, but for you too. 

The beauty of today’s fitness world is that you’re not locked into just one method. You can adapt, experiment, and offer a mix of options. The goal isn’t to fit clients into a rigid system — it’s to create a setup that supports their lifestyle, boosts their confidence, and helps them hit their goals. 

If you’re serious about developing your skills and credentials, resources like CIMSPA are fantastic for professional development. It’s an excellent option for those looking to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that you’re not just offering the best training to clients but also the best experience for yourself as a trainer.

For trainers looking for more information on certifications and course options, you can explore Study Active range of personal training courses here. They also have some helpful blogs, like one on What Are the Best Personal Training Courses in the UK here, and another breaking down Personal Training Course Levels here.