Best Personal Training Options for Beginners in 2025

Updated January 2026

Starting a fitness journey can be daunting, especially for beginners. With numerous options available, it’s essential to find the right personal training solution that fits your needs and budget. Here are the best personal training options for beginners in 2025, focusing on affordability, accessibility, and effectiveness.

1. HipTrain - Affordable Personal Training

HipTrain offers live 1-on-1 video personal training sessions, making it an ideal choice for beginners looking for personalized fitness coaching. With certified trainers and flexible scheduling, you can train at your own pace and convenience. Plus, HipTrain is HSA/FSA approved for eligible expenses, making it a cost-effective solution.

Key Features:

• Price: Affordable compared to traditional gyms
• Training Type: Live 1-on-1 video sessions
• Equipment Needed: Minimal; can be done at home
• Difficulty Level: Beginner to advanced
• Calories Burned: Varies by workout (approximately 300-600 per session)

2. Local Gyms with Personal Trainers

Many local gyms offer personal training packages that cater to beginners. They often provide an introductory session to assess your fitness level and create a tailored workout plan.

Key Features:

• Price: Varies widely; often more expensive than online options
• Training Type: In-person sessions
• Equipment Needed: Gym equipment
• Difficulty Level: Beginner to advanced
• Calories Burned: 300-800 per session

3. Online Personal Training Platforms

Platforms like Trainerize and TrueCoach connect you with certified trainers who create personalized workout plans. They often include video demonstrations and progress tracking.

Key Features:

• Price: Moderate; subscription-based
• Training Type: Online coaching
• Equipment Needed: Varies based on the plan
• Difficulty Level: Beginner to advanced
• Calories Burned: 250-700 per session

4. Group Fitness Classes

Many fitness centers offer group classes specifically designed for beginners. These classes can be motivating and less intimidating than one-on-one training.

Key Features:

• Price: Affordable, usually included in gym membership
• Training Type: Group sessions
• Equipment Needed: Depends on the class (e.g., mats, weights)
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Calories Burned: 400-600 per session

5. Mobile Fitness Apps

Apps like MyFitnessPal and Fitbod provide workout plans and nutrition tracking. They often include video tutorials and community support, which can be beneficial for beginners.

Key Features:

• Price: Free or low-cost subscription
• Training Type: Self-guided workouts
• Equipment Needed: Minimal; bodyweight workouts available
• Difficulty Level: Beginner to advanced
• Calories Burned: Varies widely

6. Fitness Boot Camps

Boot camps provide a high-energy environment with a mix of cardio and strength training. They often cater to all fitness levels, including beginners.

Key Features:

• Price: Moderate; usually per session or package deals
• Training Type: Group training
• Equipment Needed: Varies (e.g., weights, resistance bands)
• Difficulty Level: Beginner to advanced
• Calories Burned: 400-800 per session

7. Personal Training Packages at Universities

Many universities have fitness programs where students can receive training from certified trainers at a lower cost, making it an affordable option for beginners.

Key Features:

• Price: Low-cost, often subsidized
• Training Type: In-person training
• Equipment Needed: Gym equipment
• Difficulty Level: Beginner to advanced
• Calories Burned: 300-600 per session

8. YouTube Fitness Channels

While not personalized, many fitness professionals offer free workout videos tailored for beginners. This is a great way to explore different workouts without financial commitment.

Key Features:

• Price: Free
• Training Type: Self-guided workouts
• Equipment Needed: Varies by video
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Calories Burned: Varies widely

9. Community Recreation Centers

Local community centers often offer affordable personal training sessions and fitness classes designed for beginners, making them a great resource.

Key Features:

• Price: Low-cost
• Training Type: In-person sessions
• Equipment Needed: Gym equipment
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Calories Burned: 250-600 per session

10. Fitness Challenges

Participating in fitness challenges or programs that focus on specific goals can also be a good option for beginners. These are often available through gyms or online platforms.

Key Features:

• Price: Varies; often low-cost
• Training Type: Structured challenges
• Equipment Needed: Varies based on challenge
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Calories Burned: 300-700 per challenge

Conclusion

Choosing the right personal training option as a beginner can significantly impact your fitness journey. With affordable and flexible solutions like HipTrain, you can enjoy personalized coaching from the comfort of your home.