Online personal training has exploded in popularity over the last five years, but the quality varies wildly — from glorified PDF programmes to genuinely life-changing coaching relationships. The honest answer to whether it's worth it depends almost entirely on what you're actually getting.
Here's a clear-eyed breakdown.
What Online Personal Training Actually Includes
At its best, online personal training means a qualified coach who:
- Builds a training programme specifically for your goals, schedule, and training history
- Creates a nutrition strategy tailored to your lifestyle (not a generic meal plan)
- Checks in with you regularly and adjusts your plan based on progress
- Is available to answer questions and troubleshoot problems
- Holds you accountable when your motivation dips
At its worst, online personal training means paying for a template programme with automated check-in messages. That's not coaching — it's a slightly more personalised app.
The difference matters, and it's worth asking specifically before you sign up: does a real person write my programme? Does a real person read my check-ins?
The Real Benefits
Accountability is the biggest one
Study after study shows that accountability — knowing someone is watching, expecting an update, and genuinely invested in your outcome — dramatically improves adherence. This isn't about motivation. Motivation is unreliable. A system of accountability works even when you don't feel like it.
This is the thing apps and self-directed programmes fundamentally cannot replace. The moment you know someone will notice if you skip a session, the calculus changes.
Expert programming saves you years
Most people spend years doing suboptimal training and wondering why progress has stalled. A good coach gets you years ahead by structuring your training intelligently — progressive overload, recovery, periodisation — rather than guessing.
Flexibility beats in-person training for most professionals
In-person training requires scheduling sessions, commuting, and being available at a specific time. Online coaching works around your schedule. Travel? Covered. Early morning or late evening? Fine. Gym closed? Your coach will adapt the session.
The Honest Downsides
You don't get real-time form feedback
This is the main limitation. A good online coach will use video check-ins and technique videos to address form issues, but it's not the same as being in the room. For beginners learning to lift, a few in-person sessions to establish technique foundations can be valuable before switching to online coaching.
It requires some self-motivation
Online coaching isn't passive. You still have to show up, train, and report back. If you need someone physically present to start a session, in-person training may work better for you — at least initially.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Online personal training typically costs £100–£500 per month depending on the level of service — significantly less than in-person training, which often runs £50–£100 per session.
The return on investment question isn't really about money, though. It's about whether the outcome — losing 20–30 lbs, building strength, having more energy, feeling confident — is worth the investment. For most people who've been trying alone and not getting results, the answer is yes.
What to Look for in an Online Coach
- A genuine qualification — PT certification from a recognised body (NASM, ACE, ISSA, REPS)
- Real check-ins — weekly reviews by a human, not an automated system
- Personalised programming — your plan should change based on your responses
- Proven results — before/after photos, testimonials, and ideally clients similar to you
- Clear communication — fast response times and a clear method of contact
All of this is exactly what a Cadence programme is built around. Every plan is custom-written, every check-in is read by Adam personally, and every week your programme evolves based on what's working.