PT Distinction has got to be one of my favorite pieces of software to review so far. I'd actually happened upon these guys a few months back, signed up and checked out their system but thought nothing of it.
I was initially trying to write a blog on how to create an online PT business using Trainerize, PT Distinction's main competitor, and turned to the Facebook groups to get some real world advice.
I got some great feedback from the Institute of Personal Trainers members, one of which mentioned PT Distinction. Initially I disregarded PT Distinction as a relatively low grade app because of what I'd seen several months earlier, and it wasn't until Tim piped up that I thought I should take another look.
PT Distinction Features
PT Distinction is heaving with features for personal trainers who really want to take their personal training online. The team have put a lot of time and forethought in to the system and you can only really see this once you're actually IN the app itself. Here's a list of the main features as presented on their website.
 | Made and assessed by trainers with high level qualifications from Sports Science Bachelors and Masters degrees, CHEK, Poliquin, NASM, UKSCA and Precision Nutrition. |
Over 900 exercise varieties and growing (though no rubbish - please don’t sign up if you want circus tricks!). With correct, editable descriptions, photo print out options and multi angle video.
 | Professionally made videos synchronised from FRONT AND SIDE angles so that your clients know exactly how to execute each exercise and your programs look incredible. |
Create proper online assessments with movement screens, postural examination, length tension tests, cardiovascular tests, strength testing and body composition assessment.
 | Automated messaging service. Easily write reminder emails to your clients to eat a good breakfast, to make sure they train today, to fill in their food diary, to drink enough water |
Drag and drop system will mean you never struggle for exercise ideas again and it's super fast to produce programs.
 | Your programs and assessments are compatible with all tablets, smartphones, laptops, desktops and smart TVs. |
PT Distinction Weaknesses
As you can see, PT Distinction aren't lagging when it comes to features. In fact, there's not a great deal I can say about the weaknesses within the app itself, but where they do fall behind is in the aesthetics. I know how an app looks isn't the the main reason for purchasing it but the PT Distinction website and app are, well... a bit... plain.
The icons seem bog standard and possibly found for free on an Icon finder website, the text doesn't line up great with the images and their are a few, actually more than a few, spelling mistakes within the app that had me wondering whether some of the programming was outsourced to India.
Small details, I know. But as I've already mentioned, you need to really get in to the app before you see how amazing it is and if you're put off by looks and spelling mistakes, you might not get the chance and PT Distinction could lose some potential leads.
Anyway, it's just not great to look at. It seems as though these guys had a sales page in mind when setting up their home page and I said exactly the same thing about Karen's FitProClientRecipes software; people, especially personal trainers, just aren't that in to sales pages. We're marketers too and I can't speak for everyone but a sales page makes me feel like a bit of a victim.
The icons seem bog standard and possibly found for free on an Icon finder website, the text doesn't line up great with the images and their are a few, actually more than a few, spelling mistakes within the app that had me wondering whether some of the programming was outsourced to India.
Small details, I know. But as I've already mentioned, you need to really get in to the app before you see how amazing it is and if you're put off by looks and spelling mistakes, you might not get the chance and PT Distinction could lose some potential leads.
Anyway, it's just not great to look at. It seems as though these guys had a sales page in mind when setting up their home page and I said exactly the same thing about Karen's FitProClientRecipes software; people, especially personal trainers, just aren't that in to sales pages. We're marketers too and I can't speak for everyone but a sales page makes me feel like a bit of a victim.
Update: The PT Distinction website and app have had a revamp and now look much better!
I think this is an especially important observation because Tim goes on to say "I don't think you should sign up right now if you are new to the fitness industry" lower down in the sales page, which suggests their target audience are seasoned personal trainers... PT's with a lot of marketing experience and are very aware of the 'sales format'.
Having said that, they do have a contact page which is more than I can say for some other fitness apps I've reviewed. I feel that if they were to steer away from the sales page, get a really informative blog up and clean the whole thing up a bit, they would seem a lot more trustworthy, look a lot more professional and massively boost their SEO with really great content.
PT Distinction Strengths
PT Distinction is online training software for trainers who deserve to stand out. It comes complete with numerous features that make it well worth a look at. Below, you’ll see a list of these features and what they can do for you, as a trainer:
The Exercises
I couldn't wait to get to this bit. The exercises in PT Distinction are, as another PT describe "Bloody Nora - this exercise database is off the chart!!"
I have never seen exercises and combinations of exercises so well thought out for online training. With Trainerize and other fitness apps you simply get ordinary, generic exercises that any old level 2 could come up with. With PT Distinction you get whole body and metabolic exercises like Double Kettlebell Front Squat to Bent Over Row to Swing Clean to Lunge!
I'm not one for profanities but W...T...F... This is awesome! You might be thinking "great but how are my clients going to get this". Not to worry, there are instructional videos and text for every exercise and combination of exercises!
The Exercises
I couldn't wait to get to this bit. The exercises in PT Distinction are, as another PT describe "Bloody Nora - this exercise database is off the chart!!"
I have never seen exercises and combinations of exercises so well thought out for online training. With Trainerize and other fitness apps you simply get ordinary, generic exercises that any old level 2 could come up with. With PT Distinction you get whole body and metabolic exercises like Double Kettlebell Front Squat to Bent Over Row to Swing Clean to Lunge!
I'm not one for profanities but W...T...F... This is awesome! You might be thinking "great but how are my clients going to get this". Not to worry, there are instructional videos and text for every exercise and combination of exercises!
PT Distinction have also made it super easy to put these programs together with their drag and drop workout editor. Adding all of the fantastic exercises really is as simple as drag and drop. You can also edit the instructions for each exercise if you like to do things a little differently or really want to personal the online experience for you clients.
Form and Questionnaires
There are also really cool features like the ability to add your own coaching material and eBook downloads. I found this particularly useful while testing the software as I attached a few of my fitness eBooks as incentives to sign up to my program.
These guys have literally thought of everything. Everything is editable, you can add your own exercises and instructions, add downloads, food diaries, PARQ's and even set up what they call "off the shelf" packages if you want to automate your online PT.
They've even got your back when it comes to marketing with their free marketing materials, including:
- Email to send to current personal training clients
- Sign up email for former clients
- Email and phone script to get referrals from your current clients
- Old school 12 Step method for writing sales pages
- The new stupidly simple method for writing really effective sales pages
- Telephone script Tim used to sign up all of my £120/Hour PT clients
- Setting up effective Facebook Adverts
- Tracking and editing Facebook Adverts
Fully Integrated Into Your Own Website
One of the standout features of PT Distinction is that it can be fully integrated into your website. What this means is that it turns your existing website into a membership site. This allows your clients to access everything via your website.
How does this benefit you? Well, it means that your clients will only be subjected to your branding. They won’t have to see third party brands and be tempted away from your business. And, you get to keep everything in one place, so it makes your life a lot more organised.
The great thing is, there are tools and developer kits that allow you to customise everything from the style to functionality. Possibly the best thing about this feature is that integration only takes 3 minutes. There’s no waiting around, everything is done in a short space of time. And, if you don’t have your own site, then have no fear. By going to your profile page on the PT Distinction website, clients can access everything there.
Client Management Dashboard
A new feature of PT Distinction is the client management dashboard. This is excellent for PT’s that like to keep organised and stay on top of all their work. The feature allows you to select your client and get taken to their client dashboard. Once here, you have full control over everything. You can set everything up for each client you have. It presents you with a chance to look at their training program, and perhaps make edits to it.
The dashboard shows their progress too, via photos, a food diary, nutrition plans, etc. So, you can keep track of what they’re eating and how well they’re progressing. It’s a great feature to help you understand how all of your clients are getting on.
You may find that some are progressing faster than others. In which case, you can have a look at why this might be. Perhaps you need to give them different routines, or help with their nutrition? All of this can be looked at and analysed using this feature. Plus, you can add coaching tips and make these alterations in just a couple of clicks. Then, their dashboard is updated and they’ll see the changes when they log on again.
Results Tracking And Charting
PT Distinction claims that their results tracking and charting is the most powerful system online today. Their systems are very complex and took a lot of time to create. The aim was to create the perfect tracking system, so trainers can see how their clients are doing. It’s 100% flexible and records multiple variables on every exercise.
The system also performs across various program phases and produces easy to read graphs. It’s great for both trainers and clients! A trainer will love how easy it is to track things, and how accurate the graph results are. While the client will be thrilled to see their progress on the graph. This feature follows the trend with every other feature in that it’s simple to use.
World Class Email System
For me, all personal training software needs to have some form of email system in there. And, PT Distinction can boast just that. You can send emails to your clients through PT Distinction, using your existing email address!
What I like most is that you can send scheduled emails too. So, you can schedule email reminders the day before a training session to make sure your clients show up. Plus, you’re able to send emails to groups, or individuals. It’s a great way of motivating your clients and getting them fired up for their upcoming training session.
And, as mentioned, they’re sent from your own email address. The great thing is, there’s no indication that they’re automated. Your clients will feel like you’re taking a more personal approach with them, and they’ll like it.
Set Up Completely Automated Coaching Packages
This feature allows you to come up with unique coaching packages that you can sell to people. These days, lots of people prefer to use online training programs to get results. But, this doesn’t mean you should miss out on any income. PT Distinction allows you to create your own programs, then sell them from your website.
Whenever one of your packages is bought, they’ll set the buyer up with an account. It will give the client all the coaching, assessments, emails, and anything else you created. After this, they’ll be able to access everything through your website and apps. There’s very little that you have to do here, other than creating the programs.
Just take a back seat and watch the money come in. Also, this feature allows you to customise programs so they fit certain individuals. I find this good if you want to offer tailored training programs for a little bit more money.
Meal Plan Database
A big feature of PT Distinction is that it comes with a meal plan database. I’m shocked at how often this is neglected in training software. Providing nutritional advice is a huge part of being a successful personal trainer.
With this feature, your job is made a lot easier for you. You can search the database for numerous ready to go meal plans. In total, there are well over 100 of these waiting for you. Ever meal plan comes equipped with recipes for each meal, and a shopping list.
The obvious benefit of this is that all the important information is laid out for your clients. They know how to make the dishes, and what ingredients they should buy. It’s super simple for you to get the right meal plans for your clients as well. You just have to input all their relevant information into the database. Then, you’ll be presented with the best-suited meal plans for each individual.
Who's It For?
I'm really excited for Tim and the PT Distinction team about this app and I'd love to be able to recommend this to all PT's but unfortunately not. Tim hit the nail on the head with what he wrote on the home page:
"I don't think you should sign up right now if you are new to the fitness industry - I reccomend that you get some experience training clients in person first - after that you're welcome to come and join us"
This app really is for PT's who have a little experience as there are a lot of advanced exercises in there from the warm up and mobility exercises to foam rolling. I'd say that if you're confident with your exercise prescription, stretch types and myofascial release then get on it because PT Distinction could be one of the leading online personal training applications for personal trainers!
"I don't think you should sign up right now if you are new to the fitness industry - I reccomend that you get some experience training clients in person first - after that you're welcome to come and join us"
This app really is for PT's who have a little experience as there are a lot of advanced exercises in there from the warm up and mobility exercises to foam rolling. I'd say that if you're confident with your exercise prescription, stretch types and myofascial release then get on it because PT Distinction could be one of the leading online personal training applications for personal trainers!
The Verdict
Use it. The app is free for your clients anyway which is an offer you can't refuse. That means you get as long as you want to play around with it and get used to the UI.
I got the my friend, a software developer called Dimitar, to look at it and he loved it. He used words like PHP and object orientated language which I didn't understand. The basic jist of it is that it's reasonably crash proof but not very easy to update.
START A FREE TRIAL
I got the my friend, a software developer called Dimitar, to look at it and he loved it. He used words like PHP and object orientated language which I didn't understand. The basic jist of it is that it's reasonably crash proof but not very easy to update.
START A FREE TRIAL
If any PT's reading this review of PT Distinction have or do use PT Distinction don't hesitate to pay it forward and help this great team of PT's by writing your thoughts in the comments box.
