Ever heard of Trainerize? If you're looking for online personal training software, you'll have likely seen it a few times already. I signed up for the 30-day free trial to use it in a hypothetical scenario for this Trainerize Review. Here’s everything I’ve ascertained from the experience.
There’s no escaping it; the world has gone digital. Even fundamentally human aspects such as fitness and exercise have seen a huge shift towards the virtual world. From a business perspective, it’s imperative that your personal training services appreciate latest facilities.
As such, there's a strong chance that you'll need personal training software. This will allow you to keep clients interested and interactive. Ultimately, this can be your secret weapon for taking the business to the next level. You’d be an idiot to let that opportunity pass you by.
However, there are various solutions on the market, and unearthing the best answer for your needs can be a daunting prospect. It could be one of the most crucial decisions you make this year, though, and we’re here with a comprehensive look at Trainerize.
Trainerize Features
The first question that any trainer will ever ask of any personal training software is ‘what does it do?’. Regarding the Trainerize solution, the short answer is that it does quite a lot. And with over 25,000 trainers and studios using the software, they’ve had ample chance to perfect their platforms too.
Here are some of the most popular and key features boasted by the software:
Multiple Tiers
The personal training and fitness industry covers a wide spectrum, and the Trainerize platform has businesses of all size in mind. As such, it offers three types of plan to its customers; all of which come with a 30-day free trial.
Here are some of the most popular and key features boasted by the software:
Multiple Tiers
The personal training and fitness industry covers a wide spectrum, and the Trainerize platform has businesses of all size in mind. As such, it offers three types of plan to its customers; all of which come with a 30-day free trial.
A free starter plan limits the package to one client. However, it can still incorporate multiple trainers so that you can get a true feel of the eventual possibilities. It also offers a website and mobile App. This means your clients can access information via multiple platforms. This solution also offers multiple add-ons.
The two tiers of paid services offer plenty more. This includes custom domain names, branding, and a customized consultation process. Meanwhile, the Pro Plan starts at five clients while the Studio Plans include 16.
Essentially, you can customize it to suit your goals. Having said that, the paid methods are certainly the better option for bigger operations.
Customized Training Plans
At its core, the training software is a tool to help you provide the most comprehensive package possible. Trainerize allows you to do that with a host of different resources. The ability to send and monitor individual training regimes is a fantastic addition to any trainer’s services.
The Trainerize platform allows you to upload exercises that incorporate videos and visual media. This can ensure clients are following the correct form. Meanwhile, you can monitor progress to ensure their plans are targeted for continued success.
Likewise, tracking allows you to pinpoint where and why clients are going wrong. Your clients want to see positive results, and the multitude of progress reports will allow you to do just that. In turn, this will promote long-term success for the client, and long-term profits for you.
Using these facilities is perfect for clients of all types. Whether it’s scheduling the regime of someone you see everyday, or giving a home-based workout to people you see once a week doesn’t matter. Alternatively, you could provide an exclusively interactive service. The possibilities are endless.
Communication Links
Your clients use your services for two reasons. Firstly, they want your expertise, which is why the individual training plans are pivotal. Secondly, though, they are there for your continued support. Regular and positive communication is vital, and Trainerize has you covered.
It was a little strange messaging myself during my trial. However, the use of client profiles and consultation forms makes it easy for the trainer to organize the details of multiple clients. Meanwhile, the in-App messaging services allow for one-to-one feedback and support. This can be a key factor for encouraging the best results. For the paid services, an add-on Skype service can take things to an even greater level too.
Meal Plans
The Trainerize platform comes with several add-ons, but the meal plans stand out as the most important. We all know that exercise and diet run side by side. Helping your clients with the latter will afford the chance to offer a far more comprehensive package. Let’s face it; it will make things better at your end too as you’ll know what clients are fuelling their bodies with.
This is the perfect option for anyone wanting to offer a full service, and can be the perfect outlet for growing the business. You could even offer the nutritional service on its own to customers that don’t require fitness guidance.
Competition for clients is fierce in the fitness industry and going the extra mile for clients could make all the difference. For the right trainer, the meal planning add-on is perfect.
Trainerize Weaknesses
After 30 days of usage, there is no question that the Trainerize software carries more positives than negatives. After all, 25,000 customers and counting can’t all be wrong. Nevertheless, there are some aspects where the platform could improve.
Website Limitations
The accompanying Trainerize website, which is essentially a new storefront for your business, is a little generic. It does everything you need it to while designs can be modified to reflect your needs. But the options are a little limited.
Here's a screenshot from D. Martin Fitness. David has actually filled out his Trainerize page quite comprehensively and as you can see, it's not the most appealing site to look at. This is definitely an area where they could make improvements. Even it a came via an extra service.
Website Limitations
The accompanying Trainerize website, which is essentially a new storefront for your business, is a little generic. It does everything you need it to while designs can be modified to reflect your needs. But the options are a little limited.
Here's a screenshot from D. Martin Fitness. David has actually filled out his Trainerize page quite comprehensively and as you can see, it's not the most appealing site to look at. This is definitely an area where they could make improvements. Even it a came via an extra service.
You'd also be surprised at how often I get asked if I can search engine optimise and market the Trainerize websites. I literally got another request while writing this Trainerize Review!
Unfortunately, I have to decline. Trainerize websites are held on a Trainerize sub domain so there's literally no point in trying to optimise them for search results. This means your best bet is to come up with some way to integrate it in to your website.
Trainerize team, if you're reading this, more website integration please!
The Plans Don't Make Sense
As far as the software itself is concerned, it’s hard to know the real differences between the two paid options. Without a genuine experience of the services, it can be difficult to know which is best for your needs. That confusion can be quite distracting.
The main difference in Trainerize plans seems to be the option to have multiple locations. But there are a couple of issues with this.
- Trainerize is an ONLINE personal training platform so for most PT's locations aren't an issue.
- One location costs $16 and multiple locations cost $48. If you have 2 locations, why not just sign up twice on the $16 plan and save yourself some money.
Maybe I'm missing something... I've had my head in this for some time :/
Arguably the biggest disappointment is that the free version is limited to one client. Of course, you can’t expect too much for free. But it would be nice to have the chance to test the service on three or four clients before deciding definitively. After all, the 30-day trial might not be enough.
Too Much, Too Early
Some of the features, like the meal plans aren’t for everyone. But the lack of that information can leave clients feeling like they could be getting more too. For the right trainer, it’s a fantastic bonus. But for the wrong one, it can cause a slightly negative impact, so if you are a small time trainer, you may be better off with a simplified solution.
Trainerize Strengths
I'm not quite sure yet whether the good outweighs the bad on Trainerize, but it’s a platform that boasts many plus points. The above features are all telling items. Overall, the software should be praised for its comprehensive offering and advanced performance.
From a business perspective, you want to provide the best service with minimal effort and hassle. Here are some of the best reasons that Trainerize should be considered.
Easy Video Addition
Trainerize gives you the ability to create customized workouts for each client. Setting the rep values and creating a cycle could not be easier in terms of adding text. However, many clients will find it easier to digest visual data, which is why those videos are crucial.
The platform has a number of videos built in. All you need to do is search for the appropriate one, and then add it to the workout. Alternatively, YouTube videos can be embedded too. You could even upload your own to provide a more personal experience.
Extensive Tracking
There’s only so much you can do from your end, but it’s imperative that you keep your end of the bargain. Organization is vital, and the Trainerize software is very helpful with that.
From a business perspective, you want to provide the best service with minimal effort and hassle. Here are some of the best reasons that Trainerize should be considered.
Easy Video Addition
Trainerize gives you the ability to create customized workouts for each client. Setting the rep values and creating a cycle could not be easier in terms of adding text. However, many clients will find it easier to digest visual data, which is why those videos are crucial.
The platform has a number of videos built in. All you need to do is search for the appropriate one, and then add it to the workout. Alternatively, YouTube videos can be embedded too. You could even upload your own to provide a more personal experience.
Extensive Tracking
There’s only so much you can do from your end, but it’s imperative that you keep your end of the bargain. Organization is vital, and the Trainerize software is very helpful with that.
You will be relying on the input of your clients, but the software has plenty of tools to see you track progress over the weeks. It doesn't have the cool "Rate Your Session" feature I talk about in the Total Coaching review but it's cool nonetheless.
Meanwhile, from your end, the software also alerts you when work is needed. This could be due to a gap in a client’s schedule. Or maybe they’ve not been completing assignments. Either way, this will help you maintain control.
Social Media Automation
Nowadays, clients will want to show off their results on social media. The integration of Twitter and Facebook is great for their needs. But it can also be a handy weapon for you too.
Each time a client posts their workout results, it leaves a link to your Trainerize website. Free marketing that also involves the powerful tool that is word of mouth? That has to be a positive result.
The Verdict
No two trainers or studios are identical. Consequently, it would be impossible to find a one size fits all solution. However, there is no doubt in my mind that Trainerize is one option that should be on your shortlist.
In truth, the extensive features and add-ons are better suited to larger businesses. The Trainerize platform looks great, feels great, and opens up the door for continued growth. For those with an established client base looking to reach the next stage, it's perfect.
The packages do offer smaller operations an answer to their needs. But I do think there are better alternatives for those more modest ventures. Either way, the 30-day free trial is well worth trying out. After all, there’s no substitute for firsthand experience.
What have you got to lose...
In truth, the extensive features and add-ons are better suited to larger businesses. The Trainerize platform looks great, feels great, and opens up the door for continued growth. For those with an established client base looking to reach the next stage, it's perfect.
The packages do offer smaller operations an answer to their needs. But I do think there are better alternatives for those more modest ventures. Either way, the 30-day free trial is well worth trying out. After all, there’s no substitute for firsthand experience.
What have you got to lose...
