Live video training at home or a trainer in the room with you. An honest look at what each does best.
Full disclosure: HipTrain wrote this, and we sell live online training, so we're one side of this comparison. We've tried to be fair to in-person training, which does some things we simply can't. Price figures for in-person trainers come from Thumbtack, linked at the end.
An in-person trainer can put a hand on your shoulder, spot you on a heavy lift, and use a full gym of equipment. That's real, and for some people it matters a lot. Choose an in-person trainer if you need hands-on help, want to use gym machines, or simply train better with someone in the room. Choose HipTrain if you want the same live, one-on-one attention from home, on your schedule, for much less per session.
HipTrain is live personal training over video. It's not a recorded class and not texting-only coaching. You and your coach see each other in real time, and they guide you through the whole session.
You start with a two-minute questionnaire. We match you with a certified coach who fits your goals and your calendar, and your first session can happen in under a day. You meet the same coach every time, at a set time that works for you. If it's not a fit, we rematch you.
Douglas Hendrick, a member, wrote in a Google review: "I am 68 years old, she is VERY patient with me. Most importantly, I am making progress."
With an in-person trainer, you meet at a gym, a private studio, or sometimes your own home. Rates are usually quoted by the hour. The trainer designs your workout, shows you each move, and corrects your form right there.
Prices vary a lot by city and by trainer. Thumbtack, a site where local trainers list their services, shows in-person rates of roughly $35 to $90 an hour. On our own site, we use $75 or more a session as a typical in-person price.
We don't offer in-person sessions at all. If you need someone to physically adjust your posture or spot a heavy lift, we're not the answer. You'll also need a phone, tablet or computer and a little space to move, and you need to show up at a scheduled time on camera. We're a smaller company too, with 29 ratings on our iOS app and a handful of featured coaches.
Here's what one session a week looks like over a month (about four sessions):
Twice a week (about eight sessions a month), in-person at $35 to $90 an hour comes to $280 to $720. HipTrain is $219.99 for eight 60-minute sessions, or $119.99 for eight 30-minute sessions.
With HipTrain there's no travel time to add. See every plan on our pricing section. HipTrain is also HSA / FSA eligible, so you may be able to pay with pre-tax health dollars. Check your own plan to be sure.
It depends on what you need. Live online training gives you a real coach watching and guiding you in real time. It can't give you hands-on correction or gym equipment. For many people training at home, that trade is worth the lower price and convenience.
Thumbtack shows roughly $35 to $90 an hour for in-person trainers. Prices depend on your city and the trainer's experience. HipTrain's live sessions are about $14 for 30 minutes or about $25 for 60 minutes.
No. HipTrain needs no gym and no equipment. You can train at home, at the office or on the road.
HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible. For an in-person trainer, ask them directly. Either way, check your own plan.
Want to see if live coaching fits you? Try your first HipTrain session free. No credit card needed.
We checked pricing and features for every service here in October 2026. They change often, so double-check before you sign up.
Looking at online options? See our guide to the best online personal training or compare HipTrain vs Echelon Coach.