Ten years ago, when I started out as a physical trainer, everything happened in the gym. I had a clipboard, a stopwatch, and a client by my side. Progress was measured in scratched-out paper charts and sweaty fist bumps. But over the last few years, especially since the shift to hybrid and remote fitness, things have changed drastically. And for the better.
Today, most of my clients work out at home, in their apartments, in parks, and only sometimes in a gym. What hasn’t changed is their need for structure, motivation, accountability, and feedback. That’s where digital tools stepped in—and honestly, they’ve become an irreplaceable part of how I train people.
Let me walk you through the tools I use every day—not as an influencer promoting an app, but as a trainer who’s tried, tested, and sometimes even cursed these apps before finding the right flow.
TrueCoach – My Digital Gym Floor
If I had to pick one app that feels closest to my real-world workflow, it would be TrueCoach. It’s the backbone of how I deliver and track workouts for remote clients. Every morning, I log in and check client feedback from the previous day—how they felt during a lift, how hard they pushed during HIIT, or whether they skipped the last set. I can leave video feedback or tweak the plan right there.
What I love most is how it balances automation with human connection. I can build out training programs weeks in advance, upload demo videos, and still chat with clients individually. No need to send PDFs or juggle spreadsheets. Clients log their reps, sets, and weights in real-time or after their session. For me, it’s like having a live training log that speaks back.
The app isn’t free, and I do pass a part of the subscription cost to my more dedicated clients—but they don’t mind. The professional interface, custom feel, and built-in accountability have kept many of them consistent for over a year now.
MyFitnessPal – The Silent Dietitian
Nutrition has always been trickier than workouts. People lie, forget, or just don’t log their food. But MyFitnessPal changed that, at least for the ones willing to track. I don’t require every client to use it, but for those with weight loss or muscle gain goals, it’s invaluable.
What works well is the barcode scanner and the huge food database. Most Indian and global brands are already in there, so clients don’t have to manually input too much. I can connect with their account, check macros, and gently nudge them when I see patterns—too little protein, sneaky sugar spikes, skipped breakfasts.
I’ve tried alternatives like Chronometer and LoseIt, but MyFitnessPal still feels more intuitive, even though its free version has become limited in recent updates. The paid version is worth it if you’re deep into coaching nutrition, especially since it unlocks more precise macro goals and daily summaries.
Trainerize – One-Stop Shop for Fitness Businesses
Before I switched some clients to TrueCoach, I experimented with Trainerize for a few months. It’s a more full-fledged system—workouts, nutrition, habit coaching, in-app messaging, video calls, payment processing—it does everything under one roof.
I used it with clients who wanted a full “program plus lifestyle” service. It worked well. I could assign workouts and meal plans, track steps (it integrates with Apple Health and Fitbit), and set daily habits like “Drink 3L of water” or “Stretch before bed.”
But Trainerize can feel overwhelming if you’re a solo trainer without admin support. Still, for trainers running a small fitness business or group coaching model, it’s a beast of a platform. The user interface has improved a lot lately, and clients love that they can see everything in one place.
Fitbit App – Passive Data, Active Coaching
For clients who wear a Fitbit, I ask them to sync the data with me weekly. It’s not perfect, but the app gives me valuable insights—resting heart rate, active minutes, sleep quality, steps, and calorie burn. It helps me understand their non-gym life. Someone might be training hard three times a week but only walking 2,000 steps a day otherwise. That’s a red flag, and the data helps me guide them without guessing.
The sleep tracking is another game-changer. One client had plateaued in his fat-loss journey. We looked at his Fitbit data—he was averaging just 5 hours of sleep. Once we worked on that, his weight started dropping again without even changing his diet.
I don’t depend solely on Fitbit, but when combined with direct communication, it adds depth to my coaching.
WhatsApp – Simple, Direct, Human
While I use apps for structure and systems, nothing beats the raw simplicity of WhatsApp for communication. I have a rule: every client gets a 15-minute chat window each week, usually voice notes. They send updates, ask questions, share how they feel. I respond with encouragement, course corrections, or sometimes just a “Good job, don’t overthink it.”
Sometimes they send videos of their lifts. I watch them, give instant feedback, or even record my own movement cues using my camera.
For group coaching, I set up broadcast lists instead of noisy groups. It keeps it clean, personal, and manageable.
How It All Comes Together
Here’s how a day typically goes for me using these tools. I start my morning checking TrueCoach and Trainerize for client logs. I respond to any messages, review form check videos, and update training plans if needed. Mid-morning, I open MyFitnessPal on my iPad and scan through food logs. I ping a few clients with short feedback or reminders. Around noon, I sync Fitbit data for those using it and check weekly progress. And by evening, I send voice notes via WhatsApp to my premium clients—some quick coaching, some just motivational nudges.
What these tools have done is expand my presence without diluting my attention. I can train ten clients across three time zones and still offer personalized support. More importantly, they’ve helped my clients stay consistent, feel seen, and progress faster.
Digital tools aren’t about replacing the coach—they’re about extending what’s possible. I still believe in the power of a real conversation, a hand-written program, or a shared laugh between sets. But I also believe in using every available advantage to help someone get healthier, stronger, and more confident.
And if an app helps me do that? I’m all in.