Fitness platforms are proving to be invaluable adjuncts to traditional therapy as we continue to advance in the field of wellness technology.
If you have clients whose objectives include improving mobility, reducing chronic pain, lowering stress levels, or starting a healthy lifestyle, then fitness technology will enable them to achieve therapeutic benefits between sessions.
By 2026, fitness platforms will evolve from simple workout applications to comprehensive wellness platforms.
Therefore, many fitness platforms today include personalized programming, tracking, artificial intelligence (AI) based feedback, and functionalities that allow personal trainers access to provide clients with guidance in between in-person sessions.
Here are the top 10 fitness platforms that can potentially serve as supporting resources in the fitness process in terms of usability, flexibility, and wellness-related goals
1. FitBudd
Best for: Customized fitness programs and collaboration between clients and trainers
Pricing: Trainer-dependent (aimed at fitness professionals)
Key Features: AI-powered exercise program, tracking, and habit tracking
FitBudd is an all-in-one platform intended for use by coaches, trainers, and fitness professionals to manage their clients.
Trainers can suggest this platform to their clients when they are about to begin their workouts with a personal trainer or fitness professional.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Enables progressive programming with accountability
- Helps clients with physical restrictions through customized programming
- Offers habit tracking to reinforce changes discussed in therapy
- Can be used as a gym trainer app and fitness studio management software
Limitations:
- Requires a trainer/coach to create the programming
- Not intended for clients seeking self-directed exercise
2. Trainerize
Best for: Organized exercise routines and accountability for clients
Pricing: Determined by personal trainers
Main Features: Habit tracking, exercise videos, goal-based programming
Trainerize is a popular tool for personal trainers to provide online exercise routines. Trainers can suggest it to clients who require organized exercise with step-by-step instructions, especially after an injury or when dealing with chronic illnesses.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Clean and simple interface, even for those who are not familiar with fitness apps
- Exercise videos assist in mastering proper technique
- Goal-based programming is effective in meeting therapeutic goals
Limitations:
- Some users experience occasional glitches and connectivity problems
- Must be used in conjunction with a trainer who is a user of the software
3. My PT Hub
Best for: Progress tracking and outcome measurement
Pricing: Set by trainers/coaches using the platform
Key Features: Workout assignment, performance monitoring, program adjustments
My PT Hub excels at creating feedback loops between trainers and clients, making it valuable for personal trainers who want clients to maintain activity and track progress after discharge.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Excellent for tracking and measuring outcomes in rehabilitation or goal-setting related to behavioral change
- The ability to share data with other health professionals to support Multidisciplinary Care Teams
- The ability of the trainer to adjust their program on an ongoing basis based on the client’s progress toward the established goal
Limitations:
- Primarily designed for a trainer-client relationship rather than a direct-to-consumer use
4. Nike Training Club
Best for: General fitness and stress relief
Pricing: FREE (some paid content available)
Key Features: Variety of mobility, strength, yoga, and mindfulness classes
Nike Training Club is a consumer-grade app that personal trainers often recommend to clients for building physical and mental wellness. Although it is not intended for therapy, the variety of classes available can be a useful addition to therapy goals.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Free access eliminates cost as a barrier
- A variety of mobility, strength, yoga, and mindfulness classes
- Non-intimidating environment for clients reintegrating physical activity
- Stress relief and general fitness
Limitations:
- Limited tracking capabilities – does not track statistics for individual exercises
- No customization for therapeutic purposes
- General programming may not be suitable for clients with specific impairments
- Self-directed, not therapist-supervised
5. Apple Fitness+
Best for: Clients already using Apple Health devices
Pricing: $9.99/month or $79.99/year (often bundled with Apple One)
Key Features: Integration with Apple Watch, guided workouts, heart rate monitoring
For clients already invested in the Apple system, Fitness+ provides smooth integration with the Apple Watch and other devices. This can help with behavioral changes by allowing for easy exercise monitoring.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Great for clients already using Apple devices
- Heart rate monitoring and consistency tracking help with accountability
- Guided exercise routines with different levels of intensity
- Good for clients with lifestyle-related conditions
Limitations:
- Requires an Apple Watch for optimal functionality
- Cost of subscription
- Generic programming, not for therapeutic purposes
6. Future Fitness
Best for: Individual remote coaching
Pricing: $199/month
Key Features: Direct access to certified personal trainers, personalized exercise routines, and constant feedback
Future Fitness is a service that pairs users with personal trainers for individual remote coaching. This service could be recommended by personal trainers to clients who require more personalized support than can be offered through self-guided apps.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Accountability through human-centered coaching
- Suitable for clients who have difficulty with self-guided programs
- Constant feedback and adjustments from trainers
- Can be used in conjunction with therapy to leverage movement knowledge
Limitations:
- High cost ($199/month) may not be feasible
- Requires commitment to working with the assigned trainer
7. Peloton App
Best For: Motivation and community support
Cost: $12.99/month (app only)
Key Features: Live and on-demand classes, community features, a variety of workout types
Although Peloton is known for its equipment, the app offers a vast array of classes without it. The community component may be helpful for clients who are isolated or need outside motivation.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Community support and accountability
- Variety of classes and instructors
- Provides structure and routine for clients developing exercise habits
- Motivates clients who respond well to group environments (virtual)
Limitations:
- Requires a subscription
- Classes are not tailored to the individual
- Can be intimidating for deconditioned clients
8. Centr
Best for: Holistic mind-body wellness
Pricing: Subscription-based (varies)
Key Features: Exercise, meditation, and nutrition in one platform
Centr offers a holistic approach to fitness that combines exercise, meditation, and meal planning. This is beneficial for personal trainers who are working with clients on stress management or lifestyle changes.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- It addresses several aspects of wellness at the same time
- It focuses on long-term strategies rather than short-term results
- It is in line with therapeutic approaches to holistic wellness
Limitations:
- The information about the current features and pricing is not verified
- It might be too much for clients who want to concentrate on one aspect of wellness at a time.
9. TrueCoach
Best for: Basic coaching and communication
Pricing: Determined by individual trainers
Key Features: Exercise assignment, communication between client and trainer, simple interface
TrueCoach is easy to use, which is great for clients who may be intimidated by more complicated fitness software. This allows for easy communication between trainers and clients.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Very simple and easy-to-use interface
- Does not present barriers for non-technical clients
- Great for simple exercise programming
Limitations:
- Must be used in conjunction with a trainer who is utilizing the software
- Features are very basic compared to other software
10. Mindbody Fitness Platforms
Best for: Searching for yoga, Pilates, and low-impact exercise classes
Pricing: Free to browse; pricing for classes determined by individual studios
Key Features: Discovery and booking system for studios
Mindbody is more of a booking and discovery tool than a training app. It helps users find classes and book them at local studios or online classes from different vendors.
Why trainers might recommend it:
- Assists clients in finding yoga, Pilates, and low-impact exercise classes
- Aids in flexibility, balance, and stress management objectives
- Links clients with local studios for in-person instruction
- Useful for clients moving from therapy practice to solo practice
Limitations:
- Not a training app but a marketplace
- Class quality and pricing differ depending on the vendor
- Requires clients to visit multiple studios or instructors
Important Considerations Before Recommending Apps
These services are supplementary resources, not a substitute for professional therapy. Trainers and Gym owners should consider:
- Health status of client – Obtain clearance for exercise, especially for chronic illnesses or recent injuries
- Appropriateness – Certain conditions require direct supervision and cannot be addressed through apps for exercise
- Privacy issues – Examine each app’s privacy practices and HIPAA compliance if necessary
- Budget limitations – Most apps require a paid subscription
- Comfort level with technology – Evaluate the client’s familiarity with technology
When NOT to recommend fitness apps:
- For acute injuries requiring medical attention
- For unstable medical conditions
- For clients requiring constant supervision for fall risk or other safety issues
- For movement patterns requiring direct correction
Final Thoughts
Fitness platforms have become valuable resources that support therapeutic success in 2026, but they are most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not in place of it.
When carefully suggested and tailored to meet the specific needs of individual clients, fitness platforms can:
- Encourage long-term compliance with movement programs
- Offer structure and support between therapy sessions
- Foster confidence through tracking progress
- Facilitate lasting lifestyle changes outside the therapy relationship
The fitness platforms mentioned here, and especially those with personalized programming, progressive overload, and tracking features such as FitBudd, Trainerize, and My PT Hub, can add to therapeutic success when used correctly. But it all comes back to matching the right tool to the right client at the right time in their therapeutic process.
Remember: Client safety is paramount, and proper medical clearance is essential. Clients must also understand that these platforms are supplements to, not substitutes for, professional therapeutic advice.
