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Training Lab vs. a personal trainer vs. a generic template
Each of these is the right choice for someone. This page is here to help you pick the one that fits what you need.
Best for
- This app
Training Lab
Training on your own with a plan built around your situation, at low cost.
Personal trainer
Technique problems, supervised injury rehab, or wanting someone to answer to.
Generic template
A quick starting point when personalization doesn't matter to you.
How the three compare
| Aspect | Training Lab | Personal trainer | Generic template |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | About $1 per plan (5 tokens), less with bigger packs. Your first two plans are free. | Usually paid per session, and ongoing. Prices vary a lot by city and trainer. | Often free, or a small one-time cost. |
| Personalization | Built from your stats, goals, schedule, equipment, split and injuries. Generate a new plan whenever your situation changes. | The deepest you can get: a person who watches you move and adjusts on the spot. | None. Everyone gets the same plan, whatever their equipment, injuries or goals. |
| Availability | Instant, any time, nothing to schedule. | Only during booked sessions, when they're free. | Instant, but it never changes to fit you. |
| Form correction & live coaching | Not offered. You get written instructions and photos, and nobody watches you move. | The main thing you pay for: someone correcting your technique while you train. | Not offered. |
| Adjusting when something isn't working | Swap up to five exercises at a time, or generate a new plan with a different note. | Adjusted session by session, based on how you actually respond. | Up to you. You edit it yourself. |
Cost
- Training Lab
- About $1 per plan (5 tokens), less with bigger packs. Your first two plans are free.
- Personal trainer
- Usually paid per session, and ongoing. Prices vary a lot by city and trainer.
- Generic template
- Often free, or a small one-time cost.
Personalization
- Training Lab
- Built from your stats, goals, schedule, equipment, split and injuries. Generate a new plan whenever your situation changes.
- Personal trainer
- The deepest you can get: a person who watches you move and adjusts on the spot.
- Generic template
- None. Everyone gets the same plan, whatever their equipment, injuries or goals.
Availability
- Training Lab
- Instant, any time, nothing to schedule.
- Personal trainer
- Only during booked sessions, when they're free.
- Generic template
- Instant, but it never changes to fit you.
Form correction & live coaching
- Training Lab
- Not offered. You get written instructions and photos, and nobody watches you move.
- Personal trainer
- The main thing you pay for: someone correcting your technique while you train.
- Generic template
- Not offered.
Adjusting when something isn't working
- Training Lab
- Swap up to five exercises at a time, or generate a new plan with a different note.
- Personal trainer
- Adjusted session by session, based on how you actually respond.
- Generic template
- Up to you. You edit it yourself.
If your situation includes something you aren't confident managing on your own, like a real injury, a medical condition or technique you can't judge from a photo, see a qualified professional. No app can replace that, including this one.
Ready for your own plan?
Answer a few questions and get a full week built around you. Your first 2 plans are free.
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