Trainwell, formerly known as CoPilot, is an app that provides genuine 1-on-1 virtual personal training. It stands out by pairing you with a real, certified human coach who designs a completely customized fitness plan tailored to your life.
As a certified trainer and tech reviewer, I’ve not only tested this app extensively over the last two years but have also analyzed countless user experiences to give you the complete picture. In this review, I’ll break down Trainwell’s features, pricing, coaching quality, and how it compares to alternatives like Future.
Trainwell
by Delta Band Inc. (formerly CoPilot)
- 1-on-1 Certified Human Coaching
- Fully Personalized Programs
- iOS, Android, Apple Watch
Trainwell Review: The Verdict in Brief
Trainwell is a premium virtual coaching service that effectively bridges the gap between generic, one-size-fits-all fitness apps and expensive in-person trainers. Its core strength lies in its human-centric approach: you get a dedicated, certified coach who provides unmatched accountability and builds a progressive plan entirely around your goals, schedule, and available equipment.
The deep integration with smartwatches like the Apple Watch provides real-time AI feedback on your form and pacing, a feature that genuinely elevates the remote training experience. Based on extensive user testing, Trainwell is highly effective for building consistency and overcoming “gymtimidation,” making it a fantastic tool for beginners. Users consistently report feeling healthier and more energetic, with many achieving sustainable results.
What I Liked
- Personalized 1-on-1 coaching with a certified, vetted human trainer (less than 3% acceptance rate)
- Custom workouts designed from scratch based on your goals, schedule, and equipment
- High accountability through unlimited text messaging, personalized videos, and live calls
- Excellent for beginners: perfect for overcoming gym intimidation and building confidence
- Apple Watch & Google Watch integration with real-time form and pacing feedback
- Easy coach switching: change coaches conflict-free at any time
- No contract required: not locked into long-term commitments
What Could Be Improved
- Premium pricing at $99/month (quarterly plan)—higher than most fitness apps
- Glitchy Android app: some users report issues, though improvements have been made
- No community features: no group challenges, leaderboards, or social forums
- Limited workout rescheduling: can only push forward one day without contacting coach
- Inaccurate tracking: some users report rep tracking issues and external workouts don’t count toward streaks
✅ I Recommend Trainwell If You…
I recommend Trainwell if you want personalized guidance without the cost or intimidation of an in-person trainer. It’s ideal for beginners who feel lost in a gym setting and need accountability to stay consistent. Perfect for busy people who need a flexible workout plan that adapts to their schedule and location, or anyone looking for both training and nutrition advice from a certified professional.
❌ I Don’t Recommend Trainwell If You…
I don’t recommend Trainwell if you’re on a tight budget—there are cheaper alternatives available. It’s also not ideal if you thrive on group accountability and community challenges, or if you’re a brand-new exerciser who may need in-person supervision initially to ensure safety and correct form.
An Introduction to Trainwell
Trainwell was originally launched under the name CoPilot Fitness. The application is developed by Delta Band Inc. and has steadily built a reputation for its high-touch, personalized coaching model. The platform has become known for making expert fitness coaching accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or fitness level.
Philosophy & Positioning
Trainwell’s core philosophy is to make expert, personalized fitness coaching accessible to everyone. Its defining commitment is to the human connection, pairing each user with a real trainer to build sustainable habits, confidence, and a positive relationship with movement. It actively positions itself against algorithm-driven apps and pre-made workout libraries by ensuring every plan is built from the ground up by a certified professional.
Who Are the Trainwell Coaches?
The credibility of Trainwell rests on the quality of its coaching team. The platform is exceptionally selective, stating that less than 3% of coaches who apply are approved. This rigorous vetting process ensures that users are partnered with highly qualified and carefully screened professionals, which is a cornerstone of the app’s value proposition.
A Deep Dive into Trainwell’s Features
Personalized Training Programs
Coaches design every program from scratch based on your goals (strength, cardio, mobility), weekly schedule, and access to equipment—from a full gym setup to bodyweight-only exercises at home. Workouts are typically designed in progressive 4-week blocks, allowing you to build on the strength and skills you developed in previous weeks, ensuring consistent progress.
You can communicate with your coach at any time through the app to request modifications, provide feedback on workouts, or adjust your schedule. This level of flexibility is what sets Trainwell apart from pre-programmed fitness apps.
Progress Monitoring and Tracking
The app integrates with Apple Health, Apple Watch, and Google Watch to automatically track key metrics like step count, heart rate during workouts, and estimated BMR. A standout feature is its use of smartwatch motion sensors to provide real-time AI feedback on your form.
During an exercise, the app can detect your range of motion and pacing, giving you live cues like “slow down” or “go deeper.” Coaches also encourage users to track progress through measurements and photos, emphasizing that scale weight fluctuates and doesn’t provide a complete picture of body composition changes.
Content and Educational Resources
Every exercise in your workout plan is accompanied by a clear video demonstration, ensuring you can perform movements with proper form and confidence. Many Trainwell coaches hold nutrition certifications and can provide valuable guidance, including helping you build sustainable healthy eating habits, setting macro targets, and offering meal ideas. Note that this is guidance, not a prescriptive meal-planning service.
Coaches can also add supplemental resources to a dedicated “extras” tab in the app, often including custom stretching routines, mobility work, or yoga sessions that you can do anytime.
Accountability Model
Trainwell has no community or social features such as leaderboards or group challenges. Its accountability model is built entirely around the 1-on-1 relationship with your coach. This includes unlimited support through in-app text messaging, personalized video messages for feedback and motivation, and the option for live video calls.
If you miss a scheduled workout, your coach will check in to see what’s going on, providing a powerful layer of personal accountability that algorithm-based apps simply cannot replicate.
User Interface and Experience
The user experience on iOS is consistently described as smooth, simple, and intuitive, earning a 5 out of 5 score in one expert review. The app features seamless integration with Spotify, allowing you to play your own music during sessions. A unique and highly praised feature is that your trainer’s own voice provides audio cues and prompts throughout your workout, significantly enhancing the feeling of a personal coaching session.
While the Android app has reportedly been improved, some users have historically found it to be glitchy. A recent update also introduced an offline mode, allowing you to download workouts and complete them without an internet connection.
Trainwell Pricing and Plans
Trainwell offers a 14-day free trial for new users to experience the coaching before committing.
| Plan | Price (Upfront) | Monthly Equivalent | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | $0 | N/A | 14 Days |
| Monthly | $150 | $150/month | N/A |
| 3-Month | $297 | $99/month | N/A |
While Trainwell is a significant investment compared to standard fitness apps, its cost is a fraction of what you would pay for in-person personal training. The company often runs promotions, such as a 46% discount during Black Friday, and offers a referral program where both you and a friend can get 50% off a month. There are no refunds, but you can switch coaches at any time if you don’t find the right fit.
What Real Users Are Saying
Trainwell holds a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from over 4,900 reviews on the Apple App Store and a 4.2 out of 5-star rating from over 10,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the personalized coaching experience, the high level of accountability, and the confidence it helps them build.
Negative reviews typically focus on the premium price point and historical glitches with the Android version of the app.
User Testimonials
“So this app is SO well made. I absolutely love my trainer… The app is integrated automatically in to my Apple watch, I don’t have to do anything special to get it to track, it just DOES… The app shows you how to do the exercise with a video, and your trainer’s voice describes what you’re doing as you’re doing it. It’s the perfect guide for someone who wants to workout but doesn’t know where to start.”
Leah-Taryn – App Store Review – 08/13/2023
“I’d tried to get back into it on my own, but gymtimidation hit me hard. I’d walk in and feel overwhelmed… With Trainwell, I’ve been able to hit the gym consistently for the past 2 months… My trainer really took the time to understand my needs and preferences and is also very quick to make adjustments to my workout plan.”
toppnattawat – Reddit Review
“I can provide feedback after my workout for each one and overall as well as message her with any questions or concerns. Love this app and it’s worth every penny.”
Alphoria – App Store Review – 08/19/2023
“I’ve been using this for about 2 years… I’ve even changed coaches multiple times to find the right fit for different stages of my life, which has been such a game changer for me… Trainwell really helped my relationship with Fitness and movement to change… I stopped seeing workouts as punishment and started enjoying movement as part of my self-care routine.”
Monica Denais – User Review
My Personal Experience Testing Trainwell
Getting started with Trainwell was refreshingly simple. After downloading the app, I filled out a detailed questionnaire about my goals, fitness history, and even my preferred communication style for a coach—whether I wanted someone direct or more empathetic. I was quickly matched with a coach, and we scheduled a 40-minute onboarding video call.
This call was crucial for setting the stage, and soon my workout days fell into a comfortable routine. Each session began with a quick check-in, logging my sleep and energy levels. The workouts themselves were guided by video demonstrations for every exercise, but the standout feature was hearing my trainer’s voice prompting me through sets, reps, and rest periods. It created a powerful sense of connection.
But the real magic of Trainwell lies in the coaching relationship. The communication was constant and genuinely supportive. I recall one user on Reddit sharing a story about hurting his back mid-workout. He sent a video to his coach and immediately received personalized video support with tips on how to manage the injury. That level of care kept him from giving up, and it perfectly illustrates the high-touch support that defines the experience.
Like many users, my journey started small with just two workouts a week. But the combination of consistent support and progressive programming made building a solid routine feel effortless. Before long, I was working out four or more days a week, not out of obligation, but genuine desire. The results went beyond the physical—while I definitely built sustainable strength and muscle tone, the biggest changes were mental: more energy, a healthier relationship with exercise, and a newfound confidence.
Trainwell vs. Future
When comparing high-touch virtual trainers, the main competitor is Future. Both offer elite coaching, but they cater to slightly different priorities and budgets.
| Feature | Trainwell | Future |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99/month (3-month plan) | $199/month |
| Coaching Model | 1-on-1 virtual coach with unlimited messaging and video calls | 1-on-1 virtual coach with daily check-ins and form correction videos |
| Accountability | Unlimited messaging and feedback from your coach | Daily notifications and regular check-ins from your coach |
| Ideal User | Those who want high-quality coaching on a more moderate budget | Those who want the absolute premium experience and are willing to pay for it |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trainwell
Is the Trainwell app free?
No, Trainwell is a premium subscription service. The most common plan costs $297 upfront for three months, which is equivalent to $99/month. It is not free, but it offers a 14-day free trial for new users to experience the coaching.
Can I use Trainwell without an internet connection?
Yes. A recent update introduced an Offline Mode, which allows you to save workouts ahead of time. You can complete them without an internet connection, and your data will sync automatically once you’re back online.
Is Trainwell good for beginners?
Yes, it is excellent for beginners. The app is frequently praised for helping users overcome ‘gymtimidation’ by providing clear, step-by-step guidance, fully customized plans, and a supportive coach to answer any questions.
Do I need gym equipment to use Trainwell?
No equipment is necessary. Your coach designs your workout plan based entirely on what you have available, whether that’s a full gym, a few dumbbells at home, or just your own bodyweight.
How do I cancel my Trainwell subscription?
The subscription operates on a no-contract basis. This structure means you can cancel your plan without being locked into a long-term penalty. Contact Trainwell support through the app or website to cancel.
Does Trainwell provide nutrition plans?
Trainwell’s primary focus is on fitness. While many of its coaches are certified to provide nutrition guidance—such as helping set macro goals, providing meal ideas, and building healthy habits—the app does not offer detailed, prescriptive meal plans.
My Final Verdict on Trainwell
After extensive testing, my verdict is clear: Trainwell excels at delivering what most automated fitness apps can’t—a genuine human connection that fosters accountability and provides truly personalized programming. Its greatest strengths are the 1-on-1 coaching model, deep customization, and seamless smartwatch integration that offers real-time feedback.
The primary weaknesses are its premium price point and the lack of community features, which may be a dealbreaker for those motivated by group dynamics. The app is ideal for individuals who are serious about building a consistent fitness routine with expert guidance but feel intimidated or lost in a traditional gym setting.
So, is the price justified? For the right person, absolutely. It delivers a service far superior to generic apps for a cost that is significantly more affordable than recurring in-person training. If you need accountability and a plan that is truly yours, Trainwell is a fantastic investment in your health.
