By someone who actually tested them — not just another listicle.
Over the past year, I’ve tested countless workout builder apps and software — from lightweight mobile tools to full-blown coaching platforms. As a personal trainer myself (and someone who works closely with other coaches), I know how frustrating it is to spend hours in Excel or Word just to create a workout plan that clients often don’t even follow. A good workout creator is essential.
The right workout builder or workout plan maker can literally save you 5–10 hours per week, improve client retention, and make your business look way more professional. But not every tool delivers on its promises.
In this post, I’ll share the best workout builder software in 2025, based on my personal testing and experience.
Quick Picks
- BenFit – my top choice for trainers in Europe, fast setup, includes nutrition integration.
- Trainerize – industry standard, tons of integrations, very reliable.
- TrueCoach – best for communication and client progress tracking.
- Natty Gains – great white-label option if branding is key for your business.
- Virtuagym – a full solution for gyms and studios, not just solo trainers.
How to Choose the Best Workout Builder Software in 2025
Before you commit to a platform, it's crucial to know what to look for. Whether you need a simple workout routine builder or a comprehensive workout program builder, here are the key factors to consider:
- Identify Your Coaching Style: Are you a solo trainer or part of a gym? Your needs will determine if a basic workout plan creator is enough, or if you need more advanced features.
- Prioritize Ease of Use: You want to spend time coaching, not learning complex software. An intuitive interface is non-negotiable for any workout creator software.
- Check Customization and Branding: The ability to add your own exercises, videos, and logo is key to creating a professional, branded experience for your clients.
- Evaluate Integration Capabilities: Does the workout routine generator connect with payment processors, scheduling tools, or your website? Good integrations streamline your admin work.
- Review Client Tracking and Analytics: The best tools make it easy to monitor client progress, track adherence, and view personal bests. This data is vital for showing results.
- Consider Pricing and Scalability: Look at the pricing structure. Does it scale fairly as your client roster grows? Make sure it fits your budget now and in the future.
- Take Advantage of Free Trials: Always use the free trial period. Add a few test clients and build some programs to see if the workflow of the workout program builder suits you before you buy.
BenFit (My Favorite)
I started testing BenFit because it’s built specifically for the German and European market — and you can feel that right away. Everything from the support to the built-in nutrition modules is tailored for trainers who don’t want to spend weeks setting things up.
What I loved most: within one afternoon I was fully onboarded, and I could generate weekly client plans almost instantly. That’s a game-changer if you’re used to doing everything manually.
For instance, with one of my clients, I used to spend my Sunday evenings wrestling with a spreadsheet to plan her weekly workouts and meals. The first week I used BenFit, I created a comprehensive, professional-looking plan—complete with exercise videos and macros—in about 20 minutes. She was impressed, and I got my Sunday evening back. That’s the kind of efficiency that makes a real difference in a busy coaching practice.
Pros:
- Lightning-fast setup
- Nutrition + workouts integrated
- Responsive support
Cons:
- Exercise library not as extensive as Trainerize yet
Recommendation: Perfect if you’re a solo trainer or studio that wants a ready-to-go solution.
Trainerize
Trainerize is basically the “gold standard” in this industry. Almost every coach has heard of it. In my tests, I found it incredibly stable and powerful, especially with all the integrations (payment, scheduling, Zoom, you name it).
That said, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Some trainers I know only use 30% of its features, which makes it seem like overkill for smaller setups.
I remember helping a fellow trainer migrate to Trainerize. He was excited by the possibilities but ended up spending the first two weeks just configuring payment tiers and automated messages. While powerful, it's a good reminder that more features aren't always better if they don't align with your immediate business needs.
Pros:
- Huge ecosystem
- Stable platform
- Widely used
Cons:
- Interface feels outdated
- Pricing scales quickly
Recommendation: Best if you’re looking to scale internationally and want a tool that can handle complexity.
TrueCoach
TrueCoach feels like the leaner, simpler cousin of Trainerize. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it shines in simplicity and communication. I especially liked the chat and progress updates — it made client interaction really smooth.
The tradeoff: fewer automation features and a smaller exercise library.
The simplicity of TrueCoach really shines in its mobile app. I had a client who was often intimidated by complex apps, but she took to TrueCoach immediately. As a workout plan creator, it excels in making the process feel collaborative. The direct messaging feature felt like we were just texting, which made her more comfortable asking questions and reporting her progress. That personal connection is something that's hard to put a price on.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Excellent client communication
Cons:
- Limited automation
- Smaller exercise database
Recommendation: Great for solo trainers who want a straightforward tool for managing clients without distraction.
Natty Gains
Natty Gains is interesting because it’s one of the few tools that lets you fully white-label your app. That means your logo, your colors, your branding. For coaches who want to look polished and build a brand beyond just workouts, that’s huge.
The downside is that setup and customization can take longer compared to plug-and-play tools.
From a business perspective, the branding aspect of Natty Gains is a significant advantage. When clients open an app with your logo and colors, it reinforces your brand's value and professionalism. It shifts the perception from you using a generic tool to you providing a premium, bespoke service. This can be a major factor in client retention and your ability to charge higher rates.
Pros:
- White-label branding
- Strong nutrition focus
Cons:
- Setup takes more time
- Smaller market presence than Trainerize
Recommendation: For brand-conscious coaches who want clients to open their app, not someone else’s.
Virtuagym
Virtuagym is more than just a workout builder — it’s a full gym management platform. Scheduling, payments, memberships, workout plans, nutrition, progress tracking — everything is bundled into one ecosystem.
For independent trainers, this might feel like too much. But for gyms or studios, it’s one of the few true all-in-one solutions.
When I trialed Virtuagym, I felt like I was stepping into the cockpit of an airplane when all I needed was a car. The member scheduling and check-in features were impressive but irrelevant to my online coaching model. However, for a gym owner juggling class schedules, staff payroll, and client management, having all that in one place would be a lifesaver.
Pros:
- Complete platform
- Strong for gyms and teams
Cons:
- Complex
- Not ideal for solo trainers
Recommendation: Best for gyms and studios that need more than just workouts.
Ideal Use Cases at a Glance
- BenFit: Best for trainers in Europe needing a fast, all-in-one solution with nutrition.
- Trainerize: Ideal for established coaches looking to scale their business internationally.
- TrueCoach: Perfect for solo trainers who prioritize simplicity and client communication.
- Natty Gains: Suited for brand-focused coaches who want a fully white-labeled app.
- Virtuagym: Great for gyms and studios that require a complete management platform.
Comparison Table
To help you weigh your options, here’s a breakdown of how the top workout builders stack up against each other. Sometimes seeing it all in one place makes the choice click.
Tool | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
BenFit | Trainers in Europe | Fast setup, nutrition integration | Smaller exercise library | From €XX |
Trainerize | Scaling internationally | Big ecosystem, reliable | Feels outdated, pricing ups | From $XX |
TrueCoach | Solo trainers | Simple, great communication | Limited automation | From $XX |
Natty Gains | Brand-conscious coaches | White-label, nutrition strong | Setup time | From €XX |
Virtuagym | Gyms & studios | All-in-one solution | Complex for solos | From $XX |
FAQs
What is the best workout builder software for personal trainers?
If you’re in Europe, I’d pick BenFit. If you’re global and need a powerful workout program builder, Trainerize is still the safe bet.
Is there a free workout plan generator?
Yes, some tools offer free versions, but they’re limited. Honestly, if you coach clients professionally, it’s worth paying for a premium workout creator software.
What should I look for in a workout routine builder?
Look for a balance of a comprehensive exercise library, ease of use, and customization options. The best workout routine builder allows you to quickly create and modify plans while also tracking your clients' progress effectively.
Which workout builder app also includes nutrition?
That’s where BenFit and Natty Gains shine — both are excellent examples of a workout creator that integrates nutrition modules seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right software isn't just about features; it's about finding a tool that fits your unique coaching style and saves you time so you can focus on what you do best: helping clients. After countless hours of testing, it's clear that the best choice really depends on your specific context as a trainer.
To break it down one last time:
- BenFit → if you’re in Europe and want a fast, integrated solution that includes nutrition.
- Trainerize or TrueCoach → if you’re working internationally and need a proven platform.
- Virtuagym → if you’re running a full gym or studio operation.
Ultimately, if I had to recommend just one tool to a fellow trainer, especially one in Europe, it would be BenFit. It strikes the perfect balance between power and simplicity, and it’s the only tool that genuinely felt like it gave me my time back without a steep learning curve. It’s built by coaches, for coaches, and it shows.
👉 Try BenFit Workout Builder today and see how it can transform your coaching workflow.