Last summer, while lounging in bed indulging in animal crackers, I stumbled upon one of my writer friends showcasing her impressive gym transformation through a series of gym selfies. Curious, I eagerly responded to her post, asking about the workout program that fueled her progress. She revealed her workouts were guided by the Future fitness app. Initially, I thought it looked interesting but quickly forgot about it.
However, it’s a small world among fitness writers, and soon enough, an email landed in my inbox, inviting me to try the Future program for six months. Despite my persistent aversion to technology and commitment, I recognized that this program offered accountability and an opportunity to diversify my workout routine. I postponed my decision until the weather took a turn for the worse and activated my subscription in October.
What is Future, anyway?
Future represents a growing segment of workout apps, each with different levels of personalization. Options range from pre-programmed libraries to one-on-one training with tailored routines and regular check-ins. Future stands out as one of the more integrated—and pricier—options, offering a dedicated trainer, recording modules, and in-app communication. Your trainer develops individualized programs, offers feedback, and schedules check-in calls.
At $199 per month, Future is undeniably expensive for an app. In comparison, other options include Nike Training Club (free workout library), Playbook ($14.99/month for their workout library), and Trainwell ($99/month for one-on-one training). Yet, considering that my local gym charges $67 for a single personal training session, Future’s pricing seems reasonable for someone seeking consistent support. The surge in demand for remote training during the COVID-19 pandemic has made recognizing its value even more essential.
Michelle Porter, CPT, transitioned to remote coaching during lockdown using the Trainerize app and continued because of its convenience and flexibility. She believes remote guidance offers both flexibility and accountability—akin to having a gym buddy without the scheduling conflicts or flakiness.
Interestingly, Porter noted that app-based training is generally more suited for intermediate and advanced clients since beginners benefit from in-person adjustments, particularly for new movements that are challenging to replicate online. Initially, I didn’t grant the app concept the respect it deserved, but a good foundational fitness level made me a strong candidate for this program.
I completed a brief questionnaire on the app outlining my fitness goals and experience, expressing an interest in combining strength training and running six days a week, aiming to maximize my programming with a professional plan.
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Once the app’s loading spiral ceased, I was presented with three potential trainers. After evaluating their profiles much like a dating app, I selected Guil—a cheerful bodybuilder described as a 95 percent match for my goals. I thought, Why argue with an algorithm?
During our onboarding call, I learned that Guil was a Florida-based trainer who took on Future clients as a side venture, and we agreed to start workouts that week.
The membership required a commitment to a coached program, combining two aspects I typically avoid: technology and external direction.
Scheduling my first workout triggered a moment of panic, magnified by my commitment-phobic personality. Entering a structured program meant engaging with technology and following someone else’s commands—two elements I prefer to sidestep.
But Maggie! You work from your computer!
Admittedly, my professional life revolves around Google Docs, and my weekly screen-time report can feel harsh. However, much of my tech remains rooted in 2015—I’ve never had Strava nor worn anything beyond a $20 Timex, and I even deleted the Health app to avoid its nagging reminders. The notion of an app dictating my workouts and tracking my progress felt invasive.
Additionally, the prospect of reporting to someone raised reservations. Although a primary draw of Future is the coach communication, I usually prefer flying solo. Yet, I aimed to keep an open mind and gave myself the leeway to discontinue after six months if the experience felt burdensome.
Courtney Glashow, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Anchor Therapy, affirmed that an app could help ensure accountability, noting that reporting to someone can enhance goal setting and habit formation.
“When we owe someone—be it a trainer, coach, or friend—we introduce an added layer of responsibility that often motivates us,” Glashow explained. “This taps into our natural desire to meet expectations and that urge for social reinforcement.”
Still, for certain personality types like mine, excessive communication can feel invasive. Porter reiterated this point, emphasizing the importance of finding a trainer who aligns with one’s preferred communication style.
Admittedly, my concerns were somewhat trivial, and I made a mental note to discuss my fitness app avoidance tendencies during my next therapy session.
My Experience with Future’s Training Program
Confronting Technology
The Future program required more focus than my previous muscle-group split routines. Guil’s workouts emphasized movement patterns, including variations of horizontal and vertical pushing, pulling, hinging, and lower-body exercises, along with accessory work, carries, and core routines.
“Familiarize yourself with the app before your first workout,” Guil advised during our initial chat.
“Absolutely!” I assured him, but followed through with little action.
Thus, on my “Welcome to Your First Workout!!!” day, I floundered in my gym’s sprawling chaos. The Future workout had me zigzagging around, searching for various sets of dumbbells, resistance bands, and a quiet space to superset three exercises as the timer ticked away.
Realizing I could pivot between different blocks based on availability, I provided feedback about the gym layout, and Guil adjusted the sets for the following week.
Initial sessions with a new coach can always be a transition, and considering Guil had never seen my gym, I appreciated his flexibility during these first workouts. We exchanged messages about weights and repetitions to match my fitness level, and I soon found the app user-friendly after that rocky start. The interface supports feedback input and even allows users to record videos for form checks, with auto-play videos demonstrating each exercise alongside verbal cues.
Finding a Rhythm
My second week unfolded more smoothly, as I felt less frantic managing the exercises and timing, with Guil incrementally scaling up the reps and weights based on my feedback.
“The progression is tailored to the individual client and does not adhere to a general rule,” he communicated. “Your performance in the previous week, the weights you successfully used, and whether you managed to complete all repetitions influence how I’ll adjust every exercise.”
Guil explained he’d increase reps for some workouts while keeping the weight steady, or vice versa, a methodology aligned with my prior in-person training experiences. This aspect of remote training requires users to actively report feedback to ensure optimal adjustments from their trainers, reinforcing that the quality of engagement directly correlates with the results one experiences.
The Travel Challenge
A significant motivation for testing Future was to maintain my fitness during travel. While I thrive on routine, breaking habits often makes it challenging for me to regain my momentum. Guil suggested investing in a set of mini bands ($10) during my two-week trip to Spain, and I requested a blend of running and bodyweight workouts.
To my astonishment, I completed all but two workouts, incorporating hotel gym sessions and picturesque runs along the Mallorca coast. Having structured workouts—along with a professional evaluating my progress—proved effective, and I felt thrilled about tracking my first-ever runs while on vacation.
Nevertheless, I grappled with mixed feelings about such expectations during my trip. Although Guil didn’t comment on the workouts I missed, I still felt a slight annoyance at the obligation, even one I had willingly requested. Six days a week, even including travel, seemed a bit ambitious in hindsight.
Reassessing Commitments
Upon returning to the U.S., I was lethargically heading to my mailbox when a notification from the Future app jolted me awake with its exuberant message: “FIRST WORKOUT BACK IN THE US!!!!” accompanied by four exclamation points.
Oh no, I thought, dismissing the message with an irritated swipe. I returned home and plopped onto my bed, feeling frustration rise at the implied obligation to complete a workout upon arriving back from travel.
I recognized this annoyance stemmed from my own feelings regarding over-commitment, rather than from my cheerful and well-meaning coach. The six-day weekly schedule had begun to feel stifling, highlighting my desire for flexibility. I realized I preferred to run on my own terms, without needing to track intervals or even bring my phone on jogs.
“Self-motivated individuals often depend on internal drives and personal satisfaction to achieve their goals,” Glashow emphasized. “For such individuals, frequent communication may seem unnecessary or even intrusive.” My over-programming led to feelings of autonomy being infringed upon, and this resulted in the experience becoming burdensome. I contacted Guil, feeling a hint of guilt, and requested to scale back to three programmed lifting days.
He was accommodating, adjusting the program, which immediately reestablished a sense of manageability. Three days weekly struck the perfect balance, allowing me to appreciate accountability without succumbing to irritation.
Is an Expensive Fitness App Right for You?
To summarize, my month with Future has left me genuinely impressed with the program’s versatility, user-friendly interface, and Guil’s distinct personal training style. However, I do wish the app had a feature to log non-programmed workouts, both for my own fulfillment and for a more accurate output.
It’s crucial to communicate your preferred level of feedback, as some users favor minimal interaction. Although Guil ultimately matched my preferences, don’t hesitate to switch trainers until you find a suitable fit.
“It’s similar to dating,” Porter remarked. “Different personalities require different training styles. Do you desire an analytical coach or a cheerleader? A mismatch in personality will ultimately detract from the experience.”
Overall, Future has proven beneficial in keeping me on track and introducing exercises I may have otherwise disregarded. I’m grateful I reduced my programming expectations, reminding myself it’s acceptable not to hit the mark every time.
Do what feels right, and you’ll reap the most reward.
Given personality traits, such as introversion and a strong inclination towards autonomy, consistent encouragement can easily feel like micromanagement. Glashow encouraged that finding a middle ground between motivation and pressure to perform is essential for success.
Ultimately, if a remote trainer aligns with your individual needs and preferences, such an approach can be wonderfully effective. For fitness enthusiasts looking to initiate or refresh their routines, apps like Future can deliver valuable support. The varied workouts and accountability from an actual trainer have bolstered my commitment. While I might not thrive under the level of engagement Future offers, I acknowledge its role in ensuring my continued presence at the gym and helping me maintain consistency throughout travels.
As Porter advised, for those considering app-based training without a solid foundation in complex movements, it’s wise to arrange at least one in-person training session. Arrive with clear objectives for refining your technique, enhancing both efficacy and safety.
Above all, remember to customize the app according to your preferences. Initially, I aimed for maximum “value” through six days of programming, but soon realized I preferred to run independently and simply log my lifting days. It may vary for each individual. Don’t hesitate to switch trainers or schedules for the best experience, and always embrace flexibility—just do what feels right for you, and maximize the benefits.