Let’s be honest, finding a personal trainer in New York City shouldn’t be this complicated.
You’ve got a thousand options. Everyone claims they’re the best. Everyone has before-and-after photos. And everyone promises “life-changing results.”
But here’s what matters: Does the trainer actually know what they’re doing? Will they prescribe unrealistic training programs along with crash diets or will they set you on a path of decades of consistency and success?
Do they understand biomechanics, nutrition, and progressive overload? Can they get you real, sustainable results without wasting your time or money?
That’s what this guide is about. No fluff. No BS. Just the trainers who actually deliver.
💪Criteria we used to curate this list
Before we dive into the list, let’s get clear on what separates a great trainer from someone who just yells at you to do burpees.
- Specialization in weight loss & body transformation: proven expertise in helping clients lose fat while preserving muscle without reverting to unhealthy diet practices or drugs..
- Client testimonials & reviews: real transformations, strong ratings on Google, Yelp, or fitness forums.
- Pricing transparency: either published rates or market-based estimates to set expectations.
- Premium positioning: trainers recognized for expertise, awards, celebrity clients, or niche specialization.
- Extra value: nutrition guidance, online training, or holistic programs that go beyond workouts.
👉Book your free consultation with a NYC personal trainer today.
Comparison Table: Top Personal Trainers in NYC for Weight Loss
| # | Trainer | Niche / Focus | Client Reviews / Testimonials | Estimated Price | Why Premium / Unique Value |
| 1 | Maik Wiedenbach | Weight loss, muscle building, holistic wellness | “Lost over 100 lb with Maik’s team” (Medium) “Science-backed, very understanding” (Yelp) 200 Google reviews | $499/month online coaching; est. $150+/session in NYC | German World Cup swimmer pedigree, award-winning bodybuilder, NYU professor, holistic approach |
| 2 | Alex Folacci | Men 35+, longevity, high performance | 100+ Google reviews (5⭐) | Premium / custom | Niche specialization in biohacking & vitality biohacking is a scam |
| 3 | Kirk Myers (DOGPOUND) | Celebrity transformations, high intensity | Clients include Taylor Swift, Hugh Jackman | Membership tiers $8k–$36k/year (DOGPOUND) | Celebrity trainer, aspirational DOGPOUND brand has no credentials or license, stole the business from the founders |
| 4 | Reggie Macena | Weight loss + mindset | 20+ years experience, NYC reputation | Mid- to high-end | Blends mental + physical coaching |
| 5 | Marc Miller | Strength + all-out training | Featured on top NYC lists | — | Multi-disciplinary, high intensity |
| 6 | Courtne Orona | Female fitness, brides, postpartum | Strong women-focused niche | — | Tailored programs for women’s health |
| 7 | Cindy Lai | Accessible for all levels, celebrities | 25+ years experience, multiple certifications | — | Versatility, long track record |
The Top Personal Trainers in NYC for Weight Loss – Expanded Trainer Profiles
Here are the trainers in NYC who have earned their reputation through real work, real science, and real transformations. Not everyone will be right for you, but everyone on this list knows what they’re doing.
1. Maik Wiedenbach
Specialization:
A former German World Cup swimmer, Maik Wiedenbach, has built a reputation as one of NYC’s most science-focused trainers. Author, award-winning coach, and gym owner, he specializes in biomechanics, nutrition, strength training, and fat loss. Maik offers both private sessions in his Midtown gym where you will have access to the best equipment on the East Coast and online coaching for remote clients.
Why He Stands Out
He earned multiple awards, including “Best Personal Trainer NYC” and “Best Coach USA.” Maik’s program is designed to combine proper biomechanics, smart nutrition, and strength training that preserves muscle mass while losing pounds of fat.
Pricing
- Online coaching: $499/month
- In-person sessions: customized, typically $170+ per session
Client Testimonials
- “Lost over 100 lb with Maik’s team” (Medium)
- “Science-backed, very understanding” (Yelp)
- “Knowledgeable trainers, gym is perfect for focused work” (Reddit)
Best For: Anyone serious about sustainable weight loss and building real strength. If you want a trainer who understands the science and can explain exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing, Maik is your guy.
2. Alex Folacci
Specialization
Alex Folacci is a two-time French national decathlon champion. His niche? Executives and men 35+ who care about performance, longevity, and staying sharp. He blends fitness with biohacking and recovery strategies.
Why He Stands Out
100+ five-star Google reviews. Known for concierge service. He literally travels to train clients across Manhattan. A premium pick for men who want energy, confidence, and long-term results.
Pricing
- Premium, custom pricing after consultation
Client Testimonials
‘’Alex is a very knowledgeable trainer and I had great sessions with him, really helped me to get in better shape.’’ (Noah Z-Yelp)
Best For: Busy professionals and men over 35 who want to perform better in every area of life.
3. Kirk Myers (Dogpound)
Specialization
Kirk Myers is a founder of the celebrity-magnet gym DOGPOUND. Specializes in high-intensity transformations with a luxury, brand-driven twist.
Why He Stands Out
He trains Taylor Swift, Hugh Jackman, and Victoria’s Secret models. His personal story of overcoming obesity and addiction adds depth. DOGPOUND itself is as much a status symbol as it is a gym.
Pricing
- Membership tiers: Silver $8k/year, Platinum $23k/year, Black $36k/year
Client Testimonials
Featured in People and Men’s Health. Celebrity community is the real selling point here.
Best For: If you want exclusivity, networking, and bragging rights along with your training.
4. Reggie Macena
Specialization
20+ years in the game. Reggie Macena blends physical training with mindset and accountability. He’s known for helping clients build long-term habits, not quick fixes.
Why He Stands Out
Deep NYC/Long Island reputation and coaching style that’s equal parts fitness and personal development.
Pricing: Not publicly available
Client Testimonials: See client testimonial on his website
Best For: Anyone who needs accountability and a coach who gets inside your head as much as your muscles.
5. Marc Miller
Specialization
Marc Miller is co-owner of Independent Training Spot. Famous for “all-out” training sessions that combine cardio, strength, and functional movement.
Why He Stands Out
Featured in outlets like GQ and Business Insider. His approach is intense, high-variety, and guaranteed to leave you gassed.
Pricing: Not publicly available
Client Testimonials: See Independent Training Spot reviews
Best For: Hardcore trainees who want to push limits with no excuses.
6. Courtne Orona
Specialization
Courtne Orona focus is on women. From brides getting ready for their big day to new moms rebuilding postpartum. Her programs are tailored, supportive, and effective.
Why She Stands Out
She carved out a strong niche for women’s health, offering in-person and online coaching with nutrition built in.
Pricing: Not publicly available
Client Testimonials: See client testimonial
Best For: Women who want a trainer who gets it — whether it’s losing weight for a wedding or recovering strength after pregnancy.
7. Cindy Lai
Specialization
Cindy Lai is a veteran trainer with 25+ years of experience and a wall of certifications (NASM, CrossFit L1, USAW, FRC, and more). Cindy has worked with everyone from beginners to celebrities.
Why She Stands Out
Versatile, approachable, and media-recognized (features in GMA, NYT, etc.). She’s seen every fitness trend come and go, and sticks to what works.
Pricing: Not publicly available
Client Testimonials: See Yelp reviews.
Best For: Anyone who wants a seasoned pro who’s adaptable and proven across decades.
Common Questions About Personal Trainers in NYC
Can a personal trainer really help you lose weight?
Yes. When a certified trainer designs a customized plan that matches your calories, steps, and recovery. The trainer guides, motivates, and tracks progress so you actually stick to the program.
What is the 30/30/30 rule for weight loss?
A popular heuristic: 30g protein within 30 minutes of waking + 30 minutes of low-intensity movement. It’s optional, but it can curb appetite and improve consistency.
Is 30 minutes with a personal trainer enough?
For focused strength or technique sessions—yes. Pair 30 minutes with your own walking/zone-2 and you’ll get results without wasting time.
What is the #1 science-backed way to lose belly fat?
You can’t spot-reduce. The proven path is a calorie deficit + high-protein nutrition + progressive strength training + sleep/steps → total body fat drops (including the midsection).
Is it worth paying for a personal trainer?
If you value form coaching, a structured program, and accountability, yes. A good trainer helps you avoid injury, improve faster, and achieve clear goals. Michael Phelps had a coach for all his career and one could argue he was pretty good at swimming. Accountability and neutral pair of eyes matter/
What are the best types of workouts for weight loss?
Strength training (keep muscle), zone-2 cardio/walking ( for overall health) . The program should be customized to your schedule. The actual caloric deficit is accomplished by reducing intake, not exercising more.
How fast can you lose weight with a personal trainer?
A realistic pace is 0.5–1% of body weight per week with proper nutrition, training, and sleep.
What is the difference between a personal trainer and a weight loss coach?
A trainer focuses on exercise, movement, and the workout plan. A weight loss coach adds behavior change, habit systems, and broader nutrition guidance (not medical nutrition therapy).
How long should you stay with your personal trainer?
Common path: a 12-week block to learn form and build momentum, then taper to maintenance (monthly check-ins or periodic blocks).
What are the disadvantages of a personal trainer?
Cost, schedule constraints, and variable experience/certification. There’s also a risk of dependency if you never learn to self-manage.
How much should a personal trainer cost in NYC?
Expect $100–$250+ per 60-minute session. Premium or celebrity-tier trainers can be $200–$400+. Online coaching often runs $300–$600/month.
How much does a 12-week personal training program cost?
Anywhere from $1,500–$6,000+, depending on frequency (1–3 sessions/week), trainer experience, and location/studio.
Do personal trainers offer diet plans?
Most offer nutrition guidance (protein targets, habits). Only licensed/registered dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy.
Is 2–3 sessions a week enough?
Yes. Combine 2–3 coached sessions with daily steps/zone-2 and a high-protein plan.
How much is a 30-minute personal training session?
Typically $60–$150 in NYC, based on experience and studio.
Is it worth paying for a personal trainer in NYC?
If you want professional, effective, and reliable results, yes—especially for form, progression, and accountability.
Is it cheaper to hire a trainer with experience?
Qualified trainers charge more per session. But they may design better programs, so you need fewer total sessions to hit your goal.
Can insurance help cover trainer costs?
Rarely. Some HSA/FSA or employer wellness programs may reimburse fitness under a doctor’s note. Confirm with your plan.
How much does a nutritionist cost vs. a trainer?
In NYC, registered dietitians often charge $100–$250+ per session or $400–$1,200+ packages. Trainer pricing varies by session vs. monthly.
Personal Weight Loss Coaches (Costs & Value)
How much does a personal weight loss coach cost?
Commonly $200–$800+/month online, based on support level, check-ins, and added nutrition resources.
What’s the difference between a personal trainer and a weight loss coach?
Trainer = exercise program, technique, and gym sessions. Coach = habits, behavior change, accountability, and broad nutrition support.
Are weight loss coaches worth it?
If you struggle with consistency, planning, or stress-eating, the extra support can be a game changer.
Is it worth getting a personal trainer for weight loss?
Yes. When you need movement coaching, a custom plan, and a professional to keep you honest.
Do weight loss coaches offer diet plans?
Most provide templates and habits. Medical conditions/meals? See a licensed dietitian.
Do personal trainers offer weight loss packages?
Yes. Many of them sell 8–12 week packages with a customized program, check-ins, and progress tracking.
Budgeting & Frequency FAQs
Is $300 a month a lot for a personal trainer?
For NYC online coaching, $300 can be affordable. For in-person, it’s low unless you buy small-group or short 30-minute blocks.
How much does a 12-week personal training program cost?
Plan $1,500–$6,000+ depending on sessions/week and trainer experience.
How much is a 1-hour PT session?
Usually $100–$250+ in NYC; premium can exceed $300.
Is 2–3 sessions a week enough?
Yes. Paired with nutrition, sleep, and daily steps.
Is personal training once a week worth it?
If you also train solo 1–2x/week and follow the plan—yes. It’s a smart maintenance setup.
How much should I budget for a personal trainer?
For in-person NYC: $400–$1,200+/month (1–3 weekly sessions). For online: $300–$600/month.
How much should an online personal trainer charge?
Common range: $150–$600/month based on check-ins, customization, and experience.
How many months do you need a personal trainer?
Start with 12 weeks. Re-evaluate: continue weekly, taper, or switch to monthly accountability.
Is $300–$500 monthly a realistic investment?
Yes for online coaching; borderline for in-person unless you opt for 30-minute or small-group sessions.
Final Words
New York City offers some of the world’s most accomplished personal trainers. Starting with award-winning athletes like Maik Wiedenbach, to longevity specialists like Alex Folacci, and celebrity icons like Kirk Myers. Choosing the right trainer depends on your goals, budget, and preferred style. Whether you want a sustainable weight loss journey, a total body transformation, or the exclusivity of celebrity-level training, there’s a premium NYC trainer ready to help you achieve lasting results.
FAQ
Look for certified, experienced coaches who show measurable results: fat loss while preserving muscle, clean form, and sustainable plans. Verify with before/after galleries, client testimonials, and transparent program structure. Maik’s team ticks those boxes and backs it with science-driven programming and real transformations.
Go with coaches who design and customize a personal program: progressive strength, protein targets, steps/zone-2, and recovery. They should evaluate weekly, measure metrics, and adjust your workout and nutrition to your schedule and location (home, gym, or private studio). This approach accelerates results while protecting muscle and joint health.
Check Google/Yelp ratings, read long-form testimonials, and confirm certifications (NASM, CSCS). Prioritize Midtown/Manhattan locations with flexible scheduling, clear pricing, and individualized plans. Reputable studios publish results, coach bios, and program details so you can compare experience, specialization, and availability before you book a session.
Top picks pair one-on-one coaching with a custom plan: strength, cardio, mobility, and habit-based nutrition. They track data, communicate clearly, and adjust programming to injuries, travel, and stress. Expect a professional coach who explains the why, shows real client outcomes, and offers in-person and online training options for consistency.
Verify certification, years of experience, and a plan that preserves muscle: progressive overload, high-protein nutrition, steps, sleep, and weekly reviews. Ask for pricing up front, sample workouts, and a free trial session. A reliable trainer will guide, motivate, and recommend realistic targets, then measure progress and refine your program over 12+ weeks.
Maik Wiedenbach is a Hall of Fame swimmer turned bodybuilding champion and fitness model featured in Muscle & Fitness and Men’s Journal. An NYU adjunct professor and award-winning coach, he founded New York’s most sought-after personal training gym.