I applied online. I interviewed at Trainwell (Pittsburgh, PA) in Nov 2025
Interview
This was an incredibly long interview process with a LOT of steps, especially compared to a standard/big box gym personal trainer interview. That said, given the type of platform they run (all virtual training, all remote work, full trainer autonomy on client communication), I think additional scrutiny is warranted; it would be easy for someone to get this kind of job and just "coast" or not deliver for clients without it being detected for a while.
At every step I felt the interview elements were giving me a strong sense of the company and what my day-to-day would look like, and I understood what they were evaluating at every point. That said, it did feel very endless. I wish they would have been more up front about the length of the process, but I admittedly didn't think to explicitly ask.
As of Nov/Dec 2025, this was the interview process:
Application with short answer questions; create a mock client video; receive a 12-page info packet about the role; initial interview, referencing info from the packet; mock training simulation (reading & watching how-to videos to learn their software & a 3-hour simulation, including a mock client onboarding call with a real Trainwell team member, then sample work in the software); a written set of ~8 short-answer questions plus giving them your information for a social media audit; an interview with HR; an interview with the co-founder; reference check.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a client even though it created more work for you?
very lengthy. several steps that took over 40 days total. One of the steps required a 3hr simulation including a mock onboarding call with a team member. Another one required written responses to specific questions which also take quite a while to go through.
I can’t speak to whether they truly deliver “unicorn-level” services or employ the top 3% of trainers, but this interview process ranked among the most dysfunctional I’ve encountered. It was bloated with unnecessary steps, marked by a resistance to modern tech, disorganized staff, weak internal technology, and glossy partnerships that appear disconnected from real health outcomes. The company culture seems to favor speaking to clients as if they are both uninformed and incapable of any change. They may have sufficient funding to stay afloat, but after five rounds of chaotic interviews, it’s clear they prioritize aesthetics and a very specific tone (that will not work for 95% of the population) over competence and qualifications. I would not recommend this organization.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What would you tell a client that wants to quit working out because the number on the scale has not changed?
Friendly interviewer answered a lot of questions! Will have you do an initial interview, then "Day in the life simulation," then if you make it through that round there will be a final interview round of written questions,
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Asked me to describe my coaching process, mindset, etc - very interested in how i worked with clients to develop relationships on a day-to-day basis
