# The Training Notebook vs GAIN for Trainers

The clearest difference is rating: GAIN for Trainers at 4.3 against The Training Notebook's 3.0. The Training Notebook's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Training Notebook sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.00 per month and GAIN for Trainers sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

GAIN for Trainers holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 55 and 53 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of The Training Notebook's written reviews are positive against 45% of GAIN for Trainers's.

The Training Notebook ships an update every 6 weeks, GAIN for Trainers every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Training Notebook | GAIN for Trainers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-training-notebook/id505906865/reviews) | **[4.3 (53 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gain-for-trainers/id1104812587/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **55** | 53 |
| Positive reviews | 43.2% of reviews | **45.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 62 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Training Notebook, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/505906868) | [GAIN Fitness](https://appshunter.io/developer/441646811) |

## What reviewers say

### The Training Notebook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-training-notebook/id505906865)

This app helps personal trainers manage clients, organize workout programs, track progress, and streamline administrative tasks. It offers tools for assessments, scheduling, and communication, allowing trainers to focus on business growth.

**Highlights:** Client management, Workout program organization, Progress tracking, Fitness assessments, Scheduling, In-app messaging, PAR-Q questionnaires

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10Clients Monthly Subscription | $9.00 | per month |
| 20Clients Monthly Subscription | $16.00 | per month |
| Unlimited Clients Subscription | $24.99 | per month |
| 10 Clients Annual Subscription | $72.00 | per year |
| 20 Clients Annual Subscription | $143.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Clients Subscription | $229.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Easy to use and manage clients
- 📈 Helpful for tracking client progress
- 🗓️ Useful calendar and scheduling features
- 📝 Customizable workout programming
- 🤝 Client-facing app for engagement

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Lost client data after updates
- 💰 Unexpected subscription fees
- 🔄 Difficulty editing/deleting workouts
- 📊 Limited assessment and tracking options

**Reported bugs**

- Signature box retains previous client's signature
- Notes section not functioning properly
- Workout programming often gets rearranged
- Inability to open client profiles after updates
- Timer feature not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add nutrition tracking and meal planning
- Improve calendar sync and integration
- Allow more customization of assessments
- Implement better data backup and recovery
- Add more exercise library and programming options


### GAIN for Trainers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gain-for-trainers/id1104812587)

This app helps certified personal trainers and fitness leaders manage clients and groups. Create personalized workouts, track progress, and communicate with clients 24/7. It features an extensive exercise library and a user-friendly workout builder.

**Highlights:** Client and group management, Personalized workout creation, Extensive exercise library (1700+ exercises), Motion GIFs and audio instructions, Workout templates and drag-and-drop builder, Real-time progress notifications, In-app messaging

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GAIN Trainer Tier 1 | $3.99 | per month |
| GAIN Trainers Tier 2 promo | $4.99 | per month |
| GAIN Trainer Tier 2 | $5.99 | per month |
| GAIN Trainer Tier 2 | $6.49 | per month |
| GAIN Trainer Tier 3 Promo | $10.49 | per month |
| Gain Trainer Tier 3 | $11.99 | per month |
| GAIN Trainer Tier 3 | $12.99 | per month |
| GAIN Trainer Tier 4 Promo | $15.99 | per month |
| GAIN Trainer Tier 4 | $19.99 | per month |
| Gain Trainer Tier 4 | $24.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Training Notebook free?

The Training Notebook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is GAIN for Trainers free?

GAIN for Trainers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The Training Notebook or GAIN for Trainers?

GAIN for Trainers is rated higher. The Training Notebook averages 3.0 out of 5 from 55 ratings, while GAIN for Trainers averages 4.3 from 53 ratings.

### Do The Training Notebook or GAIN for Trainers have ads?

GAIN for Trainers shows ads; The Training Notebook does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Training Notebook or GAIN for Trainers?

The Training Notebook ships an update every 6 weeks, and GAIN for Trainers every 3 months. Most recently, The Training Notebook was updated on October 24, 2026 and GAIN for Trainers on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*