HSA/FSA
Can You Use Your HSA/FSA To Pay For a Personal Trainer?
Personal training may be your key to better health in 2025.
January 2, 2025
Sam O'Keefe
Co-founder & CEO of Flex
Overview
Overview
Overview
Overview
The new year brings new opportunities to put health and wellness first.
For some, it might be about dusting off their running shoes or getting back into a gym routine. For others, the stakes are higher than fitting into old jeans; managing medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoporosis often calls for more than willpower — it requires expert guidance and lifestyle change.
Let’s be honest: Changing habits is tough. Without a solid understanding of fitness or nutrition, it’s easy to slide back into what you’re comfortable with. That’s where personal trainers shine.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or working toward specific health goals, a personal trainer can be a personal changemaker. But can you cover your physical therapist costs with your HSA or FSA? Let’s find out!
What Is Personal Training?
Personal trainers are fitness professionals who specialize in creating exercise programs tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improving overall fitness, a trainer will typically begin by assessing your strengths and weaknesses. From there, they’ll design programs that set tangible goals and help you track your progress.
What are the benefits of personal training?
Choosing to start (or restart) your exercise routine with a professional comes with many benefits. Here are a few:
Customized programming: Personal trainers design programs based on your unique needs, schedule, fitness level, and goals.
Learn proper technique: A good trainer will show you how to perform exercises correctly to get results and avoid injuries.
Accountability: Nobody likes to waste time or money — being accountable to your physical therapist can help keep you on track and committed.
Setting goals: Trainers help you establish realistic and measurable goals, and create a reasonable roadmap to achieve them.
Motivation: When it gets tough, they can encourage you and give that extra push you need.
Can You Use Your HSA/FSA For A Personal Trainer?
The short answer is yes, but only under certain circumstances — training for general fitness or wellness purposes doesn’t qualify for HSA/FSA use.
For personal training to be covered by your Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it must be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor as part of a treatment plan. Specific medical conditions that may qualify include diabetes or heart disease.
To potentially qualify, you will need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN).
How does personal training differ from a fitness program when it comes to your HSA or FSA?
A fitness program typically focuses on general health and wellness goals. These do not qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
In contrast, personal training may be eligible if it’s tied to a medical condition and prescribed by your healthcare professional. For instance, a fitness program aimed at improving your 5K time won’t qualify, but sessions with a personal trainer to manage hypertension might.
Can you use your HSA/FSA for a nutritionist?
Yes, you may be able to use your HSA/FSA for a nutritionist. Similar rules apply: nutritionist services must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and deemed medically necessary.
For example, if a nutritionist is helping you manage diabetes, those costs could qualify. Nutrition services for general wellness, like weight loss without a medical diagnosis, would not.
What May Qualify Personal Training To Be HSA Or FSA Eligible?
Many different medical conditions may make personal training eligible for HSA/FSA coverage. Here are some examples:
Diabetes: Exercise can play a critical role in managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications. Your doctor might recommend personal training to help you develop a safe and effective fitness routine.
High blood pressure: Physical activity can lower blood pressure, and a personal trainer can design a program to meet the specific needs of people with hypertension.
Heart disease: Cardiovascular exercise is often recommended for heart disease patients. Your trainer can create a safe, effective cardio routine to improve your heart health.
Osteoporosis: Strength training is known to improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Your trainer can create a low-risk weightlifting program to help you build and maintain bone strength.
Arthritis: Low-impact exercises can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility. A good personal trainer will design a special program for clients with arthritis and guide them through safe movement patterns.
Chronic back and knee pain: Targeted exercises can strengthen muscles and improve posture, which helps alleviate chronic pain. Your trainer can help you use proper techniques to avoid aggravating existing issues.
Other medical conditions may apply — make sure to contact your plan provider about your specific situation.
Your Fitness Allies: Top Tools and Trainers to Boost Your Journey
Ready to hop on the fitness train? Here are some innovative platforms and services that make staying fit convenient and effective.
Trainwell: Your personal training connection
Trainwell connects you with certified personal trainers tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for in-person sessions or virtual support, their network of professionals ensures you’ll find the perfect fit to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Tempo: Smarter home workouts
Tempo brings personal training to your living room with its cutting-edge smart home gym. Equipped with AI technology, Tempo provides real-time feedback and personalized fitness plans to help you stay motivated and on track.
Lit Method: Coaching made convenient
The Lit Method offers customized fitness coaching from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or striving to hit new personal records, the app’s personalized guidance helps you progress safely and effectively.
How Flex Can Help You Pay For A Personal Trainer With Your HSA/FSA
Flex simplifies paying for your fitness essentials with your HSA/FSA. It’s a two-step process:
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible personal training program or app you want to your cart
Flex partners with brands like Trainwell, Tempo, and The Lit Method, to streamline the process of paying for HSA/FSA-eligible personal training and apps.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the company by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
Step 3: Keep Documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and the Letter of Medical Necessity (should it be necessary), for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
Flex Your HSA/FSA Benefits and Unlock Your Fitness Potential
Investing in your health is one of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make, and a personal trainer might be just what you need to succeed.
With platforms like Trainwell and Tempo bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare, achieving your wellness goals has never been easier — or more affordable.
The new year brings new opportunities to put health and wellness first.
For some, it might be about dusting off their running shoes or getting back into a gym routine. For others, the stakes are higher than fitting into old jeans; managing medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoporosis often calls for more than willpower — it requires expert guidance and lifestyle change.
Let’s be honest: Changing habits is tough. Without a solid understanding of fitness or nutrition, it’s easy to slide back into what you’re comfortable with. That’s where personal trainers shine.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or working toward specific health goals, a personal trainer can be a personal changemaker. But can you cover your physical therapist costs with your HSA or FSA? Let’s find out!
What Is Personal Training?
Personal trainers are fitness professionals who specialize in creating exercise programs tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improving overall fitness, a trainer will typically begin by assessing your strengths and weaknesses. From there, they’ll design programs that set tangible goals and help you track your progress.
What are the benefits of personal training?
Choosing to start (or restart) your exercise routine with a professional comes with many benefits. Here are a few:
Customized programming: Personal trainers design programs based on your unique needs, schedule, fitness level, and goals.
Learn proper technique: A good trainer will show you how to perform exercises correctly to get results and avoid injuries.
Accountability: Nobody likes to waste time or money — being accountable to your physical therapist can help keep you on track and committed.
Setting goals: Trainers help you establish realistic and measurable goals, and create a reasonable roadmap to achieve them.
Motivation: When it gets tough, they can encourage you and give that extra push you need.
Can You Use Your HSA/FSA For A Personal Trainer?
The short answer is yes, but only under certain circumstances — training for general fitness or wellness purposes doesn’t qualify for HSA/FSA use.
For personal training to be covered by your Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it must be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor as part of a treatment plan. Specific medical conditions that may qualify include diabetes or heart disease.
To potentially qualify, you will need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN).
How does personal training differ from a fitness program when it comes to your HSA or FSA?
A fitness program typically focuses on general health and wellness goals. These do not qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
In contrast, personal training may be eligible if it’s tied to a medical condition and prescribed by your healthcare professional. For instance, a fitness program aimed at improving your 5K time won’t qualify, but sessions with a personal trainer to manage hypertension might.
Can you use your HSA/FSA for a nutritionist?
Yes, you may be able to use your HSA/FSA for a nutritionist. Similar rules apply: nutritionist services must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and deemed medically necessary.
For example, if a nutritionist is helping you manage diabetes, those costs could qualify. Nutrition services for general wellness, like weight loss without a medical diagnosis, would not.
What May Qualify Personal Training To Be HSA Or FSA Eligible?
Many different medical conditions may make personal training eligible for HSA/FSA coverage. Here are some examples:
Diabetes: Exercise can play a critical role in managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications. Your doctor might recommend personal training to help you develop a safe and effective fitness routine.
High blood pressure: Physical activity can lower blood pressure, and a personal trainer can design a program to meet the specific needs of people with hypertension.
Heart disease: Cardiovascular exercise is often recommended for heart disease patients. Your trainer can create a safe, effective cardio routine to improve your heart health.
Osteoporosis: Strength training is known to improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Your trainer can create a low-risk weightlifting program to help you build and maintain bone strength.
Arthritis: Low-impact exercises can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility. A good personal trainer will design a special program for clients with arthritis and guide them through safe movement patterns.
Chronic back and knee pain: Targeted exercises can strengthen muscles and improve posture, which helps alleviate chronic pain. Your trainer can help you use proper techniques to avoid aggravating existing issues.
Other medical conditions may apply — make sure to contact your plan provider about your specific situation.
Your Fitness Allies: Top Tools and Trainers to Boost Your Journey
Ready to hop on the fitness train? Here are some innovative platforms and services that make staying fit convenient and effective.
Trainwell: Your personal training connection
Trainwell connects you with certified personal trainers tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for in-person sessions or virtual support, their network of professionals ensures you’ll find the perfect fit to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Tempo: Smarter home workouts
Tempo brings personal training to your living room with its cutting-edge smart home gym. Equipped with AI technology, Tempo provides real-time feedback and personalized fitness plans to help you stay motivated and on track.
Lit Method: Coaching made convenient
The Lit Method offers customized fitness coaching from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or striving to hit new personal records, the app’s personalized guidance helps you progress safely and effectively.
How Flex Can Help You Pay For A Personal Trainer With Your HSA/FSA
Flex simplifies paying for your fitness essentials with your HSA/FSA. It’s a two-step process:
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible personal training program or app you want to your cart
Flex partners with brands like Trainwell, Tempo, and The Lit Method, to streamline the process of paying for HSA/FSA-eligible personal training and apps.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the company by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
Step 3: Keep Documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and the Letter of Medical Necessity (should it be necessary), for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
Flex Your HSA/FSA Benefits and Unlock Your Fitness Potential
Investing in your health is one of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make, and a personal trainer might be just what you need to succeed.
With platforms like Trainwell and Tempo bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare, achieving your wellness goals has never been easier — or more affordable.
Flex is the easiest way for direct to consumer brands and retailers to accept HSA/FSA for their products. From fitness and nutrition, to sleep and mental health, Flex takes a holistic view of healthcare and enables consumers to use their pre-tax money to do the same.