Hey hey #fitfam, my sincerest apologies for being a day late this week but I will make it up to you all with a double feature this week! As you may have guessed fro the topic, today we will compare group training to one-on-one training sessions. I believe this topic is important to discuss because I have encountered quite a few potential clients who are unclear on which type of training will work for them. Not every person can draw the most from a group session, especially virtually and there’s also a segment of people who prefer not to be the singular focus of the trainer or coach.In my time as a PT, I have discovered some hallmarks within each group that aren’t then end-all/be-all but definitely create a starting point for me to direct a person to the right fit.
Let’s start with group training as it is typically the most affordable and easiest to try without a long-term commitment. When I meet someone who is considering their options to begin a health and wellness journey, I ask them to consider a few things, availability, timeframe for their goals, and budget. If budget is the primary factor, I usually point them to a gym like Planet Fitness or Crunch. These places usually have inexpensive memberships (as low as $10 per month) with low or no-cost trial memberships. In addition, they offer group training classes with very flexible scheduling and also in-house trainers. I’ve previously discussed the in-house trainers and for this specific purpose, I would recommend using their services with the understanding that they are credentialed but might not be as well-versed as an independent trainer. While inexpensive, one drawback to group training is that the trainer cannot give everything their full attention and its easy to not give your best or potentially execute in poor form. At least for a trial, it won’t hurt to check it out and see if group training floats your boat.
Personal training is just that, very personal and has a level of intimacy that you find in close friendships. This is important to know because a good trainer will want you to be comfortable telling them deep details about your health and personal life. These factors are important because the trainer will use this information to craft a program just for you and understand how you tick as the program progresses. During a session, one-o-one raining means you cannot hide from the work, the trainer is always right there watching everything you do. This includes monitoring form and making sure you are not injured. When I’m one-on-one with a client, I am locked in and using every piece of information I collect to push them to greatness. I’m able to ‘read the room’ on rough days and adjust accordingly. And on days when my client is on 10, I know that I can turn up the heat because they are pumped. Those are tings you might miss in a group session.
In summary, if you are simply looking to dip your toes in the fitness pool, a trial at a gym might be the best path to check out group training and possibly one-one-one training to figure out which vibe is best for you. Whichever you choose, do not give up, your style may be a combination of both and that’s okay!
Lastly, I have training programs as low as $75/month that will supplement and guide you to your goals.
If you are interested in following along with my journey or contacting my company, I can be found on social media platforms:
Website – Total Camo Fitness
Love your idea for a trial at a gym if you’re just getting started 😊 what a perfect way to ease into things and figure out what works for you!
Thanks again for reading Skye! I’m hopeful my tips really help others on there journeys.
Thanks for sharing. This is my sign to get off the couch and go back to the gym! Ahaha
Thanks for reading Liv! Happy to be a spark!
Love this! I love personal training vs. group training. Group training is fun when I am wanting to be hyped with music and adding some dance in there. But I found that getting stopped to correct my form in front of others was a little uncomfortable for me. Nonetheless, both are great! Thank you for sharing!
Hi S.M.! I appreciate your honest share here. What you mentioned is one of my quality trainer indicators, how a trainer offers advise and correction. In a one-on-one setting, though private, I still believe that delivery is everything. Outside of a situation where injury is imminent, a gentle adjustment or ‘calibration’ as I call it is appropriate. In a group situation, I think it I even more important to be mindful of how uncomfortable a person might become if you single them out, especially if there is no real risk of injury in the moment. In groups I usually have the entire group slow down the motion and mimic a more fluid version of what the move that I’m making. Thank you for reading!
I personally like to workout at home, but sometimes struggle. to push myself.
Home workouts can be convenient and highly effective but require a great deal of motivation. An accountability partner or coach might help you find the extra push without the rigors of a structured gym or training schedule. I’d love to do a complimentary consultation with you and possibly provide a few custom pointers that can help you.
Thanks for sharing. I needed the motivation to get back to the gym.
Hi Elaine! I’m glad I could help with your motivation!
Honestly, I’m not very healthy so I do choose to train alone but doing it alone,I have to deal with a lack of motivation.I lack confidence so I
ve never really tried to train in a team but its what I need to do.Hi Roselyn, a less intense approach for you might be to try a virtual training group to help with motivation while avoiding the pressure of someone staring at you during workouts. n many of my group sessions, I do not require cameras-on because I understand that it can feel like pressure to some people to execute things perfectly. In my opinion, participation is the first victory!
Big fan of group classes!
Group training can be so much fun. I really enjoy leading groups when I have a bunch of motivated people, even when everyone isn’t at the same level. The camaraderie and competition makes it fun for everyone involved, even the trainer.
I’ve enjoyed both group training and personal training at different points in my life – I think they each serve such an important purpose!
Hi Emily, thank you for reading. I agree, both serve an important purpose.
Great info! Thanks for sharing this!
Welcome back and thank you for reading Jordan!
Thank you very much to clarify the difference between group training vs private sessions.
Thank you for reading!