If you’re thinking about starting a fitness program, you might be wondering if classes or one-on-one personal training is better.
I’ve got the answer for you.
The short version: You should choose the style or training that makes you feel most comfortable, will help you accomplish your goals, and keeps you motivated to achieve more. Some people love the energy of a group, and others prefer the privacy and attention available with personal training.
Let’s look at each option.
Personal Training
If you want to accomplish your goals as fast as possible, personal training is the best option.
There’s just no substitute for a personalized plan and the undivided attention of a coach who knows you well.
In a personal training—or “PT”—program, a coach finds out about your specific goals and creates a tailored plan.
For example, you might say things like this:
- “I prefer dumbbells to barbells.”
- “My left shoulder gives me trouble in the bench press.”
- “I only have 35 minutes a day to train.”
- “I want to shave 10 minutes off my time in the race in three months.”
A great trainer can take that input and create an ideal plan for you. In your sessions, the trainer will work with you to make sure you’re moving properly and at the right intensity. A trainer will provide accountability and encouragement, and you’ll get immediate answers to any questions during your session. The trainer is all yours.
With PT, you also get to forge a long-term relationship with a pro who knows you. This is much like seeing the same doctor for years. The more the doctor knows about you, the better the care they can provide. As a trainer gets to know you and your exercise history, the training plans become better and better, and you’ll build a lot of momentum.
PT also allows you great flexibility: You can book sessions at times that are convenient for you.
All that attention and convenience comes with a higher price tag, but when you’re getting amazing results fast, you’ll realize the service is a great investment.
Classes
Here is the main benefit of group training: You get to feed off the energy in a class (it’s amazing). If you get fired up in a group setting, you’ll love chasing your goals with your peers around you.
In a group class, the times are set—but we have lots of options for you. You’ll also get individual attention in a class, but the trainer’s time is divided among the participants, so you don’t get as much attention as you would with PT.
The programming in a group class is designed to help people move toward general goals, and everyone is doing a version of the same workout for the day. The coach might adjust the workout for you to reflect your current skills and abilities, but you won’t get a 100 percent personalized workout.
For example, if the class is doing running intervals and box jumps but your ankle is sore, you might get rowing intervals and step-ups instead.
Don’t worry: You can still accomplish your goals in a group setting. A general strength-and-conditioning program is very effective. And if you ever want more attention, you can book PT sessions, too.
Group-class memberships are priced below personal training, which makes them a better fit for some people.
What’s Best for You?
We start all our relationships with consultations, so we can chat about the ideal plan for you in person or on the phone if you prefer.
We’ll find out what you want to accomplish, lay out the perfect plan and answer any questions you have. Then we’ll get you started.
Whether you prefer to train in a group or one on one with a coach, we’ll help you get the results you want.
To book a consultation, click here [LINK].
