SMALL GROUP TRAINING
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Offering specialty sessions or classes based on goals. Ex. runners, beginners...glutes.
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Providing workouts for a group based on demographics. Ex. Seniors, women, or athletes.
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Structured classes of different lengths Ex. 1-hour training, fit in 45, 30-minute workouts
Small group personal training or small group training is a group exercise with a trainer and anywhere from 3-6 clients at a time.
Small group training can overlap what some gyms call "semi-private personal training" which is 2-5 clients per trainer.
The biggest difference between small group training and semi-private is the amount of individualization provided.
There isn't a definitive definition of what "individualized training programs" means.
Some common ways to individualize within a small group training session include:
BENEFITS OF SMALL GROUP TRANING
Small group training is fun, motiving, and affordable enough to go pretty often (2-3x per week).
DISADVANTAGES OF SMALL GROUP TRAINING
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Too much variety - Some change workouts too often to learn an exercise.
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Group training needs space - You don't want to trip over someone's equipment.
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Lack of attention to form - In larger groups, an inexperienced trainer's attention can get spread.
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You might push yourself too hard - If you have a propensity for competition.
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Group fitness instructors have lower certification standards than trainers.
Small group personal training can have its downsides
Some gyms plan sessions poorly. You could end up with a mismatched workout for your skill level. Some training gyms offer small group training with as many as 10 clients. Anything over about 6 people starts to feel like a class.
Small group PT is a good fit for some but not for all.
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Motivation - You're more motivated to workout thanks to the psychology of relatedness.
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Stress relief - No need to worry about finding a friendly face at the gym.
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Fun - Since sessions have other people in them, there may be some partner exercises.
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Cost - Small group training typically costs as much as 15-25% of personal training.
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Planned variety - Trainers have written a great training session so you just need to show up.
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Personal attention - Small group training is sized to keep a focus on you.