Group Training: Does It Stop Being Personal?

Most experts agree that small-group personal training (SGPT) increases business and keeps training affordable. While no number is set in stone, two to four people is the general rule. An emerging option is team training—large-group, fee-based training—with anywhere from five to 50 participants. Here
are some advantages to each:

Small-group personal training makes it possible to

• match participants in terms of knowledge, ability, and
  program goals;
• individualize programming for each member;
• develop personal relationships and group support;
• garner a higher profit margin per client; and
• use specialty equipment that is enhanced by supervision
  and that is not provided in group fitness [GF] or the
  strength and conditioning room.

“It’s important to provide unique branding to SGPT and demonstrate the value of a fee-based service against GF, especially as GF continues to expand its menu of offerings and cross into a hybrid version of strength and conditioning,” says Fabio Comana.

Team training makes it possible to

• accommodate large numbers of clients and use multiple
  trainers;

• generate more fees overall per hour;
• stimulate high energy levels and group support; and
• do without individualized programming.

To read more how shifting roles, technology, expanding equipment options, competition and diverse client needs are shaping the industry’s transformation, please see “The New Personal Trainer” in the online IDEA Library or in the April 2016 print issue of IDEA Fitness Journal. If you cannot access the full article and would like to, please contact the IDEA Inspired Service Team at (800) 999-4332, ext. 7.