What is more successful to start with in the fitness industry? 1-on-1 personal training, or small group personal training?
At my current place of employment, I am being put in charge of reviving their fitness programming. We are already successful with running a sports performance academy for young athletes from the ages of 8-18+. Now, we’re trying to strike up the adult fitness population, and some non-sports related youth fitness classes. We have an outfitted weight room, and plenty of indoor facility space to move around. With that being said, how would you recommend starting the kindling for the fire? Gain more of a base by doing more 1-on-1 personal training sessions, or structure more small group fitness?
Hi Ryan. The answer to your question will depend more on what your clients need and want. Why not do a survey to see what people in your club, and in your area think and would like to see? Trainers answering your question here will almost certainly lack the type of insight into your specific market that you can get by checking with your clients and potential clients locally!
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
Hi Ryan,
LaRue has some good points here. But, if I were you why not try both? What do you have to lose if you do that? It looks like you have the space to handle it and by doing that you will target both types of clients: those who prefer to train 1-1 and those who feel more comfortable in a group setting. Like LaRue said, you are the only one who knows the market and type of clients who comes there. If your trainers can do both 1-1 and group training, then you shouldn’t have a problem incorporate both at your facility.
Good luck!
Best,
Harris
Based on your current model, why not do a similar group program for adults. “Revive your inner athlete.” “You’ve seen what we can accomplish with your children, now try our new adult program.”
Use what has made you successful so far and tweak it to approach a new audience. Then you can add on things from there: nutrition coaching, stretching or yoga workshops, training the athletic mindset, etc.
Good luck,
Jocelyn
First, amazing to have talented and successful people to help support you is the BEST way to start a career. The folks above you have given you some great advice already. So by asking the question in this format is a step in the right direction. I’ll add what I can.
The 1-1 is a great way to develop relationship building skills, which at the end of the day is sometimes our most important skill we bring to the profession. Building trust through communication and honesty and knowledge base is a big part of what we do. Can’t help those that we can’t communicate well with.
The small group will be a bootcamp for you in cueing movement. Cueing form and function with a focus on individual needs to 5 peoples makes cueing to one that much easier. The reverse is true.
I like the idea of sticking to what you know and transferring that to adults. DON’T FORGET FITNESS IS FUN! ADULTS ARE PLAYING GAMES THE SAME AS THE KIDS ARE!
In terms of the survey, that will help you figure out which clients fall into which category and what the initial focus of your “business model” will be, but eventually you’re gonna do it all!!
hope this helps,
Sean
Hi Ryan,
I agree that you are the best one to answer that question based on your target market and demographics. However, Jocelyn had a good point to offer a sample class for adults based on what you already know. Small group training would be great in that case and could attract the adults.
Personal training is different. The focus is on one person, and the skill set is about building a connection and establishing a program for that one person. Both avenues provide different benefits.
It just depends on where your strengths are and expanding that. But, it sounds like you could do either of those well! Good luck!
P.S. — Based on your profile, we are neighbors–I’m in Solon.
Christine