with small group training, 3-6 clients once a week, do you give them a copy of the workout
I have a small group of clients that I meet with once a week. They are all mom’s that like small group training for the social interaction, as well as the lower cost. They all have the same obvious goal of losing weight and getting back in shape after having kids. Because they are only able to meet once a week, would you suggest giving them a copy of the workout I put them thru so that they can perform the workout at home during the week?
I think this is up to you!
I consider how well they perform when we are together. If the group is advancing well together I sometimes offer them modified take home w/o’s.
I only do modified as most will not observe the stringent techniques I require when they are present on session.
I want my people to advance! I don’t want to be their crutch, keeping their training dollars flowing while they receive minimal benefit. Call me crazy but, I want them to advance and blow away the program’s I give them to speed their TOTAL advancement.
My thought is; they will remember who helped them, they will communicate this fact to whoever is giving them a complement, they are MY WALKING BILLBOARDS! IF THEY DON’T LOOK GOOD, I DON’T either.
If this is something you decide to do. Center the “take home” w/o around core strengthening, some isometric’s. I t will definitely get them in tune with self and make them more aware of personal limitations while offering them info to pass by you on the next visit.
B WELL…
PEACE
I do. And as others mentioned, it depends on the fitness level within the group. Sometimes its a baseline cardio program if that is where they are lacking. Other times its a stability workout if we’re working toward progressing to more compound movements. For some its flexibility and yoga work if that is an issue.
I usually have a workout that is the same for the group, so they can complete it together if they so desire, or on their own. I then give different clients progressions or modifications depending on their fitness level. This gives each of them a way to make the workout their own.
I meet with several small groups this way. On the first meeting of the month I create a program for them to follow on their own (or with others in their training group) while they are not with me, and record this on workout sheets for them to take with. On the following sessions during the month I review, if necessary, some of the things we did on first meeting, but then create group workouts that are harder to do alone (partner exercises, using equipment like TRX, ropes, etc that clients might not have access to).
I believe that the best training program as both a) consistency: (same workout, once per week for a 4-6 weeks) so progress is easily measured, form and technique better mastered, and b) variety: for keeping things fresh, avoiding plateaus, and for fun!