The Pros And Cons Of Group Training

Monetary benefits aside, not every personal trainer should create a small group-centered program. Perhaps your instructional strengths lie with the dynamics of large boot camps, or with one-on-one training. Plus, some clients with complex biomechanical or medical needs require a level of personal attention that is best met in one-on-one sessions.

Nevertheless, the potential benefits of small group training (SGT) go beyond time and money. Major unsung bonuses of SGT are client camaraderie and competition; these drive participants to achieve better fitness results and have more fun than they would in a private setting says Rick Mayo, owner of North Point Fitness in Roswell, Georgia. The built-in social aspects of small group can also boost client retention and loyalty to your business.

The more SGT you do, the more money you will make and the more referrals you will get, notes Hayley Hollander, co-founder of Advanced Training Performance and training & education coordinator for PTA Global. Of course, making more money with SGT has work-related trade-offs. For example, your administrative workload might grow, since servicing more clients overall may increase paperwork, fee collections, and program-design time requirements—all factors to consider when you’re deciding whether or not to go group.

If you want to learn more about SGT and how your business can benefit from it don’t miss the various sessions on SGT at the 2013 IDEA World Fitness Convention™ in Los Angeles, August 7—11.

• #232: 10 New BIG Things in Small-Group Training with Brett Klika. In this session Brett will teach you 10 new tools for success, including everything from effective administrative systems to exercises and program design for varying levels within a group. You will also learn the new “must dos” to keep your clients and your business happy and healthy.
• #448: Group Training Programs That Profit with Maureen Hagan, PT. If you are responsible for driving bottom-line revenues through group exercise and small-group training, don’t miss this. The session will highlight the latest programming trends and show how fitness clubs and personal training studios can leverage these trends and profit from them.
• #642: Successful Small-Group Personal Training with Sherri McMillan, MSc. Learn about the programs, organization and dialogue that will allow you to effectively train more than one client, and review the methods for facilitating a variety of exercises and drills while managing multiple clients.
• #711: The Art and Science of Small-Group Training with Scott Rawcliffe. Explore all the aspects critical to creating a world-class semi-private and small-group training environment. You will also learn how to use cuing techniques to successfully coach numerous clients at the same time, as well as key psychological and emotional components to create that “wow” experience every client needs.

To view the full article from the October 2012 issue of IDEA Trainer Success click here.