What’s Better: Group Fitness or Small Group Personal Training?

If you’re thinking about starting a fitness program, you might be wondering if classes or one-on-one attention is better.

I’ve got the answer for you.

The short version: You should choose the style that makes you feel most comfortable. Some people love the energy of a group, and others prefer the privacy and attention available with small group personal training. 

I’ll give you a closer look at each option.

Small Group Personal Training

If you want to accomplish your goals as fast as possible, small group personal training is the best option.

There’s just no substitute for a personalized plan and the attention of a coach who knows you well.

In a small group setting, a coach finds out about your goals and creates the perfect plan. It’s tailored to you and you alone. 

For example, you might say things like this: 

• “I prefer dumbbells to barbells.” 
• “My left shoulder gives me trouble in the bench press.” 
• “I want to do one pull-up in 6 months.”

A great coach can take that input and create an ideal plan for you using the best progressions to fit you, your body and your needs. In your sessions, the coach will work with you to make sure you’re moving properly and at the right intensity. A coach will provide accountability and encouragement, and you’ll get immediate answers to any questions during your session. 

With small group personal training, you also get to forge a long-term relationship with the coaches. This is much like seeing the same doctor for years. The more the doctor knows about you, the better the care they can provide. As a trainer gets to know you and your exercise history, the training plans become better and better, and you’ll build a lot of momentum.

Group Training – ANCHOR Fit Classes

Here is the main benefit of group training: You get to feed off the energy in a class (it’s amazing). If you get fired up, you’ll love chasing your goals with your peers around you.

In an ANCHOR Fit class, the times are set—but we have lots of options for you. You’ll also get individual attention in a class, but the trainer’s time is divided among the participants, so you don’t get as much attention as you would with small group personal training.

The programming in a group class is designed to help people move toward general goals, and everyone is doing a version of the same workout for the day. The coach might adjust the workout for you to reflect your current skills and abilities, but you won’t get a 100 percent personalized workout.

For example, if the class is focusing on squats, some may be doing goblet squats, others on the barbell and some may be doing wall sit holds.

Don’t worry: You can still accomplish your goals in a group setting. A general strength-and-conditioning program is very effective. And if you ever want more attention, you can book small group personal training sessions too.

Group-class memberships are priced below small group personal training, which makes them a better fit for some people. 

 What’s Best for You? 

We start all our relationships with wellness sessions, so we can chat about the ideal plan for you in person.

We’ll find out what you want to accomplish, lay out the perfect plan and answer any questions you have. Then we’ll get you started.

Whether you prefer to train in a group or small group personal training session, we’ll help you get the results you want.To book a wellness session, respond WELLNESS SESSION to [email protected].