Photo by Phillip Davies

Originally Posted On: Group Exercise vs Personal Training: Which Is Right for You? (awatfit.com)

 

Did you know that adults should get 150 to 300 minutes of exercise a week?

Several factors can hinder meeting this goal. From lack of time to low motivation, our busy lives often get in the way of exercise.

If you’re serious about regular exercise, you need to schedule a time to get it done. Another great way to stay on track is with group exercise or a personal trainer.

Training in a gym can keep you motivated, and if you pay for classes, you’ll want to attend them.

Let’s take a look at what style of training suits you best: one-on-one vs group exercise.

Benefits of Group Exercise

More than 60 million Americans attend a group fitness class at least once a week.

Do you love being around people and want your workout to be social? Then training in a group may be for you. Here are some of the other reasons group exercise is so fun and beneficial!

1. High Motivation

The energy in a group class is very high. Instructors use music, chants, motivational mood boosters to get you pumped in a group class.

The high levels of motivation can make group classes extra fun and creates a sense of camaraderie. You’re all in this together! Your classmates can spur you on, and you can do the same for them.

Attending a class with others is also great for accountability. If you decide to train at a group class with a friend, you’ll have to turn up to avoid letting them down.

2. Some Healthy Competition

If you are the competitive type, training as part of a group is perfect. You can use others to set the benchmark and keep up with those who are fitter than you.

Maybe there are races in your group class; wanting to win can help push you in a way you wouldn’t be pushed if you trained alone.

For example, you may want to ride the most miles in the class in a spinning class. This will keep you motivated not to give up throughout the whole class.

3. More Affordable

Group classes are a much more affordable option than personal training. If your exercise budget isn’t massive, then group training is the better option.

You can usually get a discount for buying classes in bulk. Paying for them upfront will also encourage you to attend as you won’t want to lose the money you already paid!

4. Huge Range of Classes

The other great thing about group training is the vast array of classes to choose from. Whatever type of fitness you enjoy, there will be a class for it.

Want to try spinning or Hiit? What about a weight class, TRX, barre, yoga, pilates, boxing? You’ll be spoilt for choice. If you aren’t sure what you enjoy, try a few different classes offered by your gym to find something you like.

Finding something you enjoy makes the process of going to exercise much easier!

Benefits of Personal Training

Personal training is a very different way of training. You won’t get the motivation to be surrounded by others. However, there are some incredible benefits of working with a personal trainer:

1. Highly Personalized

When you sign up for personal training, you will have a full health assessment and the chance to tell your trainer about injuries and medical conditions.

In a group fitness class, there’s no time for this individualized approach. Your trainer in a group class may not know if you are at risk of injury. This may lead to you getting injured.

2. You Set Individual Goals

With a personal trainer, you can set goals tailored to your individual needs and body type. If there are types of exercise not suited to your body, a personal trainer won’t program them into your routine.

You will learn what works for you and how to build muscle or lose fat quickly with the help of your expert trainer.

3. You Learn the Correct Form

One-on-one training also means you can master the form of specific movements. Some exercises are complex, especially those that require equipment.

Your trainer will guide you through each movement and help you to break it down. If you are doing the exercises correctly, you will see better results. You will also reduce your chance of getting injured.

4. Faster Results

Group classes are great, but it can take a long time to see any results. Because the class isn’t explicitly programmed to your needs, it may not be the best type of exercise for you.

Your trainer will help you get results quicker. If something isn’t working, they will alter the program and help you find a better routine.

A personal trainer will optimize your workout for you, so you don’t need to think about it.

5. Nutritional Help

Many one-to-one trainers also offer nutritional advice. If your goal is to lose weight, exercise alone won’t cut it. You will need to follow a healthy diet too.

Your trainer may be able to help you create a balanced diet plan that will help you reach your goals.

Group Fitness vs Personal Training

With knowledge of the pros and cons of both group training and personal training, you can choose which suits you.

Perhaps you want to mix it up and attend a class twice a week and a personal trainer once a week. That way, you can get the best of both worlds. Check your form with a personal trainer, then enjoy the energy of group exercise.

Ready to start your fitness journey and join a workout? Come and see us; we’d love to meet you.