One of the biggest questions when it comes to people’s health and well-being is that of “which is better, group or personal training?” The answer to this question will often hinge on what you personally consider to be important. For some people, the answer will be group training because it allows them to learn from others and get the most out of the experience. On the other hand for some other individuals, it is the constant interaction with their personal trainers that brings about the positive benefits that they can reap from the experience.
Price
Group training can have its benefits but it is also very expensive. This is especially true in today’s economy. While there are a number of benefits to taking a class such as cardiovascular training or strength training, the price tag that goes along with the classes can prove to be quite a deterrent. For some this may not be an issue however for others it could mean that they would rather pay the extra money required to join a group class than actually go. With this in mind, it is imperative to understand that in many cases, the benefits of personal training far outweigh the cost of attending.
Type of environment
One of the first benefits of personal training is the fact that it is more of a one on one type of environment. In order to gain the maximum benefit, one must become a member of a class rather than just join a class where others have to work for their certification. In this way, the learning that takes place will take place solely with the student and there will be no distractions. This is especially important because of the mental stimulation that will be present. This will help keep the learning process moving rather than feeling like a chore.
Group setting
Another benefit is that since there are more people in a group setting, the personal trainers will be able to get more individual attention from each person. There will be a greater focus on the actual learning process rather than a need to fill the time of the trainer with calls. Each individual will have their own needs and not all people will be alike when it comes to body types, muscles, or other concerns. When the personal trainer has more individual attention, they will be able to better cater to each person’s needs.
In addition to that, the number of people being trained at once will likely be much larger in a group setting. There will be more opportunities to discuss any concerns or problems with one another. Rather than just a few people discussing their own issues, they can be brought up by everyone in the group. This allows everyone the opportunity to reach the same goal with the same degree of success. It is almost impossible to have one person with the same issue as another.
Support system
Also, groups tend to have a support system within the group. The individuals may be working in their own homes but be working with individuals who are more capable of helping them achieve their goals. Sometimes friends and family can provide assistance that is not always available within a personal training class. Having support from within the group also helps to keep each person motivated and in action.
Working as a group often means a discount on fees for many different services. Rather than having to take individual meetings to discuss various concerns, they can be brought up at the group session. Prices are normally negotiated before the session is held. This means that people have the opportunity to get the most value for their money.
To sum up
The decision as to which training option is best for you should be based on your individual needs and situation. No one is perfect and everyone will have different goals and different levels of commitment. However, groups can provide an excellent resource for meeting these needs. Whether you are trying to lose weight, manage pain or just improve overall health, group training vs. personal training might be something that you want to explore further. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.