So, you’ve committed to improving your fitness, and you want to incorporate fitness classes into an already active Colorado lifestyle. Which class do you think is best for you: group or private instruction?
Group classes are a popular option. You’re sweating in a group and the focus of the instructor won’t be on you for the full hour. However, that might be exactly why you decide to work with a private fitness instructor. Not only will that instructor work with you exclusively, he or she can tailor their class to meet your specific needs. Plus, the privacy of a personal trainer might appeal to your more modest side.
The trade-off for that modesty and attention is that private training costs more. Plus, while large gyms usually offer free group classes, private instruction adds more to your monthly bill. At a classes-only gym like Push Fitness, the pricing structure – group v private – is the same, but you’re only paying for what you use.
That doesn’t address which is best for you, though, so let’s examine the benefits of each:
Why Group Fitness Works
There’s more energy: The room is usually alive because of the number of people taking the class and you have a perky instructor constantly motivating.
It’s a more social experience: Camaraderie develops among the students, especially when you have that we’re-in-this-together mentality as you sweat your butt off.
It’s predictable: Group instructors need to choreograph the workout to keep the flow. This can be a good thing for you so can prepare for the workout.
It’s more affordable.
Why Personal Training
It’s customizable: A trainer working one-on-one can more easily adapt his or her routine to the fitness needs of the student.
It’s more comfortable for the student: Some routines might be difficult and nobody wants to be the person in a group setting holding up the class because they can’t execute something. Plus, your fitness trainer can work on that portion of the routine with you at a more comfortable pace.
It develops rapport with the trainer. Group instructors can have a dozen people to work out, but many times they’ll only remember one or two people in the class, for one reason or another. With one-on-one training, the trainer doesn’t have to try to remember you at future sessions.
There is also small-group fitness, which can be a fun hybrid of group and private. Just make sure your fitness center offers what works for your fitness needs the best.