Group Fitness vs. Personal Training

Choosing the Right Fit

Anybody can exercise.  Get out of bed, put on sneakers, move – it’s that simple.  However, not everyone knows how to exercise correctly.  I don’t know about you, but if I am going to spend my early mornings at the gym instead of snoozing in my bed, I better be seeing some results!

The major factor between the two is cost.  Personal sessions are always going to cost more, as they should – you are receiving all of the attention as well as a personalized plan.  With group fitness, you just jump in and go.  I have taught both group fitness and one-on-one sessions, and I always recommend personal training sessions for everyone first.  It is worth the extra money to learn how to exercise effectively.  I mean, that’s why we are all at the gym in the first place – to achieve some kind of goal. 

If you are a newbie or the person walking around aimlessly (we have all been there or have seen them!) at the gym, make an appointment with a trainer.  In order to see results (and not throw your back out), you need to make sure you are doing everything right.  This includes form, proper weight, muscle fatigue/failure, etc.  Once you understand how the body functions when it comes to exercise, group exercise is a great activity to be a part of!

When I train clients, my attention is solely on them.  I watch every move,so that I can make sure they are safe and that they will get the most out of their workout depending on their goals.  When I instruct group training, I cannot keep my eyes on one single student at all times – it is just not possible.  A student is more likely to be doing something wrong in a group fitness class versus their own private session.

Now, I understand that living is expensive – especially here in Chicago.  But, like everything else, the choice of how you want to spend your money is up to you.  I am a firm believer that if something is important to you, you can usually make it happen.  Cutting back on your morning Starbucks (I know, I know…) or only meeting friends for dinner once a week instead of three can make the difference between choosing personal training sessions or group fitness classes.

Of course getting up and moving is the most important, don’t get me wrong.  But, if you are someone who is not seeing results or wondering why your knee is always aching each time you hop on the treadmill, think about the big picture.  And I promise – coffee made at home is not bad at all! 

The Author