What Is Group Personal Training? - The Energy Coach
Group Exercise

What Is Group Personal Training?

To me, group personal training is when up to 3 people share the personal training session. Each person works on their bespoke training program and the PT oversees to ensure everyone is performing the exercises, that are tailored to them, with good form and technique. I’ve trained many people in a 1-to-3 ratio and it works well-provided everyone is at a certain level of competence when it comes to moving and working with their body.

For those new to exercise or just starting out again, being part of a group personal training session is not what I’d recommend. To begin with some private personal training sessions are necessary to work with that person to increase their level of exercise competence before introducing them to a group personal training session. In the past I have had a group with varying degrees of competence and those that were new to exercise swallowed up too much of my time as I needed to be with them to ensure they were doing the exercises correctly, which left the others without much of my attention.

Right now, at The Energy Coach, we coach up to two people in a group personal training session and I think this is the best ratio of clients to PT. It ensures both clients have a lot of my time and expertise within the session.

What Group Personal Training is Not

Group Personal Training should not and is not the same as a small class. Here are the differences between Group Personal Training vs Class.

In a class:

  • Everyone completes the same exercises, albeit using different weights
  • The exercises are performed for a set time to suit the group
  • The personal trainer uses a generic program [if any at all]
  • Everyone completes the same warm-up and cool-down routine

In Group Personal Training:

  • Everyone has their own exercises designed just for their needs
  • The exercises are performed for a set number of reps and weight to suit that person’s individual needs
  • The personal trainer uses a bespoke training program for each person
  • Each person completes their own unique warm-up and cool-down routine based on movement and health assessments carried out before the session

Group Personal Training is also a great way to share or reduce the cost, perfect if you have a friend or partner that would like some Personal Training too.

When deciding between Group Personal Training or Private Personal Training just be sure to speak to the PT to understand how they run their Group Personal Training sessions to make sure which is the best fit for you and your goals.

Matt Jordan – the Energy Coach