Additional Insights from Professionals on Small Group Training

Power Systems

There are some essential pieces of equipment that are needed in any great small group training program. We know a key to a great small group training program is a great personal trainer or group trainer. So, if that person were coming to us for equipment for their class, we would suggest the following must-have pieces of equipment — medicine balls, Kettelbells, Plyo Boxes, BOSU/Versa Discs, jump ropes, strength bands/tubing, stability balls and some type of suspension training product like the TRX or Jungle Gym XT. Also, if the small group training class wanted to be really great, the class would be centered around a great piece of functional equipment such as the Summitt Space Station. This would allow the trainer to have each participant using a different station (and different type of exercise) at the same time, while using a different piece of equipment as well.

We would recommend all groups or facilities use some type of training rope. These come in different diameters and lengths to provide different levels of difficulty. We would also suggest some type of sandbags to add weight to any exercise to increase strength training and endurance.

Many of the existing clubs are converting a specific area to use for small group training, and specifically for personal training in these small group settings. One example that we have heard more than once is the conversion of a racquetball court to a group training room. However, if we are talking about a new club being built or someone converting an existing building to a club, they are building out a specific part of the square footage for these personal training or small group training areas. This is a major aspect of the business plan, as this is a revenue generator for the club.

Our top clients come to us for many reasons when it comes to our fitness and sports performance equipment, and all of its uses. The majority of the health clubs have a group exercise program that they are offering their customers and we have a large variety of types of equipment for that programming. A newer programming to clubs that has taken off is the personal training programs. This personal training aspect to the clubs is now even bigger with the use of functional training equipment and programming. This type of equipment in the hands of a creative and experienced trainer allows for multiple uses and so much creativity.

For additional information, contact Andy Hubbard, the national accounts manager at ahubbard@power-systems.com or 865.862.7885.

Qignition

Concerning whether or not trainers should hold certifications for small group training — anyone working with other people’s bodies should hold a national certification, period. End of discussion! Certification is the minimum standard of our industry. So, if I’m hiring, I’m also looking at continuing education choices and depth of experience. I will accept either a group fitness certification or a personal trainer certification for small group instructors, as experience and personality also play an important role in the success of the trainer.

Instructors teaching small group classes need the combined skills of a group exercise leader and a personal trainer. A group exercise leader must be able to monitor and motivate several participants at once, while maintaining control over the group. A personal trainer has the education to select appropriate exercises for each individual and provide progressions and regressions according to the individual skill level, and physical issues that may also be significant.

I think that small group training is a valuable service that many clubs find helpful to attract and keep happy, satisfied members. Facilities that want to remain competitive in the marketplace will probably find that they have an interest in small group training.

There are a wide variety of class types that are appropriate for small group training. I find that well structured pre-choreographed programs work very well. Also, circuit style classes, bootcamp and mind/body can work well depending on the goals and preferences of the clients. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to small group training. Pre-choreographed programs are easily adapted to small groups.

There are so many excellent exercises that can be done with no equipment at all. Push-ups, crawls, gorilla jumps, lunges and squats are just a few examples. To further equip a space designated for small group training, Kettlebells are my all-time favorite, along with medicine balls, suspension trainers and stability balls. For a hard-core workout, try sandbags, heavy ropes, tractor tires (to flip) and specialized equipment like the Vipr and TRX Rip Trainer. Group fitness rooms and Pilates/yoga studios work well for single groups, provided the trainer can schedule their sessions at times that do not interfere with scheduled classes. A knowledgeable trainer can find a suitable area to train clients!