Ask an Expert: Derek Gallup

By Samantha Rogers and Rachel Zabonick on July 1, 2013

You have questions, we have answers. We took some time this month to speak with Derek Gallup, the SVP of Fitness and Retail for New Evolution Ventures, about the emergence of small group training (SGT) in the club setting, and how it can benefit your members, trainers and your overall business.

CS: “What is the most crucial aspect of a successful small group training program? ”

DG: A great SGT program must have a high-energy instructor/trainer who focuses on fun and safety. SGT must also have programs and workouts that are desired by your members.

CS: “How can clubs use their current personnel to launch small group training?”

DG: Recruit your group fitness instructors to become personal trainers. SGT is a natural next step for members looking for more individualized attention or additional help to reach their fitness goals.

CS: “How can personal trainers prepare themselves for operating SGT programs?”

DG: At UFC Gym®, we developed our own two-day course in a partnership with NASM so that trainers can teach our Daily Ultimate Training Class for classes up to 20 people in size. This course also teaches trainers how to individualize this class to smaller groups of 3 to 6, and we also included nutrition programs through dotFIT to make a very personalized SGT program. This course is open to other trainers outside of UFC Gym. We offer the course in New York, L.A., San Francisco and Hawaii. Additionally, ACE offers a one-day small group training workshop.

CS: “Why has SGT become so popular for members?”

DG: SGT is so popular with members because it can be very motivating for members looking for camaraderie, and even friendly competition, when they train. The price of SGT also makes it a great option for members to supplement their one-on-one personal training sessions.

CS: “How is SGT profitable for clubs?”

DG: SGT allows top trainers to bring in more revenue per hour into the club, even though members are paying less per person than one-on-one training. The difference is in the volume of members training at once (3 to 8 members is the typical size).

CS: “Why should a club launch small group training?”

DG: SGT is so fun and effective for members. SGT is great for trainers as it adds excitement and variety, versus doing just one-on-one personal training. SGT brings in more revenue for both the club and the instructor than just one-on-one personal training.

Four Necessities for a Successful Small Group  Training Program: