Group training is the latest wave of training to hit the industry. Not only is it financially beneficial for members, trainers and the club, it is a new way to reach out and make a difference in someone else’s life.
The first step to developing a group training program is designing the program itself. Having specialty equipment and creating a program around that — for example, TRX, CrossCore or kettlebells — is a great first place to start. If devising a program from a device is too difficult, there are a number of successful small group programs in existence already such as CrossFit.
Having a trainer that is certified to use these devices or execute these programs can help justify why a member should pay for the experience and learn how to use these tools. The program should be able to be executed with up to 12 to 15 people in the class, so you need to have adequate space.
The second step is setting pricing. Depending on which program you decide on, you need to do a competitive market analysis to see what anyone else is charging for the same or similar program in your area. Depending on your market, $20 to $30 may work per class.
Once you qualify the client, helping that person reach new goals is easy. Just make sure that you communicate the training’s purpose, to ensure the client and program are a good fit.
Vic Spatola is the Director of Personal Training for Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club in Greenwood Village, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. Contact him at vics@greenwoodatc.com.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
