Joining Forces: Personal Training and Group Exercise

Group exercise and personal training are both equally important to adding value to your health club. The reason most people join a gym is to either take advantage of the free group exercise classes or to work with a personal trainer.

There are several advantages to both group exercise and personal training. That is why it makes sense to market both types of programming to your members, to ensure they reach their goals.

It is also important for personal trainers and group exercise instructors to see the value in their counterparts. Think about the endless possibilities you would have if instructors and trainers joined forces to assist in building up the programming within your health club. Teamwork plays a vital role in creating the atmosphere of your club.

Your Group X director and personal training director should hold a strong working relationship and collaborate to boost programming. Personal trainers should encourage their clients to attend group exercise classes to build onto their current regimen, and instructors should recommend personal trainers to their class attendants.

A great way to collaborate group exercise and personal training is through member contests. Quarterly contests create excitement. For example, a “Spring into Shape” contest, where members get points based on attending classes and working with a personal trainer, could help push your members to get outside of their comfort zone. Another idea is to hold a competition similar to the CrossFit Games. Host a fun outdoor fitness event and have teams of both group exercise participants and personal training clients compete.

The ultimate goal is to generate new memberships and retain current memberships. Bringing the aspects of group exercise and personal training together creates a unique experience and motivating atmosphere for your member base. That type of environment will encourage people to join your health club and keep them coming back for more.

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Brittay Horton is the personal training manager at The Club Fitness Centers. For more information she can be reached at brittany@theclubms.com.