Fitness fads come and go, but one trend that seems to have been holding its own over the last few years is small group training (SGT). Members crave the individual attention of personalized workouts, and while it may be the latest fitness trend, SGT isn’t going anywhere. Why? Because it works.
For years members had only three options: pay the hefty price of a personal trainer, join a large group exercise class or go it alone at the gym. None of these options have been ideal. SGT, on the other hand, is the perfect solution for all, because it shares the cost of a one-to-one session, motivates the member unlike a group exercise class, and personal trainers are compensated more per hour, which helps the health club’s bottom line. And with a smaller group, the trainer can watch every move, resulting in less injury. It’s a win-win situation.
SGT also offers more variety so that members can quickly progress, avoiding boredom and plateau. Circuit-type workouts can accommodate all fitness levels and ages simultaneously, so the trainer’s scheduling is a breeze. And from that smaller session is born camaraderie, as well as support and motivation from the trainer and the group, enhancing the experience and producing a fun and enjoyable session that gets results.
What Equipment is Best?
As functional training continues to trend, a well-constructed program consists of equipment that is simple and easy to use, creating an energetic focal point in the facility. Some specialized circuits for SGT display illustrated exercises to make it less intimidating and more intuitive. These placards are also helpful to remind the participant of the next exercise, so the trainer can focus more on individualized attention.
Find out what your members are looking for. Are your participants beginners or seasoned athletes — can the program you are thinking about work for both groups? Ask yourself if the program is enjoyable and fun? Will my members get results? Will the group have camaraderie? Does the equipment offer a variety of exercises and movement patterns? Can the small group training station be mixed up with other equipment to offer even more variety?
Small group training is a way to create energy, excitement and motivation in your facility and as we know, it’s not going away any time soon. So, it’s time to get on board.
Ralf Ruggiero is the key account manager of commercial fitness for Total Gym and can be reached at ralph@totalgym.com or 858.764.0078.
