Exercising is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental and physical health. But, thinking about working out and actually doing so are two separate entities.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, you might be wondering whether a personal trainer near you or a group class would best suit your needs. Here’s everything you need to know about personal training vs group classes to tell you more.
Personal Training
A personal trainer is a qualified professional in all things health and fitness. They will work with you to develop a tailored program, based on your current level of fitness and your goals. This could include the likes of weight loss, increasing your physical strength, or toning up. Compared with randomly going on different machines at the gym, your trainer will focus your attention on the types of workouts that will actually make a difference.
Personal training can seem confronting at first, especially if you’re not used to exercising. However, what the trainer is aiming to do is acclimatize you to exercise. You should leave each session feeling energized after you’ve worked out. All the while, your personal trainer will be encouraging you and monitoring your progress. They’ll also watch how you carry out each exercise, so you are completing each repetition effectively and safely.
Personal Training Pros
- Tailored workout plan to suit your goals
- A personal trainer will make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly
- They will motivate you to give you more confidence
- Suitable for those who are nervous or have pre-existing health conditions
Personal Training Cons
- Is more expensive compared with a regular gym membership
- Personal training can seem more intense when you first start if you’re not used to exercising
- You need to find the right trainer for you to see the best results
Group Classes
Group classes involve the likes of spin, dance, boxing, and circuit training. One of the main advantages is that with so many classes on offer, there is something to suit all abilities. Plus if you’re feeling shy, you can even bring your friends along too! The atmosphere is always upbeat with music playing throughout.
One main difference with a group class is the program is generalized, rather than being specific to the individual. The trainer will dictate the exercise routine, but this won’t take into account your specific goals. This is fine if you simply want to get a bit of exercise in, but you may find it doesn’t work on specific areas of your body you want to improve. Overall though, group classes are a great endorphin boost.
Group Classes Pros
- It’s a great way to socialize
- The spotlight isn’t just on you
- You can pick the classes you like
- Classes are often included as part of a gym membership
Group Classes Cons
- The trainer’s attention is shared between the whole class
- The program is generic rather than targeted to your goals
- It won’t take into account those with injuries or physical limitations
- Loud music can make it difficult to follow your trainer properly
The Bottom Line
Whether you hire a personal trainer or attend a group exercise class, both options are better than sitting on the couch instead. For general exercise, a group class is enjoyable especially as you can shake it up by trying a different class each week.
However, if you want a tailored approach to your fitness plan, then a personal trainer is the way to go. Personal trainers will give you exercises specific to your goals, and show you how to safely carry out the routine too. They will also monitor your progress over time, making sure you stay on track.