If you’ve just started working out, you might feel like you only have the choice to work out alone or in a large group fitness class. Working out alone can feel overwhelming, and a large fitness class might be intimidating, especially if you are just starting at a new gym. You also might just be someone who doesn’t like the atmosphere that a big fitness class offers but still wants to train in a group setting.
Fortunately, small group training is rapidly growing in popularity in the world of fitness. As a smaller group fitness class, it’s becoming a top choice for people who want a more personalized workout experience without having to opt for a one-on-one training session or a large fitness class.
As you consider whether small group training is right for you, take a moment to learn more about what small group training is, the benefits one can get from it, and how it differs from other types of group fitness classes.
What Is Small Group Training?
Small group training combines the best elements of group fitness classes and individual training. Usually, small group fitness classes consist of one personal trainer and two to eight participants to ensure the trainer can provide personalized feedback to each participant.
Unlike a classic exercise class designed around a specific type of exercise, group training classes will emphasize a variety of workout styles. For example, small group fitness workouts can consist of HIIT training courses, equipment-based workouts, and strength-focused programs. One day, a small group training session might resemble a HIIT class, and the next, it could be closer to a standard free-weight-based resistance workout.
What are the Benefits of Small Group Training?
Small group training can benefit individuals in a bunch of ways! Find out more about the top five benefits of small group training below:
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- Personalized Attention: Small group training offers personal attention for the participants, similar to personalized training. Trainers can offer participants individual feedback, correct form, and tailor exercises to help each person in the course meet their fitness goals to the best of their ability.
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- Cost-Effectiveness: Small group training is often more budget-friendly than hiring a personal trainer. Some gyms let the people in the class share the cost of the trainer’s time, making it an attractive option for those looking for more tailored workouts without breaking the bank.
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- Motivation & Accountability: Working out by yourself is great for some people, but sometimes, we need that extra push from folks around us to really reach our limits. Small group fitness courses let you bond with the other people in your class who are all trying to achieve a similar goal. Since the classes are smaller, you’ll often develop closer relationships with other class members, which can then motivate you to give it your all.
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- Workout Variety: Small group training sessions offer a variety of choices when it comes to what types of workouts they entail. This workout variety offers a more well-rounded fitness experience and helps people stay engaged and committed. Instead of getting bored with one workout, your trainer should keep things interesting by varying the workouts. Greater workout variety also means you’ll be more likely to train all your muscles and challenge your body in new ways.
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- Social Connection: Smaller settings lend themselves to building closer connections with the people you’re working out with. Large fitness classes can make you feel like you’re just a face in the crowd, but a more intimate setting can lend itself to improved teamwork and relationships that can extend beyond the gym.
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How Small Group Training Differs
Small group training is a different experience than personal training or large workout classes. Review some of the main things you may notice about a small group training session that will feel different from other training sessions below:
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- Group Size: While it may seem self-explanatory, the smaller group sizes of these sessions are a big change for some people. If you’re used to fitness classes with more people in them, it can feel a bit strange to have so much attention on you. However, this is a huge benefit, as the instructor will be able to pay more attention to your technique and individual needs.
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- Flexibility: Large group fitness classes usually follow a structured format determined by the instructor beforehand. In contrast, small group fitness classes are often tailored to how the group is feeling that day and what they want to focus on. If you and your group have specific goals you want to reach that day, the instructor can switch things up on the fly!
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- Community Engagement: As we mentioned before, small group fitness sessions make it easy to connect with other participants. As a result, small group training classes feel more like you’re a part of a community where people will encourage you to reach your goals. The feeling of being on your fitness journey with other people can also enhance the overall training experience.
Try a Small Group Training Class at Physiq Fitness
If you’re interested in trying out a small group fitness class in Salem, Keizer, Albany, or Lancaster, Oregon, Physiq Fitness has you covered. QFIT Team Training is our cutting-edge small-group fitness program that offers five different styles of HIIT classes that’ll have you feeling great and achieving your goals in record time! Physiq Fitness also offers many larger group fitness classes, like Pilates and Barre! There’s something at Physiq Fitness for everybody, no matter what your fitness level or goals are.
Learn more about QFIT Team Training and our membership options today! With 5 locations conveniently located in the Salem area, we’d love to help you on your way to a happier, healthier lifestyle. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and ask!
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Nicole Wilder is an accomplished fitness expert with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University Idaho. With over 18 years in the fitness industry, she has gained extensive experience as a Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC), Pre and Post-Natal Fitness Specialist, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, High Fitness and High Low Instructor, and Les Mills BodyPump Instructor. As the current Studio Director for Physiq Fitness, she oversees all six clubs, ensuring top-notch group fitness experiences for members. Her leadership was recognized when she was awarded the 2023 Leader of the Year at Physiq Fitness. A dedicated mom of four boys, she excels in balancing her professional and personal life while continuing to inspire others through fitness.