Over the last few months, I’ve seen a trend towards controversy in the health & fitness space. This is not new but it has been brought to my attention through various social media platforms. Physios, chiros, coaches and gym owners all claiming they have the ONLY answer to a client’s needs.
In this blog, I want to focus on the topic of Private Coaching vs Group Classes vs Individualised programming. As someone who has been through all three extensively, I feel I can offer my opinion on the subject.
First, let us take a look at what they each are:
Private Coaching
You plus a coach in a 1 on 1 setting. A set amount of time where that coach is solely dedicated to you and your goals. Done properly, there should be an assessment, including setting goals, program design and delivery of that program with coaching cues during the session. The beauty of private coaching is a good coach can adapt any session depending on how you feel that day, if you have injuries or if more time is needed to work on a skill. This comes with a price tag obviously as it is a much more personal approach.
Group Classes
To be clear, I’m not talking about a group class like ‘booty pump’ or ‘stepasize’. I mean a well-structured group class that has a clear program aimed to progress over time. In this situation, you’re taken through a workout in a group setting. I believe any more than 10-15 participants (depending on the coaches experience) is too many for 1 coach to effectively manage.
The coach can manage the workout based on your ability and also your goals. I often change workouts in their entirety if it doesn’t fit for a member that day.
The great thing about group classes is the friends you make and the accountability it gives you. You can thrive off other peoples energy if you’ve had a stressful day. If you have something really specific you want to achieve though, then it may take longer in this setting.
Individualized Programming
This is basically a more cost-effective, less personal form of Private Coaching. A program is created based on your goals and your lifestyle. The idea is that you go to a gym and complete the work alone with check-ins every month or so. There could also be some video analysis if you are doing something technical.
This is a great option because the program SHOULD be created for you specifically and therefore your progress should be maximized. However, this requires a highly motivated person who is confident in performing the movements without any instruction and doesn’t like to interact too much during a workout.
Which is best?
Simple answer: None
If you say that any of these are the best route for someone then you’re not actually taking into account what the client wants. Private coaching will often give the best results. However, this may not fit a budget and will not have the client become a part of a gym community as easily. Individualized programming will address a client’s wants, needs, lifestyle and other factors around health & fitness. In a group setting, you will work out with friends, have some laughs and be motivated on those days that are tougher to get to the gym.
As I said, I have done all of these and I have my idea on what works best. At Defy Functional Fitness we offer all of these services because if a group class is what the client wants, that’s what they will get. I once had a coach from a big company in the sport of CrossFit. I was paying a premium amount and even visited their onsite gym to have some private coaching. I had made a huge investment only to realize I was getting a templated program just like every other client. I may as well have been in a group class, at least I could have trained with people.
My belief is that a mixture of all of these yields the best results. The hybrid memberships we offer allow a client to check in with their coach on a frequent basis to work on their weaknesses and lifestyle habits. They will be assigned work to do until the next session (individualized programming) and attend regular group classes to enjoy the commradarie.
What are your goals? Do you need every single training session specifically for you? Do you like training with people? There is no right way, just a way that works best for you!
Thanks
Darren