Viewer Mail.

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But first the happy member of the Bumbling Band whose clothes shall stinketh no longer?

BAG LADY! Email me & I’ll getcha your detergent (and you *know* we’re all gonna want a review after you launder!)

Dear MizFit,

I want to start some sort of training. is one on one personal training better than a group? I think that Id like working out in a group better as it would be less intimidating.

Thanks so much!

I really like emails such as this one since I know it’s something many of us have wondered about/considered.

Heck, I know if I ever hired a trainer again (if by ever hired you mean stumble upon a wad of cash—-which I do) Id want to do it with Renaissance Man and *not* one on one.

Before we talk about my/the reasons why—- I want to bring up one that the emailer didnt: money.

It is far less expensive to do group personal training than it is to hire a trainer for one-on-one sessions. No matter your preference if it’s GROUP or SitAtHomeOnCouch I think we’d all say to opt for the former.

Money issues aside there are pros and cons to each type of experience.

Using myself as the example, I clearly know why I would be hiring a trainer: to have someone plan my workouts for me so that I can just execute the maneuvers & hang with my Man (cue dream sequence).

Before you can decide what type of training environment is best for you it’s a good idea to clarify for yourself why youre hiring a trainer.

Are you entirely new to the gym setting & wish to have someone familiarize you with all the equipment and set you up on a workout routine? Perhaps a few one on one sessions might be in order before you joining a group.

Do you have a sport-specific goal toward which you are working? Again, one on one sessions might work best unless you can find a group/create a group with similar goals (all runners, all cyclists etc.)

Do you feel uncomfortable working out in front of others? asking questions in front of a group? While you might spend a bit more for one on one sessions you will also gain more than you might staying silent in a group setting.

Other types of exercisers, however, thrive more in a group than they might on their own.

Do you find that competitive camaraderie motivates you to push yourself beyond your perceived limitations (in a good way.)? Small group personal training might be a good choice for you & give you better results than would one on one training.

Are you the type of person who is energized by being around others? You might far more enjoy group training and it may—-as I know it did for many of my clients—make the session time simply fly by. My more social clients really loved the group sessions.

Are you goal-oriented with regards to your fitness but also in the place of just happy to be here? You might be cut out for group sessions as you wouldn’t mind if, at times, the exercises aren’t ones you particularly wish to focus upon. Group training can take a bit of patience at times when the trainer is working to meet someone else’s needs.

As you can see by my ramble it is a highly personal decision and one which also depends on the skill of the trainer.

When I owned my training studio I did very little group training.

My skillz? So not in the arena of keeping numerous people focused and *moving* through a workout routine.

I like to think this self awareness was a gift to my clients as I handed over 99% of the group sessions to my trainers.

(Im accidentally making myself sound like Jackie Warner up in herre. Alas, mine was no Sky Sport Spa.)

It’s also important that the groups are structured by fitness levels and not merely by convenient openings in people’s schedules. Be sure to inquire about this before making your decision.

In summation (can you tell Renaissance Man is a lawyer?): only you can decide.

Hopefully Ive given you a few tools with which to make that decision and Im *confident* the Bumbling Band can help you out as well.

Any experiences on either side of the personal training fence? Likes? Dislikes? Help a fellow MizFit out in the comments.

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Comments

  1. No experience on either side of the fence. Sometimes I think it might be nice to have someone else plan my workouts, but I’m SO picky about what I like and don’t like. Plus I hate getting bossed around.

    I know not all trainers are bossy, but I can’t help noticing that a lot of clients seem to like the drill sergeant approach and find it motivating. It would make me petulant and stubborn and even more cranky than usual.

    But I know a lot of people LOVE the personal training thing… it just ain’t for me.

  2. I not only hired a personal trainer, I went a step further and hired one with private training studios. Shame and fear of all sorts of things (failure, ridicule, pain *g*, etc.), along with a general lack of knowledge about what it was I was supposed to DO, kept me out of the gym for far too many years. I went to the trainer and said, “Teach me how to exercise.” And they did. By training in private, without any lookers on (real or perceived), I’m focused solely on ME, on my effort, on my form, on my results. Even better the trainer is focused totally on me, and the equipment is ALL MINE, for an hour anyway. (It’s nice to have a place where the world revolves around me.)

    The cost is problematic, but it’s also an incentive. If I blow off a workout session with a friend, I can generally get back in her good graces by treating her to lunch. Do that to a trainer without 24 hours notice and they charge you. Also, knowing what I paid to be there, I’m totally there. I get something from every minute I’m in the studio. It all has to count. (A good habit to build for future workouts.)

    My time with the trainer is about over (although I’m working on bartering newsletter writing services in exchange for a couple of sessions a month), and I’ve learned how to exercise at home and gained the confidence to work out in the gym. It’s what I needed to bridge 20 years of sedentarianism with this new, fitter me. I’d do it over again in a heartbeat.

  3. I’ve learned how to exercise at home and gained the confidence to work out in the gym.

    that is precisely what I worked to do with my clients, Cammy.

    I saw too many trainers try and keep the client in the dark.
    Dependant on them for their knowledge and inability to do it on their own.

    Me? Im a roots & wing’er.
    I wanted to teach & emancipate my studio clients.

    Sure, I loved it when they’d return for a check in or to set up a new program (I grew attached to them that way.) but wanted them to WANT to come back—–not need to.

    thanks for sharing your experiences!

    M.

  4. I would love to hire a trainer (Mizfit? come here!) for the accountability factor. Yes, it can be expensive….but when i think about how much money is spent on other areas of our life, this is completely justifiable. My mom balks at paying money for a gym (yet she needs to go) and I tell her, “you cannot put a price tag on your health”.

    personally I am more of a one on one person. I used to do group training for others and found there was way too much chatting going on. If going for group training, pick a partner that is dedicated and/or a stranger. Less chance for a gab-fest.

  5. frick 🙂
    back again but had to add (then Im shutting my cakehole. I promise!) that I just wrote a mag article all about ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS and your use of the word, WO Mommy, made me think about that with regards to training.

    Perhaps, for some of us, it IS as easy as having an accountability partner (someone who knows the details of our goals and isnt afraid to nag our a** to stay on track) & saving the money on a trainer.

    Food for thought——but IMO an accountability partners alone would NOT get me out of bed on a morning when I wanted to slam the snooze button.

    M.

  6. im a trainer in a private studio, and if you have the money i highly recommend it. we dont have to dealwith sales so we actually care about your goals, not just funneling you in the front door and out the back. we have a really good maintenance/phase out program, so when you decide you dont want to continue with us, you have a plan of how to stay on track. plus, theres no intimidation because its just you and the trainer.

  7. If I had the extra money to splurge, I would definitely get a trainer! I had a trainer years & years ago in my late teens (still living with my folks so I was able to afford it!). I loved it. I am one of those people who are really pushed when I know I am being watched or someone is working out with me. I NEED a drill sargeant, for sure! Its much easier to not do that last rep when no one is around…but if someone is encouraging you…”1 more…1 more”, I found that place people go to when they “dig deep”.

    I also like the idea of a group setting. I think that would work great for me because of my competitive nature. But where do you find groups like that? I go to a Gold’s Gym, and all they have are aerobic classes.

  8. i’m with workoutmommy, one-on-ones work best for me too. i like to get in, focus on ME and get out. that hour is MINE MINE MINE (sue me, i have only-shild-syndrome).

  9. (I lied. Im back) Shanna, they actually do run group personal training at the Gold’s where I lift—–although perhaps the gaggle was already friends and asked the trainer along for the ride as opposed to the facility organizing it?

    I used to run groups at my studio for specific goals (marathon etc) and fitness levels.

    Id ask at the front desk if you’re interested & maybe they’d start if they’re not offering now!

    M.

  10. If you just want to get a good workout without having to put together your own set of exercises, group fitness classes are a fantastic option! They are also usually included in the cost of your gym membership. Group fitness classes have really evolved- now there are a large variety of classes: weights classes (Body Pump), kick boxing classes (turbo kick, body combat), dance based classes (Zumba, Hip Hop, Body Jam), and everything in between! I suggest that you find a class you think you may like and take it a few times with different instructors. Once you find one you like, you will feel motivated to attend and probably even start to make some friends in the class (which will help keep you committed!). I know I’m bias, but I love group fitness classes!

  12. I just hired a personal trainer. I’ve had 3 sessions, and it’s already the best money I’ve ever spent. For me, the reasons are that (1) I’m a runner and endurance athletes have different strength training needs and goals than other groups; (2) I know absolutely nothing about strength training and could very very easily hurt myself; (3) I’m really intimidated by the weight room and hate going in there by myself; and (4) having the trainer’s undivided attention forces me to focus and give it my all. But like you said, MizFit, I think it really depends on your goals, preferences, and cash flow…

  13. I thrive in the group environment because I am competitive and like that group feeling of accomplishment and cheering each other on- the buzz is a good thing for me. But I also have the personality that I am self motivated (runner!) and won’t slack off because no one is watching. Having a good instructor was key for me.

    Personal training so far hasn’t even been an option because of the expense- but back when I taught kickboxing at a karate studio and got personal karate training, it was nice but also a little too one on one for me. I need time to see the moves and work through them without someone watching and critiquing me. I would be the type of client who wants to learn what to do and then say goodbye for a while.

  14. I have to say that hiring a personal trainer was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It took a long time to convince myself that it was worth the money, but now I wish I had done it sooner. I used to do body pump classes and I do think they are good, but once I had kids, the strength training went by the wayside and what little time I had was cardio. Working with a trainer made me much more comfortable in teh wieght room and now I don’t mind going down there to work out by myself. Plus it gave me the knowledge to work out by myself. With respect to working out with a partner, make sure that you two are at about the same fitness level. A trainer in my gym was talking about how difficult it was to work out with an older husband/wife team (not sure what he meant by older since he is only 26…). But his point was that they were are such different levels that it really made it difficult to tailor a program to meet their individual needs.

  15. I used a personal trainer for a few sessions, but switched to group exercise classes (when I could afford them!). The classes were kept small – no more then 6 people – and I ended up meeting lots of nice people that way. We ended up encouraging each other in our workouts.

  16. If I were to hire a personal trainer, it would be one on one, and he/she would be a drill sargent. This was my weight coach in high school, and damn, he got results!

    See, I’m easily distracted, so a group program would most likely leave me chatting and not paying attention. One on one would make me focus more on what I’m doing. After all, one on one means *you* are the center of attention. Just another thing to consider, if you are a little loopy like I am!

  17. Awesome post. I’ve often hankered after having a personal trainer, but there’s no way in hell I could afford it. However, once my next lodger moves in and the rent money starts a-rolling then it’s definitely a possibility.

    Reading your post made me think about my reasons for wanting a PT, and I honestly think the pressure I would put on myself in a 1-on-1 session would NOT help me in my quest for balance. Being in a group (aside from being enormously competitive, in a bad way) would be much better because it would be motivating in a more positive way and encourage me to focus on general all-round fitness rather than just on ME.

    I would also LOVE to work out with my partner, but sadly he loves lying on the sofa too much – boo!

    TA x

  18. I hired a personal trainer to get me started. I am not sure I got my money’s worth. I’ve lost inches and pounds, but to me it seemed like it to waaaaaaaaaaaaaay to long (too many sessions) to get down to the business of working out. My trainer also talks way too much – seems to assume that because I am plus-sized I dont know anything. I was READY to get to working out when I started and 3 sessions later we finally go down to the real program. I’m glad I hired her, because form is very very important, and I learned tons about that. Maybe my expectation was that I was going to get a “Jillian” type ass kicking and be driven more – that didn’t happen. Good think I’m my own motivator.

    My take on workout groups – seems to me there is always one DIVA in the crowd who either sucks the fun out of it or wants all the me me me me me me me time she can get and to heck with the rest of the group. I tend to be pretty humble and a little shy and as a middle child learned early about “it” being about everyone else. So attention seeking people bug me. I’m better off on my own.

    Accountability – as far as partners go – you gotta be sure that your desire to achieve goals is similar. I’ve been let down more times than I care to count by a partner who was not “in it to win it.” Be sure you really talk about goals and commitment and what you both want to accomplish so you are on the same page. Agree to not let each other slack. Agree on periodic butt kickings. Otherwise the whole partner thing can be really frustrating.

    Well, aren’t I Suzy Pessimist this morning… *shrug*

    It’s not a wonder I fly solo.

    Linda

  19. I think it would be nice to have a personal trainer for a few sessions, then take it from there…. Then after a few months, revisit to make sure I’m maintaining what I should!

  20. The expense is why I haven’t hired a personal trainer, but I also love the groups I’ve been a part of and that my boot camp instructor is highly qualified for the job (she has her own personal training business). I feel I still get a lot out of the group session although it would be nice to also have it one-on-one, simply because everyone is different and getting that much attention paid to what you personally need would be really excellent.

    Linda also makes a good point that there’s often a diva type in the group sessions, which can be frustrating- but for the most part as long as you don’t give them the type of attention they’re craving for they’ll stop the silly acts:)

  21. So I am all about the groupness via bootcamp classes, my gym offers “buddy” personal training, but I have never tried that.

    I’ll tell you all a money saving secret to personal training… get a 30 minute session instead of a 60. My trainer can make me hurt (in a good way) and get results in 30 minutes if she knows that’s all she has. If she has 60 minutes, we might spend more time on warm up or abs or do more exercises less intensely because really you dont need 60 minutes to get a good workout in!

    As a former athlete, I felt I could find my way around a gym, but did I ever do it with any consistency? Frick no. Having a group class that I go to every morning made it routine and seeing some of the same people over and over and making friends has mad it really fun! Personal training is a butt kicking luxury, but I can’t give it up, at least not while I can afford it.

  22. I don’t have the moolah for a personal trainer, but if I had the opportunity, I think I would want a drill sergeant. I used to be freaked out at the idea of those “Jillian” type workouts, but now that I’m more familiar with exercise (and discomfort during), I think I’d need a big push to keep from plateauing.

    Really though, if I tripped over a wad of cash, I want to join karate classes!

  23. wow.

    As always, thanks for taking the time to type up your thoughts/insights/experiences.

    Hugh’s Mom? You nailed a trainer type that I’d forgotten I…don’t love (I’m working to lose the h-word).

    The I Know It All And You Need To Just Listen & Learn trainer.

    It should be a dialogue *always* huh?

    Plus sized. Not plus sized. Old. Young. No matter.

    M.

  24. I’ve taught group exercise, and held group personal training sessions and one-on-one sessions, so, like you Miz, I can see the pros and cons to both (and all three, since I’ve now thrown group ex in the mix).

    However, for me, I think that beginners (with little workout know how) or those with really specific sports or fitness goals (competing in a tri, bodybuilding, starring as an action hero in a movie, etc.) are best suited for one-on-one sessions. For those who know what to do, but need accountability, group exercise or group training is a great way to get pushed and have fun.

    With that being said, group ex is even more for those looking for fun and a good workout, while with group personal training you get more direction and know how for your hard-earned cash.

  25. I enjoyed working with my trainer during my year with Shape, but I’ll confess that my anti-authority inner child got totally exasperated with her “I know best” attitude sometimes. I couldn’t touch her knowledge of anatomy, physiology and how it all works, but when it comes to knowing my own body — well, I’m the expert there. Of course, there was a level of pressure on our situation that most people wouldn’t have with their trainers.

  26. The Bag Lady has her very own personal trainer – the Cowboy! He has trained her how to chase cows, fix fence, run a tractor and a loader, how to carry two 5-gallon pails of oats (although she still struggles a little with that one!), the proper form for lifting and throwing 70-lb bales of hay, how to escape a raging bull….you get the picture.

    And she must say how thrilled she is to have won the detergent!!! She hasn’t won anything since she was 16 years old (many, many years ago!)!!!!!!!!

    And Meribeth, she’d be more than happy to test the detergent on your work-out clothes, but isn’t there some kind of silly law about sending toxic substances through the mail??

  27. I’m with Jenn — when I’m getting ready to star as an action hero in a movie, I go for one-on-one sessions.

    Nah — I don’t know. I haven’t had much experience either way. I run by myself (just love having that time to myself) and that’s pretty much been my thing.

    Years and years ago, I joined a gym and sprang for some one-on-one personal training sessions and it was good. I learned some new exercises that I still use to this day. The trainer was great about showing me correct form and fixing the ways that I was “cheating.” I found that very beneficial!

  28. Hm. I like a personal trainer to show me what I need to do, but then I like to get into my zone and do my own thing. If our gym hadn’t offered free sessions I probably never woulda. Classes I think are hit or miss. They do tend to be a bit cliquey, but, again, I just grab my spot and get into my zone. This is totally ME time. Unless my 12 year old is with me, and then it’s US time…

    Congrats on the win BagLady…I bet you have LOTS of laundry!

  29. I LOVE my personal trainer. I cannot imagine that I would be where I am today without him. We are friends (he says family) who respect and encourage each other. Even going through hard spots in our lives and relationship, it’s obvious to everyone in the gym that we are a team.

    Last year, when I told him I was working without him for a while, he was so proud! I wasn’t quitting him to quit him; I was quitting him to learn things about me I couldn’t working with him. (Can I make myself show up in the gym when the appointment is only with myself?)

    Now we’re working through all those weaker muscles groups and still developing my balance. I’ll take a few months off to work on things by myself, then come for some new moves and tune ups.

    Fortunately for me, 24 hour has fairly low rates for training, so he’s a most affordable option. Unfortunately for my trainer, that means he gets almost nothing for his work. Someday he’ll get to the point he can move on to better things.

    Our gym offers group classes which are always filled to the brim, have limited personal spotting or contact, and I always feel lost. If they had small group training sessions, I’d try it.

    In fact next week, a friend is coming out to my gym and Anthony is working the two of us together. Last month we did the same thing for her birthday with her trainer at the Ice Chamber. We’re going to have fun!

  30. Well not really PT but a coach in my sports goals. i was scared to join the group. They are way more advanced than me, but they all make me feel stronger. They push me to new highs, and guided by a Coach who can help me train, smarter, fater, stronger….well that was worth every peeny. Even if it means I have to cut back on purses and makeup. My body comes first and is worth the investment

  31. I gotta tell ya…I like the group thing better too. It’s for stupid reasons too. I really don’t like being told what to do. I’m insecure that way. Somehow, in a group, it’s all good. Plus, in a group, if I do something like fart during a yoga position, I can blame it on the chick next to me 😉

  32. I was in a group athletic training program several summers ago. (I have to say that it really helped me reach my goals.) It was nice being in a group because occasionally you had a partner so one person would be lifting and the other waiting: good for rest btw sets. Plus the friendships formed made the work outs go by faster and they were a lot more fun.

  33. For me, I prefer the group setting. Boot camp is perfect for me because I click really well with the instructor, she knows how to work us even when we think we can’t do anymore, and the friendship among the other campers can’t be beat.

    Thanks for checking up on me – the foot is much better. I’m waiting until my new running shoes get here (had to order them and it’ll take a few days to get here) and then I’m going to get back out there. 🙂

  34. way too much great advice input and info here to comment on.

    you guys need your own talk show.

    M.

  35. Thanks for the comments, and the vote of confidence, that I didn’t F*^&K with the universe!!!

    Great tips!

    Started lifting, my body hurts! that’s good eh?

  36. Great post. I was thinking it’s time to move towards buffing up my arms. I have never had a trainer before. But I think I would prefer the one on one. I wouldn’t wanna take out my partner for doing better than me. Plus I think this reminds me too much of curves. I don’t want no chatty people all up in my business while focusing on the bead of sweat rolling down my face and into my mouth. Yum!

    Ps. You’re better than Jackie Warner!

  37. I never hired a personal trainer, but when I decided that I wanted to learn how to ski, how to ice skate and how to play tennis (all within the same year I might add :), I took one-on-one lessons. It IS more costly, but to me it also seems more cost-effective because I learn at my own pace which is usually FAST. 🙂

  38. I like the post. Here is a crazy thought…how about an obstacle course nationally? I know many, many people that would subscribe to that kind of a workout. Crazy thought….

  39. This is the most comprehensive treatment I’ve read on this subject and you are right on. For me, group weight training was, at the beginning, the only way I would even do it. I love the social and competitive aspects of it. Even now, if my gym buddies don’t show up I get all bummed out. Although I do burn more calories when i’m not yapping all the time;)

  40. Ok, I have a bunch of thoughts on this, so sorry for the long comment!

    I usually do best with a trainer to show me how to do the exercises in the beginning, but then I want to be left alone to do it myself. Because of my dance background I have really good form after someone shows me once or twice. And I don’t want a trainer to push me, because I am already my own hardest “pusher.” (Seriously. I am the queen of “I can do one more.”)

    So I really prefer to get the “how-to” from a trainer, and then go off on my own. I might check back in with the trainer from time to time, just to make sure I’m not developing any wonky habits, but I don’t really want someone constantly standing over my shoulder.

    Having said that, I had a really great experience with a one-on-one Pilates trainer many moons ago, and the reason was because Pilates does a certain number of reps, and then you’re DONE: next exercise! I used to sit there and say, “But I can do one more,” and she’d respond, “You’re not supposed to do one more. We’re moving on. The next exercise will still work the muscles in that area.” I was flabbergasted. Not do one more?? WTF? Who doesn’t do one more? Um, apparently ME when I’m doing Pilates.

    I do love group fitness classes, though. I’m not crazy about the weight ones (like Body Pump) because I can’t concentrate on my form, but the dance-type classes, and the kickboxing classes? LOVE. Seriously. A LOT. They’re just fun. 🙂

  41. I’ve always loved working out solo. It was almost meditative, my time to myself. But, I recently started doing some group running and I’m LOVING it! It’s like multi-tasking because you get social time and workout time all wrapped up in one neat package. And, the same workout is seriously easier when done in a group. Maybe because time goes faster, maybe because I figure if they can do it I can do it, or maybe it’s wanting to keep up…but I know it’s been good.

    But if I were focusing on weight lifting, I would want a small group or personal trainer. I would want someone telling me to keep going, helping me with form, and planning the workout. Left to my own devices, I tend to be pleased if I squeeze a few push-ups into my week:-/

  42. I would only add, that ANY trainer should be personable, and personal. They should put your wants and needs first and be a good listener. Meaning they adjust to your hills and valleys during your training and listen to what YOUR body is telling you.
    I too often see the ‘Drill Instructor’ trainer who barks orders, or forces the client to do more than what they are capable of.
    They should maintain your safety at all times.
    🙂

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