GROUP CLASSES VS. PERSONAL TRAINING: WHICH IS BETTER?

Now that we’re in the middle of summer, we are spending more time outside catching rays and good times while the days are long and warm. For a lot of us, though, we’re noticing a few things about our bodies that we’d like to improve as we fit into our summer outfits or do fun activities, such as hiking, kayaking, playing sports, or splashing in the pool with friends and family.

What we’re feeling is a need to enhance our confidence regarding our appearances, or at least gain strength and endurance for our favorite summer activities. We want to look great – and feel great, too.

And, oh, do we have options. There is a whole ocean of opportunities for group classes and personal training here in Atlanta. Deciding which path to choose can be a real mind-numbing task.

So, we’re going to break it down to help make the decision easier. Let’s dive into the perks of group classes and personal training. And spoiler: one is better than the other.

Group Classes

1. The Influence of a Crowd

Many believe that surrounding ourselves with people we want to be like helps us achieve that very goal. In other words, when we connect with individuals who are already where we want to be, we get the opportunity to study and understand what they do to have the lifestyles and achievements we crave.

It works the same way in a group class. When we immerse ourselves in a crowd that has solid fitness habits, we learn not only how to push ourselves to reach our wellness goals, but also how to stick to that routine without giving up.

2. The Power of Competition

When we’re in a full class that’s pushing to reach similar goals, we take in a strong dose of motivation to either be at the same level as others or rise above the pack. Basically, being in a group inspires us to go beyond our comfort zones and unlock the potential of our bodies. We’re just a competitive species. It’s as simple as that. We can use this natural tendency to our advantage and arrive at amazing results.

3. The Support of a Group

If some of us struggle adhering to a plan, then a group class can provide us with a lot of accountability partners for staying on track. This kind of support from others can help us return to classes while also motivating us to keep moving toward our fitness dreams. For example, when we’re in a group setting, we fill up with a need to not let our class and instructor down, along with an additional need to not fall behind in the group. The experience can become a true source of strength and motivation for becoming stronger, fitter, and healthier.

Now that we understand the benefits of joining a group class, it makes us feel like signing up for that, right? Well, before we consider that, we need to investigate personal training. In a lot of ways, it’s the better option. Let’s discover why.

Personal Training

1. The Perfect Solution for Our Personal Needs

Have a problematic back, knee, shoulder, neck, or something else? If we’re saying yes to any of those very real concerns, then personal training is our best option for reaching our fitness goals. Why is that? When we’re lost in the crowd of a class, we’re more at risk of worsening or re-awakening old aches and pains because we’re not getting the attention and guidance we need for preventing injuries or flare-ups.

Luckily, with the help of a personal trainer, rather than a distracted group instructor, we can rely on someone to hawk over our positions and moves to ensure we’re getting an awesome workout while also staying safe. It’s a true win-win.

2. The Freedom to Move at Our Own Speed

Let’s face the truth: sometimes we can’t keep up with the class. If it’s something such as Zumba, we can easily find ourselves tripping on our own feet trying to match the rhythm and understand the steps at the same time. Or if it’s something such as hot yoga, we can find ourselves shaking and slipping too much to stay in time with the class because 1) it’s too hot in that room, and 2) we don’t have the strength for any of it yet.

By choosing the personal training route, we don’t have to worry about falling behind anymore. A trainer will meet us right where we’re at and make sure we get through a whole routine exactly in the way our bodies can do it.

 3. The Ideal Setting for Those of Us Wanting Privacy

If we’re introverted, or just prefer having personal space and privacy while exercising, having a personal trainer is an amazing solution for us. With this option, we can even pick a low-activity time to work out so we can have a peaceful environment as we zero in on our intentions to push through our routines. It’s refreshing have an option that’s so flexible and can be tailored to our wants and needs.

Now that we’ve compared group classes and personal training, here’s the big takeaway: While working out in a crowd is incredible for discovering positive influences and motivation for reaching our wellness goals, choosing a personal trainer allows us to move at our own speed while also avoiding harming our bodies and feeling overwhelmed by a full class.

And although there’s nothing wrong with either option, having a personal trainer just takes us to a whole other level when aiming to become the best versions of ourselves. Personal training allows our workouts and atmospheres to be customized according to our needs. It doesn’t get much better than that.