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In the realm of fitness, personalized attention and camaraderie often go hand in hand. Small group personal training has emerged as a powerful approach that combines individualized coaching with the motivation and support of a close-knit community. This guide will take you through the essential steps to effectively perform small group personal training, fostering a sense of community while delivering impactful results.
In the realm of fitness, personalized attention and camaraderie often go hand in hand. Small group personal training has emerged as a powerful approach that combines individualized coaching with the motivation and support of a close-knit community. As a fitness professional, leading small group sessions offers a dynamic and rewarding way to guide clients toward their goals. This guide will take you through the essential steps to effectively perform small group personal training, fostering a sense of community while delivering impactful results.
1. Plan Ahead for Diversity
Small group training typically involves 2 to 6 participants, which means you'll likely encounter a variety of fitness levels, goals, and abilities. Before starting your sessions, gather information about each participant's fitness history, objectives, and any potential limitations. Tailor your workouts to accommodate this diversity, ensuring that everyone benefits and progresses safely.
2. Design Comprehensive Workouts
Creating workouts for a small group involves striking a balance between individualization and group dynamics. While each participant may have unique goals, your sessions should have a common theme. Include a warm-up, strength training, cardio elements, and cool-down. Incorporate variations and modifications to cater to different fitness levels while maintaining a cohesive experience. If you need help organizing your workouts, we recommend checking out our fitness program building software to save you time + provide a better experience for your clients.
3. Utilize Functional Training
Functional training, which involves movements that mimic real-life activities, is an ideal approach for small group personal training. It engages multiple muscle groups, enhances overall fitness, and improves daily functionality. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, kettlebell swings, and resistance band work to keep the sessions engaging and effective.
4. Foster Interaction and Community
One of the key benefits of small group training is the sense of community it cultivates. Encourage participants to interact, support each other, and share their progress. This camaraderie not only boosts motivation but also creates a positive and supportive atmosphere that keeps clients coming back.
5. Provide Individualized Attention
While the focus is on the group, don't neglect individual attention. Walk around during sessions to observe form and technique, and offer corrections and guidance as needed. This personal touch enhances safety, prevents injuries, and ensures that participants are getting the most out of each exercise.
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We interviewed Arian Soltero - one of the head's of programming for Mayweather Fitness worldwide - to learn about his 3 hot tips for small group training.
- Program. Program. Program. You will always benefit from laying out a routine the same way you would map out a private session or one on one coaching. Keep it simple, include a 5-8 minute warm up, 45 minute workout and a 5-7 minute parasympathetic-cooldown-stretch portion.
- There is no "one size fits all" to fitness, so I'd recommend having different styles of group training sessions. Some folks enjoy or benefit from athletic development and explosive training versus general weight lifting but you can be prepared by having sessions geared towards one or the other!
- Ask for feedback, reviews and REFERRALS! Feedback will help you include what the participants want as much as what they NEED. Reviews will help other customers find you and trust that you aren't just another bootcamp in a sea of throw-random-exercises-at-you trainers. And last but not least, referrals will help your small group sessions grow to an ideal size with people that possibly know and enjoy each other's company. (P.s. anything more than ten individuals would be considered a class, not a small group...keep it INTIMATE!)
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6. Offer Progression and Challenges
As participants progress, they'll need continuous challenges to keep their motivation high and their bodies adapting. Gradually increase the intensity of workouts, introduce new exercises, and incorporate higher-level variations. Providing opportunities for participants to achieve milestones and personal records adds a sense of achievement to their fitness journey.
7. Keep Communication Open
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful small group training. Clearly explain each exercise, its purpose, and the correct technique. Encourage participants to ask questions and voice any concerns. Regularly check in with them to gauge their progress, gather feedback, and adjust the training plan accordingly.
8. Incorporate Partner and Team Activities
Variety is key to maintaining engagement. Include partner and team activities that require collaboration and coordination. These activities not only inject fun into the sessions but also foster a strong sense of camaraderie and accountability among participants.
9. Schedule Sessions Strategically
When scheduling your small group sessions, consider the preferences and availability of your participants. Offer a variety of time slots to accommodate different lifestyles. Additionally, keep the group size manageable to ensure you can provide adequate attention to everyone.
10. Track Progress and Celebrate Achievements
Regularly track each participant's progress, whether it's improvements in strength, endurance, or body composition. Celebrate milestones and achievements as a group, highlighting the progress made by individual participants. This positive reinforcement boosts morale and reinforces the sense of accomplishment.
Conclusion
Small group personal training is a rewarding and effective approach that combines the benefits of personalized coaching and a supportive community. By planning diverse workouts, fostering interaction, providing individualized attention, and offering both challenges and celebrations, you can create a dynamic and engaging experience for your participants. As you guide them toward their fitness goals, the bonds formed within the group will extend beyond the gym, creating a network of individuals committed to their health and well-being.
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Are you new to personal training? Read these articles to get started on growing your business:
- How to price your online training
- How To Attract Clients as a Personal Trainer
- What insurance should I get as a personal trainer?
Want to start training online? Sign-up on WeStrive and start growing your business instantly - train.westrive.com/signup
About the Author:
Cory McKane
Cory is a huge fan of fitness - and an even bigger fan of helping you with your fitness. He's started on his journey with WeStrive back in 2015 and has been building it ever since.
