The concept of personal training has changed a lot over the years. In the days of the big-box gym, a personal trainer was someone who walked the floor looking for people who’d be willing to spend extra money to have their workout supervised.
A personal training session was basically an appointment where you had someone tell you what exercises to do, in what order, and that was pretty much it. Doesn’t sound very personal, does it?
To us, personal training doesn’t have to be 1-on-1 to be personal. It can be, but doesn’t have to be. In my experience, a creative trainer with a plan and the ability to service members of multiple ability levels at once can be a game-changer.
First, it’s more fun to work out with other people. Also, personal training in a group setting is much more cost-effective for the member, while still providing the individualized program and personal attention.
Here’s how this might look in a 5-person session with members at different stages of their fitness journey:
Member 1 is experienced with strength training and is not limited with injuries so she’s following a program that includes lunges, push-ups on the floor, and box jumps.
Member 2 is similar to member 1, but she has lower back pain caused by a herniated disc. Because of this, we start with a few specific warm-ups to get her back warmed up, add in some core exercises to add support to her back, and make sure her exercises are not putting too much pressure on her lower back.
Members 3 and 4 are two friends who just recently started exercising, so they’ll be doing a circuit of bodyweight, resistance bands and TRX exercises, with some core and corrective exercise to help build a strong foundation.
Member 5 has had rotator cuff surgery in her right shoulder so we're focusing on exercises that strengthen her upper back and support her shoulders, such as rows, while avoiding anything overhead.
All five of these members can enjoy working out together while following a program that all gets them closer to their specific goals - with exercises that are appropriate and safe for them.
Yes, personal training has changed … and I’d argue, for the better!
Your friend and coach,
Ben Miknis
Co-owner of The Mason Transformation Center
