If you’re ready to make some changes to your health or fitness regimen, you might be weighing the options of hiring a personal trainer or attending your gym’s group fitness classes. Which is right for you? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each:

• Money: Might as well get this one out of the way first. Personal training is a heftier monetary commitment than group fitness classes, which are typically included free of charge in your gym membership. We’re going to examine WHY a personal trainer is worth your hard-earned dollars, but regardless, your finances will need to be considered when making this decision.
• Accountability: If you’re the type of person who is likely to flake out on their workout then a personal trainer is going to greatly enhance your adherence to the program. However, if you are a self-motivated person and will regularly attend classes, then this may not be an issue for you.
• Safety: If you’re new to working out, or if you’re dealing with a certain injury or health issue, you will benefit from someone checking your form and making sure you’re exercising in a safe and effective manner. But if you’ve been working out for a while and feel comfortable with form and placement, a group fitness class will be sufficient. But even in group fitness classes, be extra careful that your form is correct and ask the instructor for guidance, if needed.
• Intimidation/Feeling Comfortable – I hear from many of my personal training clients that they don’t feel confident enough for group fitness classes. Confidence definitely grows the more you workout so this shouldn’t be a permanent situation. A personal trainer can give clients the ego boost they need to feel confident enough to walk into classes.
• Variety – Yes, there’s a certain amount of variety that can be achieved with personal training but certainly not to the degree of group fitness classes. If you like a lot of variety in your workouts and want everything from Zumba to Yoga to Boot Camp, your gym’s class schedule should be able to accommodate. But if that’s not your thing and you’re looking for more straightforward workouts geared toward a specific goal, personal training is going to be your best bet.
• Sociability – Often, group fitness classes provide a community and people go as much to see their friends as they do to get a workout. Personal trainers don’t offer the group dynamic but often become a confidant to their clients as they share goals, issues, things going on in their lives, etc. 
• Goals – And, speaking of goals, that’s really the most important factor to consider. What is your fitness goal? If it’s to have fun, not get bored, keep your spending low and see fitness friends, try group fitness classes. If you have a very specific fitness goal you want to achieve or an injury you’re working back from, you need accountability and like individualized instruction, then you would enjoy a personal trainer.

 

I hope these points help you in your journey to better health and in making the decision that is right for you! If I can answer any questions about personal training with GirlPower Fitness in Austin or our small group fitness classes that occur Monday-Friday at 10:45 am, please shoot me an email at whitney@girlpoweraustin.com.