A common question we hear in the fitness world is – is Personal Training worth it? Before we unpack this question, let’s first clarify – are we asking if it’s worth the time, or money?
Money, money, money
Usually, when this question arises, it’s about the cash. With a whole range of free and budget fitness options out there from 24 hour access gyms to apps online for home workouts, paying for Personal Training can feel like a huge step up in expense, and perhaps even a luxury. It’s not uncommon for us to hear “Personal Training is expensive” or “Why is Personal Training so expensive” – so – let’s first address the elephant in the room! Why the [relatively] high price?
1-on-1 attention
In a large group fitness class, the coach’s attention is divided between all the attendees. Picture a classic body burn or bootcamp class in your local school hall or similar – some of these classes allow up to 40 participants, and often the trainer is delivering the entire workout routine themselves, so they aren’t actually even coaching at all. It may be a great workout – but in terms of individual attention and coaching? It can be as little as zero. These trainers aren’t so much coaches, but more facilitators of the workout. They demo and deliver, but are unlikely to be able to customise the workout for the individual, or provide 1 on 1 feedback to help each participant get the most out of the class.
By contrast, in a Personal Training session, all of the attention is on you. Your Personal Trainer will not only find out about your goals and write a programme to suit, but will spend your whole session focussed on you, coaching and checking your form, encouraging and pushing at all the right moments. In terms of cost – you’re receiving 40x the attention of the aforementioned group class… so it should come as no surprise that this comes at a higher price point. The good news? It’s highly unlikely to be 40x the price of a group class! So – whilst it may feel expensive – in terms of attention, it’s actually incredible value for money.
About Time
Personal training sessions can vary in duration. At SCFIT we offer 30 minute skill sessions and 60 minute personal training sessions, and with a range of time slots available throughout the day, it’s a very flexible option for the busy adults with a jam packed schedule.
Not only is Personal Training a great solution if you struggle to make standard class times, but it’s also a very time-efficient way of working out. In a group class, there is inevitably some time occupied by group management and answering questions, so in a full hour session, not every second will be dedicated to you and your work out. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – there are of course a huge range of plus points to enjoying fitness as a group! But – if you’re looking to maximise every second in the gym, working with a Personal Trainer could be just the ticket.
Personal Training sounds great – but I can’t afford it
We hear you – not everyone is in a position to be able to pay for a Personal Trainer. So if the question is no longer Is Personal training worth it, and more How can I afford personal training, we have some good news: SCFIT offers a brilliant solution.
The Middle Ground
At SCFIT, our group classes are kept small, so you won’t be lost in a crowd of 40 people wondering what’s going on! Your CrossFit Coach will not only know your name, but they will know your goals, experience, how you move, and will support you on your individual journey. It’s our business to help you, and meet you where you’re at. Even in a full CrossFit class at SCFIT, you’ll receive individualised coaching and instruction for you. It’s the perfect balance between Personal Training, but enjoying the camaraderie and social event of a group fitness class, all at an affordable price point.
CrossFit’s Adaptable Nature
By nature, CrossFit is adaptable and scalable to the individual, so unlike a ‘normal’ group fitness class where everyone is doing the same movements, your CrossFit workout can be tweaked and adjusted to suit your goals. Nursing a shoulder niggle, and the class is strict press? The coach can provide a shoulder-friendly alternative, even if it looks completely different – you’ll still leave the session feeling happier, and fitter! Not ready to hang from a bar, and the class features toes to bar? No problem! The coach will provide a range of options including some floor-based movements whilst you build up your grip strength to tackle hanging further down the line.
Hybrid Memberships
If you’re looking to fast-track your progress and spend time working 1 on 1 towards a particular skill or goal, but perhaps don’t have the budget for regular Personal Training, SCFIT has a range of Hybrid membership options where you can opt for a single PT session per month in addition to your CrossFit Classes, so you can get the best of both worlds. This regular 1 on 1 time working with a Personal Trainer is your time to work on exactly what you want, and a chance to take the tips and advice away with you back into group classes so you can nail those special goals.
One-off Personal Training and Semi-Private Training
Did you know, at SCFIT you can also book one-off ad-hoc Personal Training sessions with a Personal Trainer of your choosing? AND did you know that SCFIT offers Semi-Private Training too – where you can have a joint personal training session with a friend? It’s true! If you want to book a one off session for a specific purpose (perhaps you’re training for an event and need some individual tips, or maybe you’ve struggle to make progress with a particular movement) then booking a one off session with a Personal Trainer could be the answer.
And if budget is a little tight – consider buddying up with a friend who shares similar goals, and ask about SCFIT’s Semi-Private Training options. It’s a cost effective way to gain some individual coaching, and you may even learn from the tips and advice they give your personal training partner, too.
So – Is Personal Training Worth it?
Absolutely! AND – with a range of options from hybrid group class memberships right the way through to dedicated 1-on-1 Personal Training, SCFIT has a solution for every budget. For more information about Personal Training options at SCFIT, chat to a coach! If you’re an existing member, simply email us or chat to a CrossFit coach in the gym. If you’re new here, book a free No Sweat Intro to sit down with a Personal Trainer and find out which fitness membership option will align best with your budget and goals.