By: Adam Pounds, EIM Owner
With a new year comes a fresh start, and with every new year there are sure to be countless people resolving to take control of their health and fitness during the next 12 months. Making the decision to improve your health and taking action toward achieving your fitness goals is great, but unfortunately many abandon their efforts by mid-February.
This year, let’s put the old cliché about failed new year’s resolutions to bed for good.
Obviously you don’t have to wait until the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31 to create new wellness goals or to revamp your fitness routine, but no matter what time of the year you choose to make a change, taking charge of your health and fitness can be very overwhelming in the beginning— and that’s okay!
The most important element in trying to achieve your fitness goals is to find a routine, environment, trainer, etc. that works for you. Some people are motivated by the energy of a group workout, others prefer the individualized support of a one-on-one personal training session.
If you aren’t sure which setting is right for you, we’re here to help!
Private Personal Training vs. Group Training: Things to consider
To help you decide what fitness setting you will excel in, you should consider the elements of F.I.T.T., which is an acronym for frequency, intensity, time and type. Before deciding whether you want to go forward with a group or personal training program, you should take into account the factors listed above.
How often do you want to workout? What intensity of exercise are you comfortable with? What’s your everyday schedule like, and how will your fitness routine fit into it? And what type of workouts/exercise are interesting in trying?
Figuring out the answers to these questions will give you better clarity about which style of training will best motivate you and set you up for success. If you are still unsure and need a specific breakdown of the what group and personal training entails, read on!
You should consider personal training if…
- You want a customized workout plan tailored to your needs and goals.
- You want a professional trainer guiding you with their undivided attention.
- You are preparing for an upcoming event such as a pageant, marathon, sports competition, wedding, etc.
- You have particular needs because of current or former health issues and/or injuries.
Personal training, also known as one-on-one training, will provide you with a workout plan that is perfectly designed to ensure your needs are met and your goals are achieved. With a personal trainer you will have greater control over the times you workout during which you will have your trainer’s full attention. Working one-on-one with a trainer will help keep you motivated and focused, allowing you to reach maximum productivity during gym-time.
While breaking a sweat in a group setting is always a great option, we have found that when clients work with a personal trainer on a plan specific to them, they tend to reach their set goals quicker. If you’re prepping for a wedding, competition or another big event, and need to get in shape quickly, or if you need more individualized attention, working with a personal trainer might be best for you.
You should consider group training if…
- You feel most comfortable working out with people at similar fitness levels to you.
- You don’t feel like you need a custom fitness plan.
- You want an accountability partner other than your trainer.
- You feel most motivated when working out with other people.
If you feed off of others’ energy when exercising or don’t need as much individual attention from your trainer, then group training might be your cup of tea! But if you need a more tailored plan and individual attention, but still want an accountability partner other than your trainer, that’s a possibility too.
With two-on-one training, also known as duo training, you can have the best of both worlds! You get to have the accountability partner of your choosing and still have the flexibility of a customized fitness plan.
Personal Training at EIM in Birmingham, AL
Whether you want to run with the pack or fly solo, at EIM we have the tools to help you crush your fitness goals, no matter how big or small. If you have any questions about which exercise setting is best for you, call us anytime at (205) 396-8352, and we’ll be happy to help you figure it out!
Learn more about private personal training and group training with EIM Personal Training in Birmingham, AL
Exercise Is Medicine (EIM) is an elite personal training studio located in Mountain Brook, Alabama. We believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! With a holistic approach to health, fitness and wellness, the EIM team works to understand your fitness goals, help you identify and develop wellness priorities, and address your specific health and fitness challenges. Through this understanding, we’re able to design a fitness and wellness plan specifically tailored to you.