When it comes to fitness training, there are several options available, ranging from personal one-on-one sessions to large group classes like CrossFit, F45, and Orangetheory. Somewhere in between these extremes is semi-private training, a model that combines the benefits of personal training with the social aspect of group fitness.
Types of Fitness Training
Before diving into semi-private training, let’s briefly review the most common types of fitness training to better understand where semi-private training fits in.
- One-on-One Personal Training: This traditional form of personal training involves one trainer working exclusively with one client. The program is fully customized to meet the client’s specific goals and needs, with the trainer’s undivided attention. This is highly personalized, but can also be more expensive due to the exclusivity.
- Group Fitness Training: Popular programs like CrossFit, F45, and Orangetheory fall under this category. Group fitness involves larger classes, often ranging from 5 to 50 participants, where everyone is doing the same or very similar workout. The primary focus is on building community and providing a challenging workout in a fun, energetic environment. While motivating, the downside is that the workouts are typically generalized, and modifications for individual needs may be limited.
- Small Group Personal Training: In small group personal training, groups of 2 to 6 people train together. Everyone in the group performs either the same workout or a variation of it, with slight modifications for individual needs. This option allows for more individualized attention than large group classes, while still offering a lower cost per session than one-on-one training.
What is Semi-Private Training?
Semi-private training sits between one-on-one personal training and group fitness, offering a blend of the two. It typically involves a small group of 2 to 8 people, but the key distinction is that each person follows their own unique workout plan, tailored specifically to their fitness level, goals, and any other personal considerations. In other words, while clients are working out together in the same space, they are not necessarily doing the same exercises.
This approach combines the personalized attention of personal training with the social benefits of group training, making it an appealing option for many clients. It’s especially effective for people who want individualized programming but also enjoy the motivation and camaraderie that comes from working out in a group setting.
Benefits of Semi-Private Training
Semi-private training offers several advantages for clients, trainers, and gym owners alike:
- Personalization: Clients receive customized workout plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. This can lead to better results compared to a generalized group class where everyone follows the same routine.
- Cost-Effective: Semi-private training is more affordable than one-on-one personal training because the trainer’s attention is divided among several clients. However, it still offers a higher level of personalization than large group fitness classes.
- Social Environment: Like group fitness, semi-private training provides a sense of community and motivation. Clients can interact with each other, share their progress, and encourage one another throughout the session.
- Trainer Benefits: Trainers typically earn higher pay in this model than in group classes because they are providing personalized programming to multiple clients at once. Additionally, managing semi-private sessions can be more engaging for trainers, as they are constantly challenged to adapt to the individual needs of their clients.
- Gym Efficiency: For gym owners, semi-private training is a space-efficient model. Since fewer clients are needed to fill a session, less square footage is required compared to large group classes. Additionally, gym owners may find that managing scheduling is easier because fewer class times are needed to accommodate the same number of clients.
How We Run Semi-Private Training
At our facility, we’ve fine-tuned our semi-private training model to offer the best of both worlds. We run sessions with group sizes ranging from 1 to 6 people. At the start of each session, everyone participates in the same warm-up to get the body ready for exercise. After that, clients break off into their individualized workout routines, which include a mix of strength training, conditioning, and mobility work.
Each client has their own training card that outlines the specific exercises they need to perform based on their goals. This way, every workout is tailored to the individual, ensuring that each person gets the most out of their session. Our trainers closely monitor the group, providing guidance and feedback to each client while managing multiple workout plans simultaneously.
Why Choose Semi-Private Training?
Semi-private training is a great option for those who want a personalized fitness program but also enjoy the social interaction and motivation that comes with training in a group. It offers the structure and support needed to achieve personal goals without the high cost of one-on-one personal training.
By offering individualized attention, a supportive group environment, and cost-effective pricing, semi-private training strikes the perfect balance for many fitness enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to exercise or an experienced athlete, this model can help you reach your fitness goals more effectively while still having fun in a community setting.
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Ian Smith
Owner, Lead Trainer Mountain Speed Strength & Fitness
Evergreen, CO
