When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, the path you choose matters just as much as the destination. Two of the most popular options include personal training and group fitness classes. Each offers unique benefits depending on your needs, preferences and lifestyle. Understanding the differences between these approaches can help you make a choice that aligns with your goals. Thankfully, Summit has you covered no matter which path you choose!
Whether it’s individualized personal training sessions or group fitness classes, you are still getting the knowledge of a personal trainer. The personal trainer understands proper form, assesses for restrictions, and makes modifications when needed. This knowledge ensures you are able to exercise and move safely both during the workout and the time that comes after.
Group classes deliver generalized fitness expertise designed to serve a broader group of people. Individual personal training sessions will be only you. Since you are the only person with the trainer, the workouts will be specific to what you want to accomplish. Both provide benefits in different ways.
My experience in group settings
I have done both group fitness and personal training sessions. When I was first starting to workout, I worked out independently with only the knowledge of what I found online. I then started going to group classes. To this day, I still enjoy group classes and the majority of my paid fitness experiences have come through group training environments.
I’ve always been drawn to the energy and camaraderie that naturally comes from working out alongside others. There’s something powerful about the encouragement and accountability that a group provides. It helps people show up, push harder, and stay consistent. I’ve also found that many of us tend to underestimate our own abilities. In a group setting, it’s inspiring to see fellow athletes challenge and motivate one another. It provides encouragement to lift heavier, go further, or try something outside of their comfort zone. These moments not only build strength but also foster a deeper sense of connection and confidence within the group. If you have ever been to Summits Tuesday night Strength Class, you know what I mean.
My experience with personal training
I trained with Coach Kubi individually for about 6 months while I was training for an upcoming 25k run. While I developed the running schedule myself, I met with Coach Kubi every Monday at 6 pm for strength training. Every week, I never knew what I was going to do during that session, but I knew Coach Kubi always made my workouts difficult yet meaningful.
He knew the goals I had: run long distances and hike 14ers. He customized my workouts based on those goals. Then he made tweaks and changes every week based on how I was feeling and performing. That is what personal training should look like. Working with him, I made a lot of progress towards my strength and running goals.
Personal Training Sessions Benefits
They are Customized
One of the biggest perks to individualized personal training is the ability to have it customized to you and your goals. Generally, in these types of sessions, it is only you working out with the personal trainer. This means you are getting 100% of their attention during the time you are with them. Your trainer designs the exercises specifically for you, selects the weights specifically for you, and tailors the recovery specifically for you. If goals change, your workouts change.
Since you are spending one-on-one time together, it is important to find a personal trainer that you are comfortable with. Different trainers have different motivation styles, which could either clash or mesh with your personality. Having a trainer who you trust with greatly increases your likelihood to succeed in the sessions.
They are Flexible
Personal training also offers significantly more flexibility when it comes to scheduling sessions. Childcare cancels? Something comes up at work? Working with a personal trainer is generally pretty flexible. Obviously, it is important to be mindful of the trainer and their schedule, but unlike group classes, personal training sessions can usually be rescheduled pretty easily. Group classes are usually at a set date and time every week, and everyone in the group is planning on that scheduled time. If something comes up, you would just need to miss the group class.
Unlike group classes, which are typically offered only at set times, usually in the early morning or later in the evening to accommodate the standard workday, personal training sessions can be arranged to fit almost any schedule. Whether it’s mid-morning, during a lunch break, mid-afternoon, or even late at night. The timing is entirely dependent on what works best for both the trainer and the client. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for people who work non-traditional hours, have rotating schedules, or childcare restrictions.
Group fitness class benefits
Group Settings Provide Outside Motivation
I know for me personally, I am more likely to hold a plank longer or sprint faster when I see other classmates pushing just as hard.
There’s something about the energy of a group setting that inspires healthy competition and motivation. It’s not about beating the person next to you, but rather about realizing you’re capable of more simply because you’re surrounded by people who are challenging themselves too.
Sometimes, progress isn’t planned but happens naturally in this environment. For example, lifting a heavier weight or attempting a higher box jump might not have been part of your original plan for the day, but becomes a necessity in class. Since gym equipment is often shared in these settings, there are times when you’ll need to adjust the weight you’re using, either heavier or lighter, depending on what’s available. This can push you out of your comfort zone in the best way, encouraging you to lift more than you thought you could.
For me personally, this was a huge factor in building my confidence. We often don’t know how strong we are until we are put in a situation where we need to push ourselves. I would find myself leaving every Tuesday night strength classes feeling accomplished and stronger than I felt an hour prior.
Group Settings Allow Shared Experiences
If you attend the climbing fitness class at Summit, chances are you will meet others interested in climbing or have a climbing-related goal. This is a great way to meet others with similar goals and shared experiences. Trying to decide what route to take on your climbing trip out west? You may meet someone at one of Summits group classes who knows just what you are looking for and can tell you all about it.
A big source of connection that I have witnessed while being at and working for Summit is comparing climbs at Devils Lake State Park. This State Park is a gem in Wisconsin, and only about 30-40 minutes from the Madison area, making it a popular spot for climbers and hikers. I have overheard countless weekend climbing plans be formed while warming up for a class.
Group Settings Won’t Break the Bank
Since you are not getting direct one-on -one attention, group classes are cheaper per hour than personal training sessions. Group classes are a great option if you want personal trainer experience and knowledge while being on a budget. At Summit, there are class pack options that make each class even cheaper than the drop in price. Reach out to Summit to get specific information on prices!
Virtual Personal Training Programs
Maybe you’re thinking you want the customization of working with a personal trainer, but in a more budget-friendly, relaxed environment? Or maybe you want to work with a Summit trainer but aren’t close to the gym geographically. Summit offers individualized workout programs based on what goals you’re looking to crush. These programs contained detailed, goal-oriented workouts that you can do anytime, anywhere. Your Summit trainer monitors the programs weekly to see the progress you are making and can adjust as needed. You also meet virtually with the trainer weekly to check in on a more personal level.
So Which is Best?
That decision is for you to decide. Since both offer unique benefits, if I had all the resources in the world, I would structure my workouts throughout the week so I am able to do both personal training and group classes. This way I would get the community benefits of group classes while still getting one-on-one attention from personal training sessions.
One of the best things about Summit is that they offer multiple group classes each week, along with a team of skilled and knowledgeable trainers. The personal trainers at Summit bring a diverse range of expertise and experience to help any mountain athlete improve their movement and performance.
All of the personal trainers at Summit are able to provide additional information about what is available at Summit to help you conquer your next goal. We can’t wait to hear from you!