I recently had a new client reach out to me because she was interested in registering for our Small Group Training Classes. This particular individual had informed me that she was reluctant to join our Group Classes at first due to our higher than average industry rates. With that said, after some less than stellar experiences in some group fitness classes offered throughout the city, along with some added pressure from one of her close friends (who also happens to be a long term client of ours), this new client was finally persuaded to give our classes a try. To say that the feedback I received from our new client after her first two classes (a lower body workout and an upper body workout) shocked me, would be an understatement. In fact, her feedback made me more aware than ever before that there is a SERIOUS PROBLEM in the Fitness Industry when it comes to Group Class Training.
You Really Do Get What You Pay For
I’ve always been a bit skeptical to sign up for services that seem ridiculously low priced. I understand that many companies use the terms “sale” and “free” as marketing tools in order to generate new business. However whenever I see these terms, I often wonder to myself – Why are these companies devaluing their own services? Do they not believe in the product in which they are selling? To me, offering a service on “sale” or “free” or at a ridiculously low price, shows me that the company is not confident in the services in which they are providing. As a consumer and potential client, not only does this concern me, but more often than not, it actually scares me away.
When it comes to interval training that includes a combination of weights and cardiovascular exercises, added into a high intensity circuit, there is little to no room for error. One slight mishap could make all the difference between an acute injury vs a chronic injury. Bad form that goes unnoticed or technique that is not being executed properly, will not only lead to a list of potential serious injuries, but will also lead to a lack of significant results. This in turn will lead to frustration from the client (who is aware they are not receiving proper instruction from the trainer). Eventually the client leaves the company (or stays because he/she is completely clueless of what a properly designed and structured workout SHOULD look like).
Sound familiar?
Why It’s Not The Trainer’s Fault
Now before we go blaming the poor defenceless Trainer who is teaching your Grossly Discounted/Overly Saturated Group Fitness Class for being a lousy Instructor who doesn’t correct form and teach proper technique, let’s stop and consider a few things first.
1) How Many People Are In Your Group Class? If the answer is more than 8 Participants, do you honestly think it’s realistic for this Trainer to be able to correct everyone’s form at the same time?
2) How Many Of These People Has Your Trainer Worked With On a Consistent Basis? Does your Trainer even know all of your names? If not, it’s not his or her fault. Thanks to ridiculous Drop-In Apps like ClassPass that allows random people to drop into random Group Fitness Classes, you can’t expect your Trainer to be able to create a safe and effective workout, without having ANY knowledge of any of your previous/current injuries, physical limitations or health history.
3) How Much Does Your Group Class Session Cost? If the answer is less than $20/class, then I probably don’t even need to make a point here. But for the Trainer’s sake, I will. Low Budget Group Classes equate to Low Hourly Wage for your Trainer. If there is no added incentive for a reputable, knowledgeable and experienced Trainer to teach your Group Class, do you really think he/she is going to teach it? I mean would you? Nobody loves fitness that much!
Invest In Your Health
I understand that many people are on tight budgets based on their annual income. And I would never want someone to overextend themselves or put themselves into severe debt in order to build muscle, lose fat, and transform their physiques. However, what I would advise someone to do who is working with a tight budget but at the same time does care about their health and fitness, would be to try and strategically budget for the Fitness Classes that are not only deemed safe and effective, but structured in the following format:
1) No More Than 8 Participants Per Class – Too many people equate to too many mistakes going unnoticed by the Instructor
2) Same Instructor for Same Class – I understand this is not always possible, however the more consistent the Instructor is with the class that he or she is teaching, the more familiar they will be with the class, and the better they will be able to teach it.
3) No Random Drop-Ins – Commit yourself to a regular weekly fitness schedule. Yes, sometimes you might have to miss a class or two due to work conflicts/family obligations, but for the most part, you should be able to schedule in a regular group class routine throughout the week. Look for companies that DO NOT offer random drop-in classes. I promise you that the service you’ll receive will be unbeatable when compared to most other classes that take in unlimited drop-ins at any given time.
4) Don’t Go Too Cheap – Take it from someone who has worked in this Industry for over twenty years now. There are no experienced, knowledgeable and reputable Personal Trainers that are going to teach a Group Class unless they feel they are being paid they’re worth. Why would they? The best trainers usually have full rosters and are in high demand to work with the general public. As much as many of us enjoy what we do for a living, I’m certain that most of us (including yourselves) are not going to do it for free or at a large pay cut. Unless it’s purely for volunteer work or a class that is raising money for a charity, skip the discounted classes, I guarantee that you will not regret it.
So are Group Fitness Classes at risk of becoming extinct? I sure hope not however if this “one size fits all” / “copy & paste” format continues to spread in order to increase profit margins, my concern is that they will continue to become heavily diluted and just known as another “cheap service”.
“Good Work Ain’t Cheap. Cheap Work Ain’t Good.”
Norman Collins
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance