Fitness trends come and go. It can be hard to keep up with all the latest ideas and confusing to interpret the research.
But one fitness trend that is built to last is small group training.
Small group training is an exercise program that is led by a qualified instructor to a group of fewer than 10 participants. Small group training is taught by using weights, indoor bikes, doing yoga, playing tennis, and many other fitness methods.
In a small group class, you get skillful guidance, personalized attention, and camaraderie with your classmates.
Paseo Club offers several small group training programs.
- Extreme HIIT is a high-intensity ultra- challenging program.
- Functionally Fit is a low-impact class great for burning fat and boosting heart health.
- Core Strength is for focused work on the hips, back, pelvis, and abdomen.
- Tennis drills are available for boosting your skills on the court.
- Pilates classes are for strengthening your core and stretching tight muscles.
- Functional Fitness is a great comprehensive class for full-body fitness.
- Hip Hop is for dancing your way to cardiovascular health.
- Greatest Results is a workout and nutrition program run by certified nutritionists, Cezanne and Trish. Participants have small group workouts each week as well as nutrition help, meal planning, and trips to the grocery store.
- HIIT 60 in 30 is a 30-minute long high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class that will push your cardiovascular limits
In this article, you will learn how small-group training marries all the benefits of private and large-group training into one effective, challenging, and fun package.
Why is small group training better than other options?
There are several approaches to getting and staying fit. But how does small group training stack up to the other systems?
Small group training vs training on your own
Training on your own puts all the responsibility on your shoulders.
It requires strict discipline to make time to exercise, to make your workout challenging, to have perfect form so that you are safe, and to know how to warm up and cool down properly.
Small group training fosters accountability not only from your coach but also from your peers.
This leads to greater exercise adherence and consistency. Of course, small group training brings fun and competitiveness to class, which is hard to create on your own.
Small group training vs large group training
In large group classes, everyone performs the same exercise altogether regardless of ability. It can be impersonal. Your needs, questions, or concerns can get lost in the shuffle, and the instructors can’t always correct movements in a large group.
The coach in a small group training class gets to know each individual and creates a personalized, safe, and effective experience. The coach can easily offer corrections and appropriate modifications and progressions.
Small group training vs private training
Private training is the most expensive training option.
It may be worth the cost in specific situations, such as if you are recovering from an injury or surgery or are nervous about being in a group setting.
But for most people, most of the time, private training simply isn’t necessary.
Small group classes cost a fraction of the price.
They provide participants with a social and competitive environment that is fun and challenging. The class size is small enough that each person still gets lots of attention from the instructor.
Why are instructor-led exercise programs so effective?
When experienced trainers lead a class they use their expertise and knowledge to develop a challenging, diverse, and well-rounded program.
Varied workouts target multiple muscle groups that you may have never used before. This helps you become a stronger and more developed athlete.
By training your entire body, you can even correct muscle imbalances.
How does the social component affect people in small group training?
TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More.
The camaraderie that comes from regularly training together facilitates bonding and a sense of connection and inspires participants to work harder.
When people exercise in a small group, they get incredible results in their physical, mental, and emotional health. In one study, researchers found that people who participate in group training have:
- Increased physical fitness
- Decreased stress
- Improved mental health
- Improved emotional health and overall sense of well-being
Do people become more fit by attending small group training?
Participants in small group training classes tend to establish relationships and make friends with other people in the group. This helps to create healthy social norms that are demonstrated in a myriad of ways.
- Improve mood
- Boosts motivation
- Increases fitness levels
- Satisfies psychological needs
- Increases healthy food choices
- Increases consistent class attendance
- Improves attitudes toward physical fitness
Does small group training help to prevent injuries?
YES!
A fitness coach who focuses on 10 or fewer people helps to prevent injuries. The coach can keep an eye on all the participants and help cue and correct people's forms much more effectively.
The coach knows how to warm up and cool down correctly which also helps to mitigate injuries.
Final steps to joining a small group training class
If you are looking to get back into exercising after a long break, or if you feel like your workout needs to get bumped up a notch, then small group training is both an effective and affordable way to do this.
The Paseo Club is launching its three favorite small group training programs — Extreme HIIT, Functionally Fit, and Core Strength. They are starting now and are available ongoing throughout the year.
To sign up for a small group class you can go to the online fitness calendar.
If you are not yet a member, you can sign up easily when you get a tour of the Paseo Club.
If you are interested in learning more about different fitness methods, you may enjoy the following articles:
- Paseo Tribe Extreme HIIT and how it compares to CrossFit
- Cardio vs Strength Training (and which is the best for you)
- Top 12 reasons to cycle for fitness
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