When I first started as a personal trainer it was kind of ingrained into me that personal training and weights programs were the best and only way to train. Group classes were a bit of a waste of time and didn’t push you or benefit you greatly. Well like all things in the health industry…it depends.

Before I became a pt I joined a gym, I fluffed around on the cardio equipment and it took me 6 months to build the

confidence to enter the class studio. Yep 6 months for a group class and I never even thought i’d ever venture into the weights area. It started with a spin class and I tell you I could not sit down the next day! I tried all your typical classes, Body Pump, Body Combat, pilates, dance, even step class. Sometimes I admit I was not working out very hard but gee I had a lot of fun, I became addicted to classes, I even lost weight too.  When I did do my personal training course it opened up another world to me, my knowledge  about the body and how to train it properly. Here’s where I climb the fence and sit on it. There is room in your training life for both classes and weights/pt/individual programs.

Six months after becoming a personal trainer I wanted to teach some classes as well. I branched off and taught ABT (abs butts and thighs) and I have not stopped since! I love teaching group classes, the social dynamic of class is awesome, we’re all there to work out and have a bit of fun too. You make friends in class and are not relying on yourself for all your motivation, all you have to do is get to class and your instructor will push you through.

Let’s get my concerns over group training out of the way first.

• In certain weight classes (lets keep it nameless) lies my greatest concern. Very high reps with usually unsuitable weights being used I.e too heavy!
• I’ve seen a lot of instructors injured from this class..yep instructors.
• I think it’s a great way for beginners to be introduced to weights but make sure you let your instructor know you’re new. With popular classes it’s hard for the instructor to watch and correct everyone, i’ve seen some awful postures and technique from this class. 
• In my experience people who only do classes will eventually reach a plateau, so keep things new and keep challenging yourself.

Ok here are the mega positives to classes!

• It’s motivational. Just get yourself to class and feel the good vibes of other people wanting to improve their fitness levels
• Classes can compliment your own training program. I am a massive fan of yoga/pilates and spin. Yoga/pilates offers a way to stretch out your entire body, improve your core strength, balance, overall body tone, posture and has a meditative affect to calm the mind. Spin class offers you that external push from someone else to reach your maximum, improve your cardio and burn lots of calories. Choosing classes that are in line with your goals will get you there a lot quicker 😉
• It’s social. It can get quite boring doing your same old routine, why not throw in a class every now and again. You will meet new people, get motivated and pushed.
• You don’t have to think. Unless you’ve been given a training program would you know exactly what you should be doing for your body and create good workouts regularly? By going to a class you will receive a good workout that you don’t have to even think about, someone has created it for you. Just follow instructions, push yourself and get great results.
• You’re accountable. Class timetables are quite regular and don’t change that often. You can count on them being there. Mark it in your diary and treat it like a doctors appointment, it’s important so you should go.
• Value for money. Depending on whether you do classes at an independent studio, out in the park or as part of your gym membership you will be able to save. Most classes offer discounts for multiple purchases, term bookings or class passes. You will be getting a great workout for about the price of a takeaway meal!

I’ve been running a class with a company for nearly 5 years, the majority of the participants are regulars and have been coming the whole time. Why has it lasted and why have they stuck to it for 5 years? Because they know they will be receiving a good full body workout. For some of those people it’s the only opportunity they get to exercise. The class feels like a group of friends all exercising together and we embrace newbies. In a group class you don’t have to be perfect or compete with anyone else. Just do your best, push yourself and most of all have fun!

Did you know there are new classes coming to the Hills District? BodyTone is coming to you!! For more information click here. If you are interested in personal training or perhaps forming your own group please contact me 🙂