Exercise boot camps evolving, rebranding

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/11/2015 (3640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

‘BOOT camp” seems like an arbitrary and sometimes inappropriate term for an exercise session. Young suburban moms sign up for an exercise course like a wet-behind-the-ears 18-year-old signs up for basic training — without a clue about what they are getting themselves into.

The nondescript term ‘boot camp’ that typically describes a personal trainer’s (or some unqualified type from the local gym) attempt to put together a gritty and gruelling workout for a group of participants, is being replaced with the more appropriate term ‘group personal training.’ While the term seems like an oxymoron, it really is the perfect blend of training for most individuals seeking the ultimate gym experience.

Marrying personal training and boot camps is the not-so-new fitness trend that just seems to make sense. While the big-box gyms used to be an environment full of extremes — headband-wearing aerobics girls, cut-off shirt paired with parachute pants gym-rats and well-todo Gucci-clad personal-training clients — the popularity of smaller fitness studio gyms (including, but not limited to Cross Fit) has led to a middle ground for people seeking the best results for their money. Personal, one-onone training is a luxury most gym-goers can’t afford, as monthly training bills can easily top a few hundred dollars, while exercise classes focus on instruction rather than coaching.

Group personal training offers the best of both worlds.

What group personal training should look like: 15 or fewer people performing a workout pre-designed specifically for that group, done at their own pace, under the watchful eye of a certified fitness professional who can coach on technique and modify exercises as needed for the individual.

 

GROUP TRAINING PROS:

Group personal training flourishes because of money and motivation. Many group personal training rates are a fraction of the price of personal training — even cheaper if you find a deal on Groupon (pun absolutely intended), so your hard-earned money goes further. The other M — motivation — is intrinsic to any group activity. You will undoubtedly work harder in a group setting than on your own for various reasons, from (healthy) competition to support and accountability. Many training groups become friends and rely on one another for support far beyond the realm of fitness.

 

GROUP TRAINING CONS:

Deterrents to group personal training exist for those who want to seriously improve their lifting or training skill, or those who need to do so. One-on-one personal training can’t be beat for those craving better technique, be it lifting, boxing, running, etc., otherwise, most people fall into the category that can safely train in a group setting. At the other end of the bell curve are those that may be limited by their body type, lack of body awareness (just uncoordinated), or an injury or disability. It may be unsafe for this population to train in a general fitness group because a coach is unable to watch every participant’s every move. It should be noted there are many chronic disease / disability group personal-training programs around the city that do wonders for participants.

 

TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

FIT: Different gyms offer different formats of group training. Do your research and ask as many questions as needed to make the right decision for you. Many programs will give you the opportunity to take an introductory class or several classes on the cheap (or free).

GROUP SIZE: If a group exceeds 15 participants, it becomes difficult for the trainer to provide adequate contact with each individual. This, of course, differs with location (design of the gym), variability of group participants and the trainer. Is the session drop-in based or is the group a set size?

YOUR GOAL: Whether it be weight loss, “mad gainz,” or you just want a hard workout to increase your fitness, there is a group personal training setting that should meet your needs. Think about what you want to achieve, and find the right program for you.

THE TRAINER: In the group personal training setting you may have the continuity of the same trainer every time, or the variation of a new trainer; both formats offer advantages and disadvantages. In either format, the trainer(s) should possess adequate certification to train you safely and effectively. The regulation of gyms and the term “personal trainer” is limited. Proceed with caution and ask questions about education, credentials and liability insurance.

For most, group personal training is the perfect blend of group motivation without the thump-thump music of an aerobics class, and professional coaching of a personal trainer without the hefty price tag. What was once considered a trend, is here to stay, thanks to its cost-effectiveness for both trainer and participant.

Tim Shantz is a certified athletic therapist and personal trainer. You can reach him at tim@mordenphysiotherapy.ca.