As gym owners, when it comes to our offers we are quick to look at the popular trends in the industry. Lately, the most common debate is whether you should offer group training vs. personal training. While small group training has been the largest trend in the gym business (F45, Madabolic, OrangeTheory, etc.), integrating one-on-one personal training on top of group training is not only profitable but also offers a personable touch to connect with your clients which leads to better retention. In this blog, we'll explore further why offering personalized training sessions alongside group classes can broaden your gym's offerings and benefit specific clients.
1. Tailored Approach for Individual Goals
All individuals are not created equal, and you will likely have several clients with unique fitness goals and/or injury history. One of the most significant advantages in providing one-on-one personal training is the ability to tailor workouts specifically to those particular individuals. Group classes offer a fantastic atmosphere and stimulus, but personal training allows for a deeper level of customization. Whether a client is aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, injury rehabilitation, or specific athletic performance improvements, personal training can address their needs and provide a more precise and white glove style service.
2. Profitability and Earning Power
As business owners, we know the key to success is scalability and small group classes provide scale to a gym. These specialized training services in a one-on-one offer won’t take away from your scaling opportunity if the sessions can take place alongside or without interfering with your group classes. When done correctly, group classes can be utilized as an effective lead generator tool for upselling 1-1 specialized training with your current clients already in the gym.
A one-on-one training offer can also self-motivate your coaches with an opportunity to generate additional revenue for themselves and for the gym when they aren’t coaching a group class. As gym owners we can also incentivize our coaches by looking at ways to subsidize training and certifications so that coaches can be formally trained in specific services they would like to provide.
3. Flexible Scheduling and Convenience
Personal training also offers more flexibility in scheduling for an individual unlike group classes with fixed schedules. This flexibility is valuable for clients with busy lifestyles, erratic work schedules, or specific time constraints. Whether they prefer early morning workouts, lunchtime sessions, or evening appointments, personal trainers can accommodate their needs. Additionally, using a gym management software such as GymStudio, gym owners can publish a group schedule and one-on-one schedule for members to see and book, making it streamlined to fill up space and time for everyone involved.
4. Maximizing Revenue & Client Satisfaction
Even though one-on-one training isn’t lucrative from a scaling perspective, personal training can still be a lucrative revenue stream because it commands higher rates due to its personalized nature and individualized attention. By diversifying your offerings, you can attract a broader range of clients and cater to those who are willing to invest in premium services. Additionally, satisfied clients who achieve their goals through personal training are more likely to become loyal advocates for your gym, leading to increased referrals and retention rates.
One-on-one personal training brings tailored workouts, focused attention, accountability and flexibility as a complement to small group training. It provides an avenue of growth for your business and your coaches and fosters a positive client relationship. By integrating this service into your gym's offerings, you not only enhance the overall client experience but also position your business for sustained growth and success in the competitive fitness industry.