Getting into great shape comes with a large number of benefits. Not only will you establish a healthier lifestyle, but there’s also psychological proof that looking good improves your mental state. When beginning your fitness journey, it can be difficult to choose between personal training and group classes. The good news, though, is that it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Personal Training

Working with a personal trainer is relatively commonplace. For some reason, however, can also be intimidating for many people.

Regardless, there are certain attributes that you should consider before deciding whether or not it’s right for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

One of the primary pros of working with a personal trainer is the fact that you will be able to have all of the attention focused on you. As you might guess, this can help prevent mistakes, optimize your training progress, etc.

Those who have special training requirements (such as training around old injuries) will also have the benefit from working with a personal trainer.

Since your trainer will guide you through your journey, you can also decide how quickly you would like to scale your progress. Not everybody has the time or mental energy to give 100% in the gym during each session.

Some people simply want to slowly lose weight or build muscle over time. This allows for much greater flexibility in terms of how they manage the rest of their lifestyle.

Something else to consider is the fact that a trainer will help you target weaknesses that you may have.

Most people have certain muscle groups that grow faster than others. In context, this means that it might be relatively easy for you to build up your arms but your legs may take a bit more work.

Your trainer will immediately recognize problem areas and come up with a plan to help you fix them.

It’s also worth acknowledging that you will be able to develop an ongoing relationship with your trainer. As you get more comfortable, you might even find that your training sessions become therapeutic.

If you find that you need help with recovery, they could also help you implement mobility routines or recommend a massage therapist.

Cons

There aren’t too many drawbacks to working with a personal trainer. The primary one that most people are deterred by is the price.

Depending on who you work with and what gym you train at, personal training costs can quickly add up. The good news is that it’s possible to find high-quality personal trainers at a reasonable price.

Some people are also intimidated by the fact that all of the pressure is put on them. If they don’t perform as intended, or if they aren’t making progress quickly enough, they may begin to feel guilty.

For those who enjoy working out with their friends, personal training prevents you from doing so under most circumstances. So, there’s a chance that you may not find training as enjoyable as you could.

Group Classes

Group classes are fairly diverse and aren’t limited to a certain demographic. In fact, there are group classes available for virtually everyone.

Let’s explore what you need to know about them.

Pros

Most people are drawn to group classes due to the fun, energetic environment. It’s not hard to see why this form of training is often more enjoyable than working out by yourself.

It’s also very music-centric. You will likely be working out to high-energy, upbeat tracks that help keep you focused and motivated.

For those who have a love for music (especially while working out), you’re more likely to feel like you’re on a playground than in a gym.

Classes are also great ways to meet people.

For example, let’s assume that you just moved to a new city. Outside of work, it can be difficult to develop new contacts.

Since group classes are such a social environment, many people go there with the intent to make friends.

As you might guess, group classes are also ideal for corporate wellness sessions.

Above all else, group classes are a great way that you can help relieve stress. So, consider them as a way to unwind after a hard day/week at work

Cons

Since the progression of the group classes will depend on the group as a whole, you may find that you aren’t moving at the ideal speed. So, you may begin to feel as though you are falling short of your goals.

In contrast, you may even feel that the class is progressing too quickly.

Those who are less experienced with their training also run the risk of developing bad habits. This is simply due to the fact that the class instructor may not always be able to discern improper form.

Finally, participants who are not mentally primed to take a group class may not be able to keep up. This is especially true for advanced classes, which can be notably strenuous.

Which Fitness Path Is Right for You?

For those who would like to optimize their progress or are unfamiliar with fitness routines, personal training is the route you should take. For those who enjoy the company of others or would prefer to perform aerobics-based workouts, group training is best.

The above information will help ensure that you choose the ideal option for your situation. From here, you’ll be able to optimize the progress you make.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help.

During 2019, there was a total of over 300,000 personal trainers within the US alone. All of these PTs have been trained and educated in the personal fitness field.

Personal trainers are not just random fitness fanatics who have walked off the street. They have studied and completed exams to become accredited personals trainers. 

Due to this training, there is a vast range of benefits which they can offer you. We have gathered some of the top benefits why using a personal trainer can add to your workout regime.

1. Hire a Personal Trainer to Perfect Your Form

Choosing personal training will not only help you succeed but also lower the risks of injury. PTs have gone through special education to learn everything about the human body.

If you are working out on your own, you may not realize you are doing something wrong. When it comes to your form and posture, the slightest mistake could cause some serious harm. 

A PT will be able to tweak and adjust your form to ensure you are getting the most out of your workout. They will also help you remain as safe as you can during the workout. 

2. Hire Someone Who Can Cover All Aspects

One of the benefits of personal training is that PTs have been trained in all aspects of health and fitness. By working closely with a personal trainer, they will be able to teach you what is actually happening. 

The internet may have the most extensive range of information available on all subjects but a PT will know the difference between what information is helpful and what is harmful. 

The main problem with searching the internet for advice is that it makes it sound so easy for everyone to follow but due to the fact that everyone is different, this may not be the case.  

3. Every Body Is Different

Each of our bodies will be different from those we see around in the gym. The basics may be the same, but a personal trainer will understand the subtle differences.

People will have different abilities from others. This means that you could potentially hurt yourself trying to mimic someone else. Each body will have additional requirements to succeed. 

Some of us may have been injured previously, which requires a particular type of training. If you attempt something new with a previous injury, you could end up causing yourself harm. 

4. Focus On the Long and Short Term Goals

Another fantastic benefit of having a personal trainer is that they will stick with you. No matter your reason for joining a gym, your PT will help you hit all your goals.

Do you have a short-term goal, such as running a marathon or a long-term goal of hitting a certain weight? If so, personal trainers can help you achieve both. 

Once you tell them what your goals are, they will create a personalized workout regime to help you get there. These workouts might include training muscles you may not even know you had.

5. Gain the Challenge You Need to Succeed

When you are running solo through a workout routine, you may find yourself growing bored. This means you may have risen to a level where you don’t see the workout as a challenge anymore. 

This is another of the personal trainer benefits. They will progress you through different levels. They will consistently create a challenge to push your body through to success.

It may turn out that your current workout schedule only needs minor changes. Gaining a fresh pair of eyes could be all you need to create that challenge. They will also push you further past your limits than you would on your own. 

6. A Personal Trainer Will Keep You Motivated

Most of us will have had days when we wake up for the gym at stupid o’clock in the morning. How many have been guilty of turning the alarm off and going back to bed? I know I have.

This is one of the motivational personal training benefits. If you wake up for an early morning session and decide not to attend, your PT will not be happy with you. They will motivate you to participate in every session you book with them.

Finding the right personal trainer to help motivate you shouldn’t be a difficult task. Once you do find the right PT, you will start to reach new potentials with your workout.

7. A Personal Trainer Can Advise on Nutrition

Another of the best benefits of having a personal trainer is, they don’t simply focus on your workout. To become a qualified personal trainer, they will have completed a course on nutrition. 

Together, you will create a nutrition plan so you can work on your fitness outside the gym as well. The food you eat will have a drastic impact on the overall health of your body. 

If you stick to the nutrition plan the PT provides you, you will find both your body and even your mind improving. Personal trainers aren’t solely for gaining muscles. 

Get Help Getting the Body You Want

Taking the step towards hiring a personal trainer might be the best choice you have ever made. Deciding wether you want a healthier body could only be half the battle. 

If you aren’t finding your workouts to be challenging, you may be hindering your progression. Use a PT to help push you towards gaining your perfect body. 

If you live in and around the Boston area, why not drop us a message to see how our personal trainers can help you. We can help you mold your body into the one you have always wanted.

You’ve heard of fitness classes, and your gym probably pushes a bunch of different options on you. Is there something to them or should you just ignore them?

Well, there’s a reason that there are over 100,000 gyms in the US, and almost all of them offer some type of class. There are classes inside and outside, gym and community-organized, and for all different levels and styles of fitness.

There are many reasons why somebody would want to join a fitness class or even just a gym, and it goes far beyond adding extra equipment. There are so many benefits that fitness classes can offer you. Let’s talk about some of them!

Advantages Of Fitness Classes: Exercise Adherence

This is going in the number 1 spot for a reason. It is by far the most important benefit that people get out of fitness classes. Starting an exercise routine is a challenge in itself, but sticking to one is a lot harder.

Studies have shown that people who stick with their routines after 6 months are a lot more likely to stick with them forever. Well, people who started doing group fitness classes had an adherence rate of 66%, compared with 26% in the control group who exercised on their own. That’s a staggering difference.

If you start a workout routine, your body won’t even begin to make serious adaptations until about 4-6 weeks in. You may start seeing minor results after 2, but 4 weeks is the minimum for noticeable bodily changes. However, if you want to see the real benefits of exercise, long-term adherence is the key.

Meet New People

Participating in a new community is the other biggest benefit of trying a group fitness class. People come to fitness classes to socialize every bit as much as exercising. You could make new friends who share your goals or passions and be part of an overall fitness community!

As an adult, it’s hard to make friends outside of work. The only time-tested, perfect way to make new friends is to show up somewhere regularly and interact with them over time. With fitness classes, you know you’re meeting the right kind of people to make friends with. Those who will keep pushing you to do better along with them!

Motivation

It doesn’t matter if you think you’re an exception, everybody performs better when they have company. Reasons may vary, but it’s just a fact. We tend to do our best when we are working alongside others who are working toward similar goals.

Not only that, having a community of people who show up regularly, and getting to know them over time, will certainly help motivate you to come back to the classes every week.

Learn Proper Techniques

Nothing beats starting out with a personal trainer, but you’ll still have a dedicated fitness professional present who can show you how to do movements properly, and correct any mistakes you make.

Your form is super important for building strength and endurance, but also for preventing injuries and imbalances, which will not only affect your fitness career but your life. Don’t be embarrassed if your form is corrected at all. There won’t be a single person in the class, including the trainer, who hasn’t had their form corrected at least once. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand the struggles.

Long-Term Structure And Balance

These classes will be different every time you go, but they will be designed in a way to put you in the best physical shape. The varying techniques, the new knowledge you require, and the progressive structure of these classes will have lasting benefits throughout your fitness career.

You’ll also get the best of all that fitness has to offer! Taking a fitness class comes with the opportunity to become stronger, faster, increase your endurance, your flexibility, your mobility, and even your confidence!

Over time, you’ll start to see drastic results and when a similar workout does come up, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you will have made in such a short period of time. Having people around really does speed up the process.

Increasing all these different aspects of your personal fitness will have effects throughout your entire life! You’ll enjoy playing with your kids more, you’ll find more enjoyment in different activities that involve moving your body, and you’ll just feel better overall!

Advice

Not only will you have an experienced trainer who can offer you fitness and maybe nutritional advice (hiring a nutrition coach is still a great idea), but you’ll have plenty of people around who have been doing this for a while! They’ll be able to tell you what’s worked for them, how they stay in shape outside of class, when they started seeing results, and it will keep you motivated and hungry for more!

It’s Fun

Some will argue that this is the biggest benefit, and that will have plenty of merit! Yes, fitness classes are fun! You meet new people, you interact, you sometimes work in teams, you learn new things, and you face different challenges every time! Sometimes, you’ll even play a game or some kind of activity! 

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet active people who want to have fun outside of class! They may invite you to go on a hike, or a bike ride, or a swim at the beach! The opportunities to have fun are endless!

Join A Class Today!

Now that you know some of the benefits of fitness classes, the time to get started is now! Check out our FREE functional training class offer today, and keep up to date with our latest fitness and nutrition news! Stay safe, stay healthy, and have fun!

Whenever you’re on a weight-loss journey, there typically comes a point that you’re having trouble making noticeable progress. During the most difficult among them, known as the plateau stage, it might feel like you’re not making any progress at all, and won’t again any time soon. 

While this can be frustrating, it’s important to know that this stage will come and go when you figure out the cause of it. Losing weight is scientific, so there’s likely a good reason that you stopped seeing progress, and we’ll get to the bottom of the most common issues. 

These tips will serve you when you’re going through a weight loss plateau and will help you when you want to get to the other side of it. 

Re-Assess Your Goals and if You’re Exerting Yourself Enough

There are several weight loss plateau causes, so make sure first off that you cross the most fixable one — your effort. 

The thing about fitness is that the workout that used to be an all-out killer that left you exhausted and dripping with sweat will someday feel like a warmup. Your body is meant to get stronger and better, so you need to be making your workouts increasingly difficult to give you new challenges. 

Otherwise, you’ll more or less stay the same, rather than putting on more muscle and burning less fat. If you’re doing the same workouts that you’ve been doing for a while, your heart might be in the right place, but you simply aren’t exerting yourself enough. 

Figure Out if You’re Getting Enough Rest

If you’re struggling to figure out how to overcome a weight loss plateau, you also might not be getting enough rest. It’s the rest that allows your changes to set in after you have been working out consistently. 

Make sure that you get about 7 or 8 hours per night so that you can restore your energy, build muscle, burn fat, and more. People that aren’t seeing tangible results might be skimping on sleep and getting in the way of their own progress. 

Check Out Your Nutrition Intake and Document It

Taking care of your personal nutrition is impeccably important if you’re trying to improve your health and fitness. When you first have a lot of weight to lose, it’ll naturally melt away even if you aren’t eating as clean as you could. 

There always comes a point that eating a poor diet will catch up to you and make it difficult for you to get any substantial results. Make sure that you cut out processed foods and fried foods as much as possible. A lot of these foods have filler and additives that will cause you to deal with issues. 

Take the time to document every meal that you eat each day so that you aren’t overlooking problem areas that you can cut out. Instead, fill your diet with foods that are nutritious and that help you to get results out of your health and fitness. 

Get the Help of a Personal Trainer

When you have a personal trainer, you’ll be more likely to push through plateaus and hit your fitness goals. No matter how overweight you are, it happened because you overlooked the importance of nutrition, had bad information, dealt with emotional trauma, or otherwise found it difficult to put in the work. 

Trying to fix all of these issues by yourself can cause you to run into roadblocks. It’s difficult to see your own blind spots, but a personal trainer is a much-needed set of eyes that will help you push through to the finish line. They also give you the accountability to show up each day and work hard, especially since you are paying for their services. 

Above all, a trainer has the expertise and experience to get whatever goals you have. 

Add More Activity In-Between Your Workouts

Make sure that you think bigger than simply the time that you’re putting into your workouts. You burn calories in your regular life as well and should add an uptick of activity in these areas. 

Take the time to walk more in your everyday life. Consider walking for errands that aren’t far from your house, and take the time to walk a half-hour once or twice each day, no matter what you have going on. Park far away from the store so that you burn more calories coming in and out. 

When you’re out and about, make sure to use the stairs rather than the elevator. Become more mobile in your daily life and it’ll pay off across the board. 

Manage Your Macronutrients

Make certain that you’re also breaking down every food item based on the nutrients that you’re taking in. Keep track of your macronutrients, which are fats, carbohydrates, and protein. 

When you use a fitness app, it’ll log your meals and compare them to your goals, so that you know exactly how much of each macronutrient you will need to find success. It’ll also let you know which to cut out or reduce. Many people struggle with weight loss because they ingest too many carbs each day. 

Make Changes to Get Through a Weight Loss Plateau

The tips above are useful if you happen to be dealing with a weight loss plateau and need answers. No matter how much weight you need to lose, these factors will serve as pillars to assist you in your journey. 

Rely on us for your training and nutrition needs. Take time out to contact us and call us up at either (617) 577-1100 or (617) 945-2708.