Are Group Fitness Classes More Effective Than Personal Training ?

We all know the importance of regular exercise. However, working out alone isn’t always fun, especially when there’s no one to hold you accountable. If you’re new to fitness, exercising solo might leave you feeling lost and without a plan.

Even if you’re a seasoned gym-goer, working out alone can sometimes lead to a fitness rut.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a more interactive workout option that keeps you motivated, you might be considering two different choices: personal training and group fitness classes.

Both options provide structure and accountability, not to mention the support and camaraderie of like-minded individuals. But is one better than the other?

Let’s take a look at what research says about group fitness classes versus personal training so you can choose the right routine for your goals.

The Case for Group Fitness Classes

The options for group fitness classes are abundant.

With a quick Google search, you can easily find a group fitness class tailored to your fitness level and health goals. This means almost anyone looking to switch up their workout routine can find a class that suits them!

Whether you’re a fitness newbie or looking for a new way to move your body, you’re likely to find a suitable class in your area.

Many group fitness classes are high-energy, aerobics-based workouts, which are great for breaking a sweat and getting your heart rate up. Other classes focus more on strength training, calisthenics, HIIT, Pilates, yoga, and more.

As a result, the physical results you can expect from a fitness class will vary widely depending on the types of exercises, their intensity, and the level of attention your instructor provides.

The real appeal of group fitness classes lies in the sense of community they foster.

When you join a group fitness class, you’ll be working out with people who share similar goals and fitness interests, helping you build a support system to rely on during your fitness journey.

These classes are often high-energy and emphasize fun and camaraderie, which can have significant benefits for both your physical and mental health.

This is because working out in a group is simply more enjoyable than pushing through a tough workout alone, and the social aspect can push you to work harder and stay motivated.

For example, one study found that runners who ran in a group reported greater enjoyment and more energy during their runs. Impressively, this led to better run times for some participants!

Even better, group fitness classes aren’t just fun—they’re also a great way to build a support system, which can have notable benefits for your mental and emotional well-being.

Starting a fitness journey can be challenging, especially if you’re juggling other life stressors. While exercise in general is an excellent stress reliever, there’s evidence that working out in a group can be even more effective.

This was highlighted in a study that evaluated the effects of group training on a historically high-stress population: medical students.

The study divided students into three groups: one that trained in a large fitness class, one that exercised alone or with up to two others, and a control group that did not engage in any exercise intervention.

The researchers found that the group that exercised alone or with one or two others reported improvements in mental health but not in stress, physical health, or emotional well-being.

Meanwhile, participants who attended fitness classes experienced reduced stress, as well as improved physical and emotional quality of life. Finally, the group that did not engage in any exercise intervention saw no significant changes.

Another study found that among breast cancer patients, participants in both group classes and personal training saw similar improvements in physical activity. However, those who participated in group classes also experienced better improvements in their overall quality of life.

The Case for Personal Training

Personal training is also an excellent option for shaking up your workouts and staying accountable, but for slightly different reasons.

When you work with a personal trainer, you’re collaborating directly with a fitness professional who can provide individualized attention and has the expertise to create a workout plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Personal trainers are also invaluable resources. They can guide you through the details of each exercise, explain how it aligns with your goals, monitor your form to ensure safety, and push you when you need that extra motivation.

Unsurprisingly, there’s evidence that personal training can lead to significant improvements in body composition compared to self-directed training.

So, how does personal training compare to group fitness classes?

The key benefit of personal training is its ability to offer more individualization, which can be a game-changer if you have specific health goals.

Again, the results you can achieve from group fitness classes largely depend on factors such as the types of workouts and the expertise of your instructor.

However, many group fitness classes focus on cardio and/or calisthenics. While these are great for general health, they may not be the most effective workouts for every health need or personal goal.

Therefore, if you’re aiming for very specific fitness goals, personal training may be the better choice. For example, one study looked at cardiac patients who participated in individualized training programs versus group calisthenics workouts.

They found that moderate- to high-risk participants in individualized training programs saw significant improvements in fitness and quality of life compared to those who participated in group workouts.

Another study found that only those who worked with a personal trainer—rather than exercising alone or with a partner—experienced significant fat loss, performance improvements, and better exercise adherence.

Personal training was also more effective in preventing injuries and following up on nutrition interventions.

Making the Final Choice

When choosing between group fitness classes and personal training, it’s important to consider your unique goals and what you want to achieve from your workout routine.

Whichever you choose, both can help you stay accountable. They also provide more structured workouts than you might come up with on your own.

However, personal training and group fitness classes offer different key benefits:

Working with a personal trainer allows you to create the most efficient plan to achieve your goals and benefit from the individualized attention of a trained fitness professional.

Group fitness classes are fun and motivating, helping you build relationships and fostering a sense of community that can improve other aspects of your health, such as mental well-being and social connections.

If you’re still undecided, remember that you can always incorporate both into your routine!

Get your cardio and community fix through fitness classes, and then focus on achieving your personal goals by working with a personal trainer.

Scheduling both throughout the week is a fantastic way to build a well-rounded workout routine that addresses all your physical and mental health needs.

In some cases, you can even combine the two. Some fitness institutions offer small-group training, where a personal trainer works with a very small group of people at once.

This allows you to receive the personalized attention needed for a focused workout while also enjoying the energizing benefits of being in a group.

In a survey of participants in this small-group training style, researchers found that participants reported greater motivation, life satisfaction, exercise self-efficacy, and increased health and energy.

Conclusion

No matter what type of workouts you choose, consistency is the most important factor for achieving long-term results.

Both the energizing, community-driven benefits of group fitness classes and the individualized attention of personal training can help you stick to your workouts longer, making fitness a permanent part of your lifestyle.