Personal Training Versus Group Training in Tampa
Not every workout is created equal, but that is just fine because every trainer is different and every person is looking for different things out of their workout. Some people want to build strength while others are focused on losing the extra pounds. Some people just want to look better in their jeans, while others are hoping to just feel healthier on a daily basis. So with all the fitness options out there, how do you find out which is the best workout plan for you? Last week we decided to do a little comparison between two of Tampa’s most popular workout trends to find out the difference between private personal training and group training at South Tampa Fit.
The first thing we should compare is the cost of each option:
South Tampa Fit:
- 1 Class is $20 (first one is free)
- 10 Classes is $150
- Unlimited Monthly Membership: $119
FitnessRX Tampa Personal Training:
- 1 Session: $40 (first session is free)
- 12 Sessions: $420
FitnessRx Tampa Summary:
Working with Craig is great because you get individualized attention throughout your workout. You don’t have to share time with anyone else and the workout is customized specifically to meet your personal goals. For instance, I have been working out with a goal of having abs by Memorial Day for a trip to Vegas, so Craig always makes sure to spend enough time focusing on my abdominal exercises. (He even counts it out for me saying “One-Vegas, two-Vegas, three-Vegas...”) He takes the time to fix your form and 
make sure you’re engaging the right muscles during your workout without straining anything else. Additionally, he’s able to make sure your workouts don’t get stale by doing the same old thing every time. Working with a personal trainer is also beneficial for someone who has injuries or a history of injuries as they can help you avoid exercise that might strain or worsen your condition.
Overall Evaluation: The workouts are more expensive but you get so much out of it, that it is worth the higher price point. You could even work with Craig for a month and then start to scale back, only going once a week so you still get new workout ideas for when you go to the gym solo.
South Tampa Fit Summary:
I’d never been to a group training class before, fortunately I brought an experienced friend along with me on this adventure. When you first arrive, they let you know which body parts the class will be focusing on, which was unfortunate because I had just worked out my legs and core the day before, so I knew I was going to be extra sore! You start out warming up on your own and then kickoff the class with some high-intensity interval running, rowing or spinning. You’ll rotate between cardio and weight training, which also incorporates some TRX work. My ADD got the best of me, so when I wasn’t paying attention to the instructions, I was left awkwardly trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing. The class was definitely challenging, but you h
ave the power to make it as easy or as hard as you want. No one will really tell you to keep powering through, but you will feel the pressure to persevere because of the other people in the class with you.
Overall Evaluation: There was little to no coaching or guidance on form and motivation, so for me it wouldn't be worth the dollars to spend on top of a gym membership. It was great having someone tell you what to do, but you could essentially do the same thing at the gym while paying for a straight gym membership. Definitely a workout that kicked my butt though!
NEXT UP: We’ll compare the ever-popular Orange Theory Fitness class next week!