Bootcamp, Small Group or Personal Training? What’s the best for you?
For the purpose of this article we are going to exclude pregnancy or serious injuries including post surgery, spinal injuries or anything that restricts you from basic movements, not to say that you can’t perform in a small group with these restrictions but you need to see a professional before being guided in the right direction.
This approach is purely for mindset, likelihood for success and overall happiness.
Before moving forward on this decision I suggest you start with a reflection period, with the aim of examining the ideas of who you are and your current operating system.
Ask yourself questions such as:
How am I when I’m happy?
How am I under stress and/or in new environments?
What are current external factors on your system, both positive and negative?
Self reflection is crucial for happiness and progression and if you feel that this is too hard or that you don’t have time then you probably aren’t ready for any significant change.
If you still feel this way, are prepared to make the time to answer and not tempted to take an easy, short term option, then there may be a chance you can have success in this path. Always keep in mind that if this was easy, then you would already have this area of your life in check.
The fact that it’s not meant to be easy should also be reassurance not to beat yourself up too much, you’re doing the best you can.
But, you can do better!
After your first point of reflection it is time to ask yourself a few questions, especially those contemplating group personal training or boot camps for the first time.
I’m not referring to commando style training, it’s important that if you haven’t exercised for a long time or you are new to it, to stay away from anything that promotes pushing yourself to the absolute limits. It’s unsafe and unnecessary for the everyday person.
Questions:
Do I enjoy being around new people?
Do I apply myself better in a group surrounding?
Do I have other goals that could benefit from this? i.e. looking to meet new friends?
Have I attempted this form of exercise in the past and did I have success?
(if no)
Why didn’t I achieve what I needed to?
Are these external factors still prevalent in my life right now? (Job? Partner? etc)
After this small reflection you will find a common theme.
The goal here is to Identify areas you need to give more attention to that group sessions won’t supply. This isn’t due to the lack of service but the fact that if there are 5-10 people to attend to that energy is divided.
I believe the ultimate solution is a hybrid approach
Starting with 1-1 personal training for your first couple of weeks will assist you in transitioning to this new allocation of your time. It’s important to acknowledge that even know you feel motivated, you are developing new habits and it will take a little time to adapt to a new pattern.
Being healthy deserves respect! The reason I highlight this is because if you treat this part of your life lightly, it will whittle away and die. I’m curious, would your relationship be in a good place if you only stuck to it half of the week or thought “I’m only in a relationship Monday to Friday” on the weekends I do whatever the hell I want. I would think not!
After knowing the commitment and energy required, your first concern for your health should just be the first few weeks in front of you, you cannot and do not need to try and accurately predict how you will feel about everything in 3 months time.
This is why 12 month gym memberships are a terrible idea, this option is only designed to support the business, there is no way a 12 month commitment is helpful towards your goals.
Some obvious benefits from 1-1 training are the influence from the trainer directly. Having attention focused purely on you for 1-2 hours a week is not only helpful towards shifting mindset and being totally present but also because it’s likely you haven’t been getting that level of attention in your current world.
Having an advanced strength focused goal can also be a reason to seek out personal training. The progressions and adjustments needed here will require more attention than small group training will tend to offer. You can however increase muscle and strength in small groups but may plateau after your initial 3-4 months. If your goal is to feel fit and strong small group training will cater to this.
I hope this has helped in some of your decision making processes, ultimately you need to get in and experience whatever you are going to do in person. Do not shop purely on price, you wouldn’t take a brand new car to a shonky mechanic down the road because he is cheap, respect your body and health more than that.
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