Ok, so you want to get fit. Perhaps you want to lose weight, tone up or build some muscle. Whatever your goal, you know you want to achieve it as soon as possible. With this is mind you go on the look out for the tools you need to achieve your goals in record time.
You will soon find that there are four most popular fitness services that people turn to when they have a fitness goal. Each of these services are effective but just how effective they are can depend on the individual. So what should you choose – group training, boot camps, personal training or gym membership? Let’s look at how your own preferences, goals and characteristics influence which is most effective for you.
Group Training and Classes
Group training can be a great way to get fit. There are a range of options with funky names to choose from including jazzercise, pump, ‘abs, butts and thighs,’ fitness boxing and mums and bubs classes.
The positives of group training include that you can do it with a friend, it is cheaper and there’s a range of classes to choose from. It is normally a lot of fun with loud music and a positive atmosphere. However, you don’t get a training program tailored for you and you inevitably end up doing exactly what everyone else in the class is doing. You don’t get extra attention from the instructor and you don’t learn about health and fitness (apart from a few cool moves).
Choose group training if you want to improve your general fitness, have fun with friends and are on a budget. If you want a more personalised service, get bored of repetitive movements or don’t like the group atmosphere then look elsewhere. Prices vary from $10-$30/class.
Boot Camps
These sure have boomed in popularity in recent times. To be completely honest, their rise is due to those in the fitness industry realising how profitable they are. There are lots of paying clients, they can charge higher rates and there’s no excuse for people not turning up (“A little rain never hurt anyone now get down and give me twenty!”)
But boot camps are also very popular because they are fun. A good boot camp will have exercises and activities that you don’t get in gyms. Things like tyre flips, tug of wars, sled pulls, wall climbs and obstacle courses. While the original boot camps were designed to be tough and arduous, these days they have become more mainstream and the activities are varied to allow all fitness levels to complete them.
Boot camps are good for something different to your normal group class. You can still train with friends and have the guidance of an instructor. But expect to pay a higher rate for a good boot camp workout because of the necessary equipment. Boot camps aren’t for you if you don’t like to the novelty of being ordered around. But if you enjoy a bit of army role play then boot camp may be the thing for you.
Personal Training
This is still the service that is the most effective. Being one on one with a personal trainer will get you results, teach you about health and fitness and motivate you to set new and higher goals. These days there are a range of personal training services from personal training in gyms, studios, mobile personal training and online personal training.
Personal training costs more but if you find a good trainer it is worth it. Having your own personal trainer that is focused solely on you is advantageous in many ways. Firstly, your exercise sessions will be more effective for your specific goals. Secondly, your trainer can pay attention to your technique to ensure you are training properly, helping prevent injury. And finally, the knowledge you learn will be valuable to you in terms of eating and exercising right for the rest of your life.
There’s a reason celebrities turn to personal trainers rather than fitness classes or boot camps when they want to get in shape quick – they are effective. Prices vary from $50-100/hour depending on your location and the level of trainer you hire. Obviously, an LA celebrity trainer will charge more than a trainer working in a commercial gym but this doesn’t always mean that the one charging more is better.
If you are after the expertise of a personal trainer but want something cheaper, check out online personal training. Otherwise personal training is still the way to go when it comes to getting in shape quick.
Gym Memberships
These are great for the person who has the knowledge, motivation and discipline to exercise on their own. If you know you don’t need a trainer or instructor, then gym memberships are for you. You’ll have access to a huge range of equipment and facilities.
The problem with gym memberships is that so many people buy them, go into the gym and just go through the motions. So many people just hop on the treadmill for thirty minutes and get out. And a huge percentage of these people stop after a few months.
So go with the gym membership if you know exactly what you’re doing. If you need guidance and motivation then group training, boot camps or personal training would be a better option.
Conclusion
Pick what suits you best. You may have to use trial and error before you find what is most effective, and most enjoyable, for you. But it is worth it in the end because feeling fit, being healthy and looking great is invaluable.
Harley Grosser is a personal trainer and weight loss coach. Check out Slim Down Shape Up [http://www.slimdownshapeup.com/home.html] for more information.
