If you’ve been thinking about hiring a personal trainer, you’ve probably run into the same problem: one-on-one training is really expensive.
We’re talking $100–$120 per session at most gyms. And to get any kind of “deal,” they want you to pay $5,000 upfront and lock yourself into a year-long contract.
For a lot of people, that’s just not realistic. So they either skip personal training altogether and try to figure it out on their own, or they join a group fitness class and hope for the best.
But there’s a third option that most people don’t know about: small group personal training (also called semi-private personal training).
It’s not a watered-down version of one-on-one training. It’s a different model entirely, and for most people, it’s actually the better option.
Here’s how to decide which is right for you.
The Personal Training Models, Explained
Before we compare them, let’s make sure we’re talking about the same thing.
One-on-One Training
You work with a trainer by yourself. They design your program, coach you through every rep, and give you their full attention for the entire session. It’s the most personalized option — and the most expensive.
Small Group Training (Semi-Private)
You work out with 3–4 other people, but everyone is doing their own customized workout. Your trainer designs a program specifically for you, tracks your progress, and coaches you in real-time. You’re not doing the same workout as everyone else — you just happen to be working out at the same time.
Now let’s talk about when each one makes sense.
When One-on-One Personal Training Makes Sense
One-on-one training isn’t bad. For some people, it’s exactly what they need.
You might need one-on-one training if:
- You’re an athlete training for a specific sport or competition
- You’re recovering from surgery or a serious injury and need extremely close supervision
- You have very specific performance goals that require constant real-time feedback
- You need someone’s full attention for the entire session and cost isn’t a concern
- You prefer complete privacy and don’t want to work out around other people
If any of those describe you, one-on-one training is probably the right choice. And we offer that…
But here’s the reality: most people don’t actually need that level of customization or supervision. They just want someone to tell them what to do, make sure they’re doing it correctly, and keep them accountable.
And for that, small group training works just as well — at a fraction of the cost.
When Small Group Personal Training Makes More Sense
For most people, small group personal training delivers everything one-on-one training promises, without the problems that come with traditional personal training.
Here’s why:
1. You’re Not Stuck With One Trainer
With one-on-one training, you’re assigned to a specific trainer. If they’re sick, you miss your workout. If you don’t like them? Too bad — you already paid for 50 sessions upfront.
With small group training, your workout is stored in a system. If you train with Alex on Monday and Shane on Wednesday, Shane knows exactly what you did last time — what weight, how many reps, which exercises. You get the same quality experience no matter who you’re with.
You’re not locked into one person’s schedule. You’re not stuck if your trainer goes on vacation. You have flexibility.
2. It’s More Engaging (and Way Less Boring)
Here’s what one-on-one training looks like after a few weeks:
Your trainer stands there and watches you do squats. They count your reps. They tell you “good job.” They ask about your weekend. You do another set. They count again.
It gets tedious.
With small group training, you’re working out alongside other people. You’re not trapped in a one-on-one conversation between every set. You’re working out with other people who are also trying to get stronger, lose weight, or feel better. There’s energy in the room. Accountability is built in.
It’s just more fun.
3. It Costs 50-60% Less
One-on-one training at a big box gym costs $100–$120 per session. Most gyms require you to pay thousands of dollars upfront to get any kind of discount. Then they lock you into a contract.
Small group training costs about half the price because you’re sharing the cost of the trainer. But here’s the important part: you’re not sharing the quality of the coaching.
You still get a fully customized program. You still get hands-on coaching. You still get real-time adjustments. You’re just not paying someone to stand there and count your reps while you do them.
4. The Trainers Are Often More Experienced
A lot of big box gym trainers took a weekend certification course. That’s it. They’re not university-educated. They don’t have years of experience working with different body types, injuries, and goals.
In most small group training gyms (including ours), trainers are held to a higher standard. At Fit Club, every trainer is university-educated. Not weekend certification courses. Not fresh out of high school.
You’re getting a higher level of expertise for less money.
The Flexibility You Actually Need
One of the biggest advantages of small group training is scheduling flexibility.
With one-on-one training, you’re often locked into a specific time slot with a specific trainer. If your schedule changes, you’re stuck.
With small group training, you book sessions when they work for you. Want to train at 6am on Monday and 5pm on Wednesday? Done. Need to take a week off because you’re traveling? No problem. You’re not wasting sessions or losing your spot.
And there’s no long-term commitment. No joining fees. No cancellation fees. No $5,000 upfront payment. You stay because it works, not because you’re trapped.
Who Is Small Group Training For?
Small group training works best for people who:
- Want fully customized programming and expert coaching
- Need accountability but don’t want to pay $120 per session
- Have a busy or unpredictable schedule
- Want the energy and community of working out with others
- Have been burned by big box gyms and want something different
- Are tired of guessing what to do at the gym
It’s not for people who:
- Need extreme customization or constant one-on-one attention for medical or athletic reasons
- Prefer complete privacy and don’t want to work out around anyone else
- Just want access to equipment with no coaching or structure
Common Questions
Will I be stuck with the same people every time?
No. You book your own sessions based on your schedule. You’ll see some of the same faces, but it’s not a rigid class where you have to show up at the same time every week.
What if I’m a total beginner?
Perfect. That’s exactly who this is designed for. Your coach will meet you where you’re at and build your program from there. You won’t be thrown into a workout you’re not ready for.
What if I have an injury or limitation?
Coaches modify exercises in real-time for injuries, joint issues, or mobility restrictions. At Fit Club, many of our members also work with our chiropractors and physiotherapists next door. Your physio can talk directly to your trainer, and your workout gets adjusted based on what’s going on with your body.
How is this different from F45 or Orange Theory?
F45 and Orange Theory are group classes where everyone does the same high-intensity workout. They’re great for cardio and energy, but you’re not getting a customized strength program. Small group training is fully personalized — you’re doing your workout, not the class’s workout.
Our Take: Why We Choose Semi-Private (Small Group) Format
At Fit Club, we focus almost exclusively on small group training. Not because one-on-one is bad — but because we genuinely believe small group training is a better system for most people.
Here’s why:
- You get fully customized programming at about half the cost of one-on-one sessions
- You’re not stuck with one trainer or one time slot
- You get the accountability and energy of working out with other people
- You work with university-educated trainers who have 10–20 years of experience
- You’re not locked into long-term contracts or forced to pay thousands upfront
- A dedicated client success coordinator texts you weekly, sends workout videos, and tracks your progress
Small group training gives you all the benefits of one-on-one personal training — customized programming, expert coaching, real-time adjustments, and accountability — without the rigidity, the boredom, or the price tag.
It’s not a compromise. It’s a better model.
The Bottom Line
One-on-one training has its place. If you’re an athlete, recovering from surgery, or need constant supervision, it might be the right choice.
But for most people, small group personal training delivers everything one-on-one training promises — at half the cost, with more flexibility, and honestly, more fun.
If you’ve been thinking about personal training but assumed it was too expensive or too rigid, small group training is worth a second look.
Want to see how it works? Book a free no-sweat intro. We’ll walk you through exactly how small group training works at Fit Club, talk about your goals and schedule, and answer any questions you have. No pressure, no gimmicks — just a real conversation about whether this is a good fit for you.