Category Archives: Business

The business of fitness! Tips, advice and articles from our fitness business experts!

How to improve Indoor Air Quality and prevent Covid from spreading

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NZ Government relaxes Covid restrictions March 26,2022

That is welcome news but how does that make life safer in New Zealand?

When you think about it, protections that were in place didn’t actually protect anyone, it was mainly a way of tracking the effects of the virus and reducing physical contact to minimise spread. The best protection is to remove and eliminate the pathogen. This did not happen in most cases.

So now they say we should be learning how to live with the Virus. WHY? Because we know that Omicron is not going to be the last variant. No one knows what the next variant will be nor its affects.

Case numbers are still high, meaning Coronavirus is still active in the community and can walk in your door at any time.

Despite several scientists around the world concluding that improving ventilation and using HEPA Filters will provide protection, it just doesn’t make sense scientifically. Fresh air may dilute the virus and HEPA Filters may trap virus in the air that reaches a HEPA Filter, but neither will neutralise the virus. If someone is in the path of a viral load, these measures will not work and may make transmission worse.

Despite the Victoria Department of Education and Training Victoria selecting and installing Samsung Consumer model HEPA Air purifiers in school classrooms, Covid has dramatically increased in those schools. The Guardian Australia reports on 25 March 2022, that “Rising Covid Cases force some schools in NSW and Victoria to return to remote learning.” The NZ Ministry of Education purchased 5000 of the same units under emergency procedures for New Zealand Schools.  No doubt that we will see similar results.

If you are opening your business for, hopefully full capacity, what can you do to make it as safe as possible?

Its time to do something different.

Look for an air purification system that uses Dielectric Barrier Discharge BiPolar (DBD BPI) ionisation. These systems can be installed in any indoor air space that removes up to 99.9% of COVID-19 virus from circulating air and surfaces. An all-natural solution with no harmful chemicals, radiations, or by-products. One of the advantages of the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Bipolar ionization process is that it allows air purification to occur within the desired space, treating a larger volume of air, instead of relying on contaminants passing through the air handler unit or filter to be cleaned.

Adapted from Morawska et al

This technology will future proof any indoor space and be effective against any variant.

Solutions can be standalone non-ducted systems, floor, wall or ceiling mounted or if you have an HVAC system can be installed into your existing ducted system.

Dielectric Barrier Discharge Bi-Polar technology (DBD BPI) has been around for over 70 years with proven results, peer reviewed studies and laboratory certifications. This technology should not be confused with any other type of Bipolar Ionisation products on the market that are “emerging” technologies and are questioned by experts around the world for safety and efficacy.

Many business people and institutions have chosen to install DBD BPI to provide the best possible Indoor Air Quality. For example:

Office Buildings

  • Google
  • Deloitte
  • Empire State Realty Trust
  • Cosentini Associates
  • Ford

Travel and Cruise Ship Lines including

  • Celestial Cruises
  • Virgin Cruise lines
  • Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings  (28 Ships in Fleet)
  • Antartica21
  • LAX and La Guardia airports

Stadiums such as:

  • DCI Events Centre
  • Staples Centre and more

Multiple Schools and Universities in the USA

Major Hospitals in the USA.

These Companies have made an educated decision to use DBD BPI technology to provide the safest Indoor Air Quality for their people. This is available in New Zealand and Australia to suit any size space for a modest investment. Let’s make our indoor spaces as safe as possible.

DBD BPI technology has been tested to show improvements to indoor air quality when increasing ambient ion output levels between 800 and 1,500 ions per cm3. At these ion saturation levels, the technology has shown an 85.8% reduction to 0.3 micron particles as tested by Intertek to ANSI / AHAM AC 1 method, an average 90% reduction in VOC compounds as tested by Syracuse University to ANSI / AHAM AC 2 and ATL testing which shows a 99% reduction in aerosolized MS2 Staph and Ecoli within the air, method all standardised protocols. 

Using a high-quality Laboratory Ion Testing unit the Ion count in a space can be measured and will normally be 2 to 3 times the amount considered as capable of neutralising Coronavirus.

The impact of other purification measures can not be tested in this way.

In summary, to reduce the risk of transmission indoors HEPA Filtration and increasing fresh air ventilation do not neutralise viral load. DBD BPI has been tested to remove up to 99.9% of COVID-19 virus from circulating air and surfaces.

Written by Greg Doherty CEO and Director of HQH Fitness.

Why is Circuit Training Great for Your Gym?

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Why is Circuit Training Great for Your Gym?

Bridging the Gap Between Selectorised Equipment and Functional Cages.

In a market where, since 2008, gyms are competing for the attention of 41 million American health club members, every gym owner needs to understand how to attract new members. Why do people go to the gym instead of working out at home and how do you keep them once they walk in the gym doors?

 

Total Gym Elevate Circuit

Read more…

 

Make What Is Yours

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By Josh Smith

“The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary”…

The freedom to choose; to decide; and to determine our own outcomes is the most powerful ability human beings have over our animal counterparts.

We have the ability to see a situation unfolding, process it, and then decide which path of future action we wish to take. More often than not, we take the paths that are familiar to us, that have meaning to us, and which allow us to continue living comfortably and happily. And more often than not there is nothing wrong with this!

But I believe it is the continual striving for the comfortable, the need for the familiar, and the lack of motivation to break free of the ‘norm’, that all too often limits our chances to transcend our capabilities.

How often have you heard it said of famous authors, inventors, and entrepreneurs that their success comes not from following the paths of those in front of them, but from beating down new paths behind them? They forge their own way; creating new beliefs, developing new philosophies and changing the consciousness of hundreds, thousands or even MILLIONS of people in the process!

These people live life knowing that the decisions they make and how they choose to spend their time has a direct impact upon the way their life pans out, and ultimately, the successes to which themselves, their families and their businesses reach.

So this month I ask the following:

Is your time being best used to maximise your potential life success?

Do you spend time working on developing yourself, becoming better in your chosen field of work or establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with your friends and family?

If not…is now the time to do so?

It is constantly said that it is small things we do, day to day, that make the biggest differences in our lives.

So today…

  • Instead of spending your lunch break talking about last night’s X-Factor or Biggest Loser results, why not spending it engaging a co-worker in a meaningful conversation?
  • Instead of sneaking minutes looking over friends’ photos and news feeds on Facebook, why not spend those minutes trawling the net for informative articles and stories?

You will be amazed at how your life can change from just swapping the minutes you spend on intellect-depleting distractions to energy-creating pro-actions!

It is within you.

Josh Smith
Josh is the Director of Mitise Health & Fitness, offering Personal Training, Nutritional Guidance, Lifestyle Coaching, Personal Development, Corporate Seminars, BootCamps and Boxing Groups. Josh is a qualified CHEK Exercise Coach, CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 1 and GRAVITYPersonalTrainer, along with various other qualifications and trainings, and is a very inspirational individual. Mitise (pronounced my-ties) is a word invented by Josh and actually stands for “It is within/in Me“. Check out the spelling of Mitise and you’ll see the connection. Clever huh!

www.mitisehealth.com
twitter.com/MitiseHealth

What Role Does ROI Play In Your Business?

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We are in a time when now more than ever, setting up a business is not as easy as 1, 2, 3.

We need to consider a multitude of factors and are often restricted by a limited budget and strict timeframe.

So how do you start up a business – maximise your return – and most importantly survive the statistics of failing as a small business within 2 – 5 years?

Possibly one of the most important factors that is often overlooked – is your ROI.

So what is “ROI”?

ROI stands for Return on Investment (also known as “rate of return”, “rate of profit”, or simply “return”). Basically it is the ratio of money coming in (cash flow / income / profit), relative to the total amount invested (capital / asset / expense).

Now if you start getting into this it can get quite complicated, however for the purpose of this article we’ll simplify it right down.

In regards to your fitness business, the key factors you want to look at in regards to your ROI is:

  • How long will it take you to recover the money you have invested?
  • Will you still be paying the equipment off in 6 months? 12 months? 2 years? Longer?

Key ROI tips when Setting Up Your Business…

Tip #1 – Avoid Unhealthy Debt

You don’t need to purchase everything outright when you first start out! Always consider your budget. If you have savings and can purchase outright – fantastic! If however you need finance, then that’s another story.

Do you already have debt? If so – will more finance add extra pressure and stress to you and your business before you even start?

If you have no existing debt but do need finance – then the next step is to consider what you need vs. what you simply want. Wants and needs are two very different things!

Unhealthy debt creates a stranglehold on your business. It generates stress and creates unnecessary pressure as you build your business.

Positive debt (if it can be called this…!) is based on your projected rate of return or ROI realistically being achieved within a minimal timeframe; from 6 to 12 months.

In regards to your fitness equipment selection, always choose equipment that is within your means (budget) and not excessive to needs. Therefore you will maximise your ROI and ensure you will pay it off within a reasonable time frame.

From here you can make the choice to gradually invest in more equipment. A positive method is to save as you go, and only invest in more equipment that you can purchase outright. Then you can safely do so with the knowledge that you’re not adding extra pressure to yourself or your business.

And…you can make a big deal about new equipment coming in via newsletter and social media so your clients start getting excited about these new toys!

Tip #2 – Set Up the Smart Way

“Setting up the smart way” begins from Day 1 of planning your business. The questions you need to keep asking yourself are

“What is the most cost-effective way to do this?”

And “Does this fit within my budget or is this excess to needs?”

Now some things can’t be helped – accountant, insurance, design work, business cards. However some of these things can be helped with a little know-how, or thinking outside the square.

  • Can you do a contra with a professional you know (contra personal training for work)?
  • Are you social-media savvy enough to start up your presence via social media to save on initial website costs?
  • Can you get free publicity?
  • Can you work out a deal on space i.e. utilising the room of another business until you have enough money to move into your own space?
  • Can you get in someone else to help cover the costs?

Maximising your ROI means cutting down your expenses – which is a matter of thinking outside the square!

Tip # 3 – Select the Right Equipment for your Business Model

The key investment for your start-up business should be fitness equipment, second only to upgrading a room or area as your working space (if you have the money to do so).

In deciding what equipment you’re going to purchase, it’s important to think about the following:

  • What will your point of difference be?
  • What space do you have available?
  • What is your primary training model? (personal training/multi-client/group/team)
  • And most importantly – what is the minimal equipment that will achieve all of this for you to start out with?

It is for these reasons and more that fitness professionals are now opting for a functional training studio over purchasing static, single-plane machines.

Functional fitness equipment often offers a multitude of exercise options that can be performed and tailored to the clients’ individual needs.

Most static machines on the other hand have limited use and simply take up space.

Functional = diversity + maximum use of space.

Other factors to consider when selecting your initial and ongoing fitness equipment:

  • Does the product present longevity? – i.e. they won’t present dated training methods in 2, 5 or 10 years.
  • Does the product offer diversity? – i.e. they offer a number of different exercise options with the one product
  • Can the product work for you? – i.e. is there a product that can be used by your clients unsupervised and offer extra income to your business?

In addition, it’s never a bad idea to consider products that will either create an added point of difference, such as:

  • Foam Rollers (for after-session use)

Or in some cases invest in higher priced items that can pay for itself unsupervised, and is based on a booking system. Examples include:

  • Inversion Table
  • InfraRed Sauna
  • InfraRed Light

By considering an added point of difference you can maximise your profits, and set yourself apart!

Solutions!

In summary, when planning your business:

  1. Avoid Unhealthy Debt
  2. Set Up the Smart Way
  3. Select the Right Equipment for Your Business Model

Always consider your ROI…take the time to research all the options available to you…and make the smartest decision that meets your needs, in the most affordable way.

Final Note – from HQH Fitness

Why Total Gym is great for ROI.

HQH Fitness truly believe in and back Total Gym as a product. This is not only because it’s such a high quality product, but also because of the ROI Factor.

Total Gym offers great rewards.

As a product it is unique and diverse – it not only has personal training and multi-client personal training applications, but also group, Pilates and Post-rehab programming to work within any fitness or wellness business model. It works amazingly well as a centrepiece for Circuits and Small Group Training or Team Training.

The diversity alone means you can increase what you offer, position yourself apart, and have minimal space working for you 24/7.

With complete education support, free online marketing tools, and for such a minimal investment, it’s just like a franchise model – without any of the on-going fees.

Many HQH Fitness customers simply choose Total Gym and a few accessories to begin with, pay off their equipment within the first 6 months, and after that…it’s pure profit.

From there, they will gradually add other tools and equipment – and build up their business as they go, doing so in a way that means they aren’t suffering financially as they go.

HQH Fitness even offer a free interactive Business Planner where you can work out your own ROI with Total Gym!

If you’re interested in setting up a studio, click here to learn more about different models and options.

Shara Curlett
Shara began her career in the fitness industry at Les Mills Dunedin in 2005 and from there combined her passion for fitness with her strength in business to create a niche role for herself specialising in “the business of fitness”. Shara has consulted for gyms and small studios, developed an indoor cycling program, and continues to work one on one with fitness business owners as a sideline passion. As business development and marketing manager for HQH Fitness, Shara is focused on business development, company strategy and marketing and is passionate about helping business owners achieve their goals.

Total Gym Test Drive Tour NSW / ACT

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Greg Doherty, CEO of HQH Fitness, talks about the latest Total Gym Test Drive Tour to NSW and ACT:

July 24th I set off on the second official Total Gym Test Drive Tour!

I was able to visit Galy O’Connor in French’s Forrest who just bought a new Total Gym PowerTower!

I checked out her home studio set-up (right) which is awesome – it just goes to show that you don’t need an expensive space to make a great business work!

Great work Galy!

From there I made the drive down to Canberra to visit a couple of facilities there. I’m happy to now welcome Graeme Sproule and his team at SportsCare and Physio Therapy in Dickson to the Total Gym family. They will be taking delivery of a new Total Gym GTS  today!

The University of  Canberra was another stop I made where I met some of the team – John Stelzer, Kate and Darren.

We did a “parking lot demo” where Darren got on board and did a workout! He gave it a good go and definitely enjoyed it.

Darren even reported back to me as being sore the next day – great job Darren!

From here I was able to visit Melanie Hrusik at Vigour PT, a customer who bought Total Gym in 2009.

Melanie has a great set-up where she has converted her garage to a full on multi-purpose training studio. Initially she purchased 3 Total Gym Classic GTS02 units.

Since then has purchased 2 more and the business grew so much that she was able to take on her husband Rowan as a second trainer in the business! They now have a great lifestyle business in a lovely neighbourhood.

Heading Back to Sydney I made a stop in at Bowral. What a lucky chance I had to see some of  Australia’s beautiful country towns. Fantastic scenery on the M5 to Canberra. And I loved the Rest Areas, where I did the “Stop-Revive-Survive”!

Back in Sydney, I discovered a new neighbourhood – Leichardt, which is an inner west suburb where the Leichardt Park Aquatic Centre is based. This is a fabulous facility in a great setting.

Here I was able to connect with an HQH Fitness customer  from years back where I showed him the new Total Gym GTS.

From here I stopped in at Fitness First Pitt St and gave a demo to several of the personal trainers there.

While I was in Sydney I did spend some time organising our warehouse stock and meeting with finance and logistics suppliers. I’m happy to say we have some great finance/rental options for Australian clients that will make it very easy  for anyone with the desire to get started with Total Gym.

Also I’m very pleased to say we met with a  new  business partner, who will be able to facilitate a new product to your door – Doorstep delivery! And, for a little more will unpack and install the product onsite. Very exciting!

I have just put together my next three Test Drive Tour dates so that we can get you to experience first-hand the new Total Gym. These are as follows:

Sydney NSW  and surrounding areas, Canberra, Newcastle Oct 5-14

Brisbane, Queensland , Gold coast Sunshine Coast  Nov 4th to Nov 9th

Melbourne Vic , Geelong and  surrounding areas Dec 4 to 10th

Book your appointment now so we can get more BOB’s! (Butts on Board!)

To jump on our next Test Drive Tour Australia – email admin@hqh.com, use our ‘Contact Us‘ online form, or phone 1800 552 878.

If you are based in New Zealand and want to check out the new Total Gym GTS, then contact Kerry our National Sales Manager on totalgym@hqh.com or phone 0800 552 8789.

Greg Doherty
Greg is the CEO and Director of HQH Fitness. As a business owner, C.H.E.K Level 3 and CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, Greg has worked with thousands of businesses and fitness professionals over the past 16 years  and understands the various needs of a business. Having successfully built up the CHEK program in Australia, he is now focused on bringing the benefits of Total Gym to Australia on a larger scale.
gregd@hqh.com

Small Group Training – Breaking it Down

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There has been a significant shift within the fitness industry over the past few years with Small Group Training growing in leaps and bounds.

In the age of quick information where trends travel fast, savvy fitness professionals are getting on board with their entrepreneurial spirit by realising the benefits of training more than one client at a time.

And when you look at bottom line, Small Group Training makes inherent sense.

Total Gym®, one of the first international fitness equipment companies to truly embrace the Small Group Training model, brought this concept to the forefront of peoples’ minds when they launched their commercial product line in 2003.

With their education programs centred around Small Group Training on Total Gym, fitness business owners everywhere quickly recognised the benefits of this highly profitable and time-efficient training model.

In the following article we break down the Small Group Training model and take a closer look at this new phenomenon that is transforming fitness businesses around the world.

Small Group Training can essentially be broken down into two formats:

  1. Team Training
  2. Multi-Client Training

1. TEAM TRAINING

Team Training offers camaraderie – a group of individuals getting together for a common purpose. With a general target of 4 – 12+ participants, this is most commonly a pre-programmed approach which may or may not be musicality-based.

Different approaches fit within this model including Circuits, Stations (e.g. 2×2 or 3×3), 50:50 set up (e.g. Total Gym and Spinning), as well as Bootcamps or Challenges.

Payment is low per person, anywhere from around $10 – 20 per session (depending on what your hourly target is), making it incredibly affordable for clients.

Fiona Caddies of FiTraining, Australia, has set up her studio with the Team Training model in full effect.

She uses two Total Gym Classic PowerTowers, TRX, spinning, dumbbells, Bosu and other training tools to train multiple clients at a time.

As a result, she ensures that she lives the lifestyle of her dreams.

“I have a four day weekend, every weekend. It’s a great lifestyle choice.” Says Fiona.
Click here to view her story.

So…if you’re on board the Team Training approach the question is – how should you charge your clients?

Within the Team Training approach the most common payment options are:

  • Class Model
  • Program Model

Class Model

The class model is based around the “pay per session” concept, with the most common method being via concession card. Whilst this leaves it open for clients to drop in when it suits them, it means that attendance is uncertain and income is dependent on all booked clients showing up.

This is an unstable model that results in fluctuation in attendance and income, which can be highly affected by seasonal changes. This makes it difficult to run a business with any form of consistency.

Program Model

The Program Model is centred on certainty and is the recommended option. With a general target of around 4 – 8+ participants per program, payment is made either in advance or by direct debit / AP.

Each program has a start and end date, often 4 to 6 weeks in length, and shows active progression. Within this model your payment per session is guaranteed and the client is more motivated to attend.

In addition, by offering “make-up” sessions every week, you increase the buy-in at the beginning and ensure that your clients have the opportunity to make up any session they may have missed, but you still get paid for each and every session, regardless. You can also use this make-up session to invite any leads to experience a free session – making the most of your time.

The Program Model also works well in conjunction with the Waterfall Structure – which has been promoted heavily by Total Gym after the success of this format was seen in a US gym.

The Waterfall Structure is all about staggering your programs. This method of scheduling is centred on five key factors that ensure your success:

  1. Book out programs in advance
  2. Stagger the program start dates
  3. Ensure progression
  4. Utilise the “Sold Out!” strategy
  5. Only schedule what you can book out in advance

So there are obvious benefits in taking a Team Training approach, but what about Multi-Client Personal Training? Where does that fit in?

The distinction between the two is quite important to your business – firstly in how you position yourself and your business, secondly (perhaps most importantly) how much you charge per session and thirdly, your preferred method of training.

So now we take a closer look at Multi-Client Training.

2. MULTI-CLIENT TRAINING

Multi-Client Training is Personal Training on a slightly larger scale. Very different to Team Training, Multi-Client training is about training around 3-4 clients at a time based on their individual needs. By creating “pockets” for each client, you break each individual down into their goal, needs and challenges, and tailor the session to each individual – replicating their goal in their exercises.

This training format is more time consuming as the preparation is personalised and not as generic as Team Training tends to be. The key challenge of Multi-Client Training is working with different clients, health histories and goals and personalising the session to each individual – all in the same room.

So what are the benefits of Multi-Client Training over Team Training?

  • You can charge more per person than you would in Team Training, anywhere from $30 – 50 per 45 or 60 minute session (depending on your one on one charge out rate). This is because you are still giving a one on one training approach in your session and offering personalised attention. At the same time you are still charging less than your charge out rate for a one on one session, making it more affordable for the client.
  • By creating “pockets” or “pods” for each individual, you have each client working in their own area and you can simply rotate from client to client to help them set up each set and monitor their progress.
  • You can stagger the starting times, meaning that you can bring one client in at a time, set them up, set their agenda for the session and have them start while you bring the next client in – maximising your time with each client.
  • You empower and educate the client.

One true benefit is that clients learn how to execute exercises properly and monitor their own form and function. For those who are happy to embrace this type of education, it is truly invaluable to their wellbeing as you teach them habits for life.

David Snively of DBS Fitness, Canada, is the owner of four Total Gym Classic GTS units and is the master of Multi-Client sessions.

“It really works well from a business perspective and from a strategy perspective.” says David, whose business is completely built on a Multi-Client Training Model.

David incorporates tools such as Bosu, TRX, Cable Pulley systems, kettlebells, medicine balls and more, all around the Total Gym GTS centrepiece.

He explains how he runs his Multi-Client Training sessions in a FREE online video on GRAVITY Clubhouse. We highly recommend you watch this for ideas. Click here to sign up for free:  and then click on this link to go direct to ‘Mastering Multi-Client Sessions‘.

This video in a nutshell teaches you the best ways to master Multi-Client sessions.

So after breaking it down, you can see there are multiple approaches and opportunities within the concept of ‘Small Group Training’. From a business perspective, it’s the smart solution to training. Just be clear on how you position yourself and what you are offering.

Shara Curlett
Shara began her career in the fitness industry at Les Mills Dunedin in 2005 and from there combined her passion for fitness with her strength in business to create a niche role for herself specialising in “the business of fitness”. Shara has consulted for gyms and small studios, developed an indoor cycling program, and continues to work one on one with fitness business owners as a sideline passion. As business development and marketing manager for HQH Fitness, Shara is focused on business development, company strategy and marketing and is passionate about helping business owners achieve their goals.

Priorities

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By Josh Smith

Coming in to a high amount of business growth over the past month and a half has meant that for me, I have had to re-evaluate and re-prioritise my current lifestyle and the direction my current choices are taking me.

Having this discussion with a few friends and clients of mine, it seems that for many people – what they actually want from life, and the current direction that they are going in, are two very different things!

How often do you hear “I wish that my life was better” or “Nothing ever goes my way”, or another, generally as equally miserable, saying along the same lines?

If you had to ask me, I would say that I hear these types of sayings uttered at least 3 to 5 times per week, and I’m sure you would be the same. With the advent of social media and the ease of ‘status updates’, you might even see these sayings 3 to 5 times PER DAY!

Being the type of person I am, I like to challenge these types of people on what they actually mean by their sayings. More often than not I get answers that, when broken down further, relate to discrepancies between how they currently prioritise their life and what is needed to achieve the outcomes they wish for.

So you wish to get paid more? Then while you are at work why spend time playing on social media, reading the newspaper or taking long lunch breaks? In my mind that is not something the boss will pay you extra to do!

In the health and fitness industry, it is imperative we teach our clients to prioritise correctly. In my role as a lifestyle coach and business mentor to personal trainers, I spend hours each week delving into the deeper recesses of my clients minds, uncovering exactly HOW they are currently prioritising and WHERE they need to make changes.

So this week I ask you: are your priorities leading you in the right direction?

  • Are there things you want to achieve; business growth, physical development, or financial gains, that are being hindered by your current subconscious attitudes?
  • Are you spending too much time socialising, procrastinating or focusing on the less important things?
  • Do you find yourself spending major time on minor things?

If so then I urge you to take a deeper look at yourself.

Take some to reflect upon your goals, and start to uncover the behaviours and habits that are impeding your progress towards them. Write them down, remember them, and learn what it is that is taking away from your ideal lifestyle.

Only by knowing what is not good for you, can you develop the behaviours that will be GREAT for you!

Josh Smith
Josh is the Director of Mitise Health & Fitness which offers Personal Training, Nutritional Guidance, Lifestyle Coaching, Personal Development, Corporate Seminars, BootCamps and Boxing Groups. Josh is a qualified CHEK Exercise Coach, CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 1 and GRAVITYPersonalTrainer, along with various other qualifications and trainings, and is a very inspirational individual. Mitise (pronounced my-ties) is a word invented by Josh and actually stands for “It is within/in Me“. Check out the spelling of Mitise and you’ll see the connection. Clever huh!

www.mitisehealth.com
twitter.com/MitiseHealth

One on One Personal Training – A Dying Trend?

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The small group training model is a phenomenon that has taken the fitness industry by storm.

With so many businesses and individuals embracing this new wave of training – from large club chains to small self-employed operations – fitness professionals all over the world are discovering that the small group training model is:

  • More attractive to their clients
  • Better suited to their business
  • And best of all it increases their bottom line

So the question presents itself – is one on one personal training on its way out?

The One on One vs. Group Training Debate

Many believe that small group training is the future of fitness, while others are yet to be convinced.

Group:
Small group training (also often referred to as “team training”) allows the fitness professional to earn more and provides a more affordable option for the client…which creates a win:win solution, correct?
vs. One on One:
However, there are some within the industry who believe that small group training takes away from the individual, failing to offer the one on one personalised approach that they feel clients need and deserve.

So in an industry where trends come and go and what once was right is now wrong (and vice versa), who is right – and where does one on one training fit in moving forward?

The Business of Training

  • First and foremost it is important to come back to the ultimate goal of running a business – to be successful.
  • And success in business is defined by what the owner’s ultimate goal, targets and dream is for that business.
  • Therefore anyone operating within their business goals and working successfully towards their dream are doing exactly what they should be doing. It is not for anyone else to say they are right or wrong.

So keeping that in mind…let’s break it down.

Hands Up for Small Group Training

Small group training is not just a phenomenon as previously stated; it is in fact a trend that appears to be here to stay.

And for the average fitness professional whose business goal is centred on earning money doing what they love, the one on one model no longer cuts the mustard.

It is important to remember here that having a goal or dream around money is not a bad thing! In reality, this is the primary purpose of most businesses today.

And when we’re talking about the business of business – small group training just makes sense – from a financial perspective, from a marketing perspective and from a time perspective.

Whether presented in a team training format, or a multi-client personal training format (the difference to be explained in an upcoming blog), small group training is all about bringing a group of people together and taking them to their goals in a fun and motivating environment.

Regardless of the fact they may not get the dedicated attention they would recieve in a one on one session, anyone being trained within a group format – chooses to do so.

Programs such as Les Mills’ classes and team training are popular for a reason. They have in fact paved the way for small group training. Within a group, people experience camaraderie and connection with their fellow “team” and are inspired and motivated to challenge themselves or be challenged. All the endorphins from fitness are enhanced within a group training format.

The benefits for small group training include:

  • Presents a positive environment, with motivation and support from within the group
  • More income for the trainer
  • More affordable for the client
  • Time efficient
  • Fun and interactive

This list could go on and on.

When the clients love it and it helps the trainer to achieve their goal of earning more – how can group training be judged as “wrong”? It can’t. In fact, it’s simply smart business.

So based on this…why would an individual want to continue to offer one on one training when small group training is so attractive?

The Place of One on One Training

Rest assured one on one or private training has – and always will have – a place in the industry.

The only difference moving forward is that with more competition and cheaper alternatives, it simply requires the person running this business model to work smarter.

“Work smarter” simply means that a personal trainer or fitness professional can no longer rest on their laurels.

With more and more trainers coming into the industry offering  lower price points, group training services, not to mention marketing superstars and industry experts who stand out from the crowd…a business that chooses to work within the one on one training model should fit within the following criteria:

  • The business’s ultimate goal is not about the money. When a trainer/business owner has the dream of taking individuals to their goals in a personalised format – the one on one model can always apply. This is because they do it for the love of it, not for the money. When you make money a non-issue, it sells itself and they can offer a competitive price point.
  • The business’s ultimate goal is centred on working with a high-end market. When a fitness professional, specialist or practitioner needs to work closely with a client, one on one training ensures that they offer focus and dedication to that client only, aiming for the best results possible. They may have a money focus/goal, however at their specialised level they are able to position themselves at a rate per individual that weeds out the non-committed and meets their target hourly income.
  • The business’s ultimate goal is about presenting a package/program approach. When a fitness professional thinks ‘outside the square’, a number of ideas will come their way. By offering a package approach (including seminars, assessments and a number of add-ons or “freebies”), they can sell a package of items to an individual, thereby getting their target hourly income while still offering a one on one model.

So…Back to the Question

Is One on One Personal Training a Dying Trend?

The answer is clearly no…and it will certainly never “die”.

There is always a market for clients who want the care and attention of one on one training. They may just be harder to find, and the trainer may need to target their market better.

Trainers working within this model will need to start working smarter, be clear on the ultimate business goal that they are working towards, and understand the model that best fits that goal.

Otherwise…they could well be left behind.

Shara Curlett
Shara began her career in the fitness industry at Les Mills Dunedin in 2005 and from there combined her passion for fitness with her strength in business to create a niche role for herself specialising in “the business of fitness”. Shara has consulted for gyms and small studios, developed an indoor cycling program, and continues to work one on one with fitness business owners as a sideline passion. As business development and marketing manager for HQH Fitness, Shara is focused on business development, company strategy and marketing and is passionate about helping business owners achieve their goals.