Crossroads Fitness Blog

Most people are familiar with one-on-one fitness training sessions. These sessions are available at most health clubs and independent studios. But what’s changed might surprise you.

Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction is an industry leader in small group personal training. Although the concept seems to have only recently hit the market, we’ve been doing it for years.

Why is this best-kept secret so successful for reaching fitness goals?

Many people believe they can work out alone. Many can. For most of us, though, the reality is we won’t do it with success. Individuals who exercise on their own have a 45 percent dropout rate within the first year. The second year it’s 52 percent. That leaves only a 3 percent rate for someone to succeed with an exercise plan.

  Small group training is successful for many reasons. Leaders are personal trainers with knowledge of anatomy, exercise science and nutrition. Because of their education and experience, you feel comfortable in their abilities to train you.

Small group training also offers a cost-effective way to work out with trainers. Trainers split the cost of their time between a few people. Everyone benefits by sharing the cost.      

Another benefit of small group training is the variety. Each workout is carefully designed for your group. Classes might include cardiovascular exercise, circuits, core work, interval training and weights.

Some of these tools used in workouts include kettle bells, plyo boxes, slam balls and suspension training.Many of these tools require proper technique and form to not only get the most benefit, but also reduce the risk of injury.

One of the most important benefits to achieving your fitness goals through small group training is structure. By having a class you attend two or three times every week with the same trainer and same people, you develop a workout habit. All you have to do is show up. That structure becomes part of not only your weekly schedule, but also your lifestyle.

The part I like best? The social aspect. A small group training class can become a close-knit group of people all trying to achieve their individual goals. I’ve seen it over and over at Crossroads Fitness. People who start out exercising together don’t know each other. After a while, they become friends in and out of the club.

Some classes might include businesspeople exercising before work. Others classes might include moms with young children. Other classes are a mix. The fact these people now have a support group that cares about them constitutes one of the most beneficial aspects of small group training.   

Working out in a group yields more success than attempting to do it on your own. Give small group training a try and experience the benefits for yourself. You’ll be amazed to find a trainer and group of people who are there to cheer you on.