Know the Difference! Personal Training Services
When people think of personal training, they often imagine someone counting reps and yelling encouragement in a gym. But personal training has evolved into a diverse field with different types of services, styles, and specialties. Whether you’re a beginner, a competitive athlete, or just trying to stay mobile as you age, there’s likely a training approach that fits your needs.
In this post, we’ll break down the main types of personal training services, what makes them different, and how to know which one is right for you.
1. One-on-One Personal Training
This is the most traditional and widely recognized format. You get a fully personalized workout session tailored to your goals, movement patterns, strengths, and limitations.
**Best For:** Beginners, injury rehab, special populations, high-level customization.
**What to Expect:** Individual attention, detailed form correction, and accountability. Prices are typically higher due to the exclusivity and attention.
2. Small Group Training
Small group training usually involves 2–6 people working together under one trainer. It combines some of the personalization of one-on-one training with the energy and cost-effectiveness of group fitness.
**Best For:** Those who enjoy community, want support from peers, or are budget-conscious.
**What to Expect:** Varied programming, shared focus, and a sense of camaraderie. Trainers still provide some individual coaching but less than in a private session.
3. Large Group or Bootcamp-Style Classes
These sessions focus more on intensity and energy than individual coaching. Bootcamps may include bodyweight training, HIIT, and conditioning circuits.
**Best For:** People who love a challenge, high energy, and sweating it out in a fast-paced environment.
**What to Expect:** Minimal personal feedback, focus on calorie burn and general fitness. More affordable but less tailored.
4. Online Coaching & Virtual Personal Training
This has exploded in popularity. Some trainers offer live Zoom sessions; others provide app-based programs with weekly check-ins, progress tracking, and video feedback.
**Best For:** Self-motivated individuals, frequent travelers, or those with a home gym setup.
**What to Expect:** Flexibility, scalability, and lower cost. But it does require personal discipline and good communication.
5. Semi-Private Training
This is a hybrid model often used in performance gyms or by trainers with multiple advanced clients. You might have 2–6 clients training at once, each with their own plan.
**Best For:** Athletes, intermediate to advanced lifters, or friends training with similar goals.
**What to Expect:** Individualized plans in a shared space. High-level coaching with reduced cost per session.
6. Specialized Training Services
Some trainers offer niche services like pre/post-natal fitness, youth athletic development, senior mobility, rehabilitative strength, or sport-specific performance.
**Best For:** Those with unique needs or training objectives that require extra knowledge or experience.
**What to Expect:** Deep focus on your situation, modified exercises, and often a close collaboration with other professionals (like physical therapists).
How to Choose the Right Type for You
– **Beginners** benefit from one-on-one or small group formats where form and education matter.
– **Busy professionals** might prefer online coaching for its flexibility.
– **Social exercisers** may enjoy the energy of large group classes or bootcamps.
– **Athletes** or those with medical needs should seek out specialized or semi-private formats.
Ask yourself what kind of structure, accountability, and coaching you need. What’s your budget? Do you thrive in a group or prefer individual focus? Choosing the right type of service will set you up for long-term success.
The Bottom Line
Personal training isn’t one-size-fits-all. It spans a wide range of services and formats, each with its own advantages. The key is to understand what each offers and choose the one that best supports your goals, schedule, and lifestyle.
By knowing the difference, you’ll avoid wasting time, money, and effort, and be far more likely to stick with it and see results.
About the Author:
Jason Adams is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, with a bachelor’s degree in Health Education: Exercise and Fitness. He is certified by the American Council of Exercise in personal training and the National Academy of Sports Medicine specializing in corrective exercise. Jason began his career training in the typical big box gyms, but soon realized that the atmosphere of these facilities did not lend to the type of training that he wanted to provide for people.
By helping rehab clients and athletes reach their goals, Jason gained a reputation of being an elite personal trainer. He is very detail oriented and enjoys helping people see their untapped potential by doing what they love, free of worry and injuries. Jason excels in teaching proper and safe movements that will lead to improved stability, coordination and strength in youth and adult athletes who are looking to improve their fitness and athletic performance abilities.