Introducing Small Group Training to your PT Business
Small Group Training is fast becoming a popular addition to many PT businesses. For those of you considering venturing into this area, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Step 1 : Group Size
Small Group Training is generally less than 10 people per group. Identify your training area / location first, then decide on your group size.
Step 2: Pricing
Once your group size is set, work backwards to establish your price. You might normally earn $80 for a PT session. Group Training will require more preparation and administration time, so be sure to factor this in to your costs.
If you need to make $120 per session:
4 ppl @ $30pp
6 ppl @ $20pp
10ppl @ $12pp
Remember, the goal is to maximise your income without it costing you additional time.
Step 3: Marketing
This is especially important, because you want to market the benefits of group sessions, without down playing the 1:1 training you offer!
Small Group Training should be promoted for:
- Supervised and intimate training environment
- Education in conjunction with exercise
- PT / Instructor guidance and demonstration
- Affordable supervised training
Its important that your customers understand, that Small Group Training can not replace the one on one attention of a Personal Training session. PT sessions command a premium rate because they are specialised, tailored and focused 100% on one person.
Step 4: Packages
Successful small group training requires clients to commit to a minimum 4 or 6 week program. This will not be a successful or worthwhile business venture for you if you don’t stick to your guns – $120 a session is not $120 a session if 2 x $30 clients pull out half way through!! Make the commitment clear in their paperwork from the get go – You require upfront payment and there are no refunds for missed sessions.
Small Group Training is a great way to expand your PT Business and increase your customer base.
Marketed correctly, it can be a great addition to your existing business and successful execution of the sessions will lead to increased word or mouth from a larger group of customers.
Chantal worked for 15 years in senior sales and marketing roles in the media industry before transitioning careers. She began as a qualified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Realising she could do more to help the industry, she became a Fitness Business Coach with Active Management. Then in 2015, she became the host of The Fitness Business Podcast. Now with over 262 shows and 500,000 downloads it is one of the world’s top podcasts for fitness business owners, managers and fitpreneurs.
Chantal has interviewed fitness industry leaders including Rick Caro, Bill McBride, Brent Darden, Rasmus Ingerslev, Derek Gallup, Alison Flatley, Mo Hagan, Sarah Robb O’Hagan, Carrie Kepple, Emma Barry.
Fitness industry award winners including Todd Durkin, Krista Popowych, Carol Michaels, Kristen Green.
International authors including Jay Baer, Jeb Blount, Mark Shaefer, Mike Michaelowicz, Michelle Segar.