What Size Fitness Class is Right for You?

For better or worse, there are numerous options when it comes to both class size and cost if you’re looking for a fitness solution. And, generally speaking, the higher the price-point, the more personalized the service and more one-to-one coaching time you’ll receive in-session.

So let’s create a quick breakdown using class sizes, largest to smallest:

Large group classes (by my definition) are going to be 15+ participants. There are gyms out there that are packing 30, 40, or even 50 people into one class! Large classes are perfect if you’re looking for a high-energy environment and an affordable option.

The downside is that with larger groups, it can be challenging to get personalized feedback, as the focus tends to be on general fitness rather than individual goals or concerns.

The next group is what I’m going to call small class. (I used to differentiate between small class and small group. More on this later.) This could be anywhere from 8 to 15 people and generally clusters around the 10-12 person range. 

Small classes typically become necessary in spaces like CrossFit because of the square footage and equipment requirements of the workouts (think: barbells, rigs for pullups, handstand walking, etc).

Small classes can strike a balance by providing personalized attention while still enjoying the motivation and camaraderie of a group, but it really depends on the group size. It’s ideal for those who want coaching but also thrive in a group setting, though the attention won’t be as individualized as semi-private or one-on-one training.

For a more tailored approach, semi-private training offers customized workouts for every client or member in a small group setting. We use semi-private training in a 4:1 ratio of members-to-coaches at JMF, but some facilities will push that number to 6:1 or even 8:1. 

This format provides most of the benefits of one-on-one training at a lower cost and is probably, in my humble opinion, the best value of the entire list.

Lastly, one-on-one personal training is the most individualized option, giving you 100% of the coach’s focus and a program tailored entirely to your needs. In our experience, one-on-one allows us to use exercises and techniques that would otherwise by unapproachable in any type of group setting.

I’ve said this before: one-on-one training is obviously the best option when it comes to program quality (backed by the fact that every celebrity and athlete uses this approach).

The obvious downside is the higher cost, but it also lacks the group energy that some find motivating.

And lastly lastly, for what it’s worth, here is my prediction for the future:

As I said earlier, I’ve stopped differentiating between small classes and small groups. I think they’re basically the same. Everyone gets the same workout and it comes at a very middle price point.

My prediction is that we’re going to see a contraction of the small class space as facilities move to a larger class model or downsize to a semi-private model in order to provide better programming, more complex workouts, and individualized coaching. 

If you’re looking for a less expensive solution, a larger class will hit the nail on the head. If you’re willing to spend a little more, semi-private training is unequivocally better.