Small group personal training is simply sharing one personal trainer between a maximum of 6 people. You save money by splitting the cost, while benefiting from the enhanced motivation provided by the group setting. Either book as a group, or join an existing group and make new friends. Alternatively, if you’d rather have personal training with just one other person (your partner, a friend or even a colleague), you can try personal training for couples.

 

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Written by
Chris Nicklin, Personal Trainer
Chris Nicklin (BSc)
Owner of Nxtep Personal Training | Read Author Page

Chris Nicklin is a certified Personal Trainer with over 7 years' experience, and the owner of Nxtep Personal Training. Chris qualified from Edge Hill University with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Sports Coaching and Performance Development, and has delivered over ten thousand one-to-one Personal Training sessions.

Updated 28/9/2022

What Is Small Group Personal Training?

As it sounds, small group personal training is a form of semi-private personal training that takes place in a group setting. During the session, the group works out with their own personal training programme prescribed by their personal trainer at the same time as others. People are coached by their trainer individually and support is given throughout the whole session to make sure perfect form and appropriate weights are being used for the given exercises.

Your personal training programme is meticulously designed to help you attain your objectives safely and without wasting any of your time and energy.

 

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Patrick SmithPatrick Smith
06:47 05 Jun 24
Joined Nxtep under the 6 week transformation plan and had great results. Chris is a great PT with plenty of experience and skill.
Sarah RaoSarah Rao
07:30 30 May 24
A EA E
20:41 07 May 24
The “personal trainer” at this establishment is very unprofessional and will fat shame people. I do not recommend you will be judged.Edit: No email was left to contact. Leave an email so we can discuss further thank you.
Paul CorriganPaul Corrigan
12:26 10 Mar 24
Sadly I'm leaving the area and would love to take Nxtep with me. I attend the small classes. Chris has created a unique venue that would be hard to match anywhere. The environment is warm and friendly. The sports science work that Chris does behind the scenes to prepare the classes is immense, so that we don't have to worry about it. Just plug and go. Though education is always at hand if required. The classes can be hard work (results driven) but always fun. The equipment is of the highest standard. I've always been around sports but have never experienced anything so positive and rewarding. At 57 there is no way I would ever have thought I'd lift such heavy weights or complete these vigorous exercises. Chris gets you there incrementally and safely but always with great humour. He uses a truly interactive App that plots your progress. A fitness App that actually works, who knew!!Also the clients are lovely and incredibly supportive of each other. Well bloody done Chris!
Aidan McGearyAidan McGeary
07:50 27 Feb 24
Over the past alomost 3 years, Nxtep has been central to my personal growth. Chris and his clients make up a fantastic community of people who have helped me develop in many ways. No one lifts a single kg on my behalf or runs a step for me, but as part of a positive and nurturing environment I have been able to consistently, week in, week out, exceed my expactations of what I am capable of. The Physical and mental benefits I have experienced since being a part of this community have been game changing and I owe them a great deal. Aidan.
Alana McgladeAlana Mcglade
17:44 20 Feb 24
Chris has been absolutely amazing at supporting me on my fitness journey. Everything is tailored to the individual so it suits everyone no matter what stage you're at. There's a really supportive environment that I haven't experienced elsewhere and the flexibility Chris has shown to me when needed has been amazing. Would never go anywhere else now!
Ashleigh PattersonAshleigh Patterson
20:07 18 Feb 24
CHRIS AND LUCA YOU ARE AMAZING AT WHAT YOU DO.At one point i couldnt walk up the stairs... after been hospitalized and locked in a room for nearly a month at pinderfields I was diagnosed with severe asthma to been under observation for COPD at 30 years old and still living everyday with it now, I decided to make a change. I moved to Cheshire I joined @nxtepknutsford and in a matter of months I was competing at @turfgames with the gym familyI cannot thank everyone enough who has been on my journeyNow at 32 I can lift 110kg on a deadliftI can run .... some sort of distance and always improving as much as my lungs will carry me.Never give up and push to be betterWe saw. We came. I conquered! 🏆
Steven ThompsonSteven Thompson
07:40 15 Feb 24
The model works for me , small group of less than 6 with a dedicated trainer . Have used gyms for many years but this model works for me . Complete professional instruction at all times . All about correct technique and protecting back etc . Plus there is no escape - maximising every session and getting maximum benefits . A real community approach .
deborah walkerdeborah walker
10:08 12 Feb 24
Always a great session with Chris .Come away feeling fab
Iain FountainIain Fountain
12:04 06 Feb 24
Have been training regularly each week since October at Nxtep and just wanted to give some feedback on my experience which has been nothing short than excellent. Chris, Luca and the team have provided one and one expertise, techniques, dietary plans to help with weight loss, build lean muscle and improve fitness. Can’t shout their praises enough. Good job Nxtep.
Hannah ThrelfallHannah Threlfall
14:10 10 Nov 23
I signed up for the 6 week body transformation initially to help me get my pre baby body back after gaining a lot of weight through pregnancy. I lost 8.6kgs in the 6 weeks and have since renewed my membership to continue with my progress and I’m almost down 10kgs in total only 2kgs away from my pre pregnancy weight. I have always hated going to the gym and would dread going initially but now I am 8 weeks in, training 3x per week and feeling fitter and much happier in myself it is something I definitely want to continue. I feel it has really changed my lifestyle and I am making healthier choices everyday with a much more positive outlook, my family have commented that the old Hannah is back as before I felt I’d lost myself since becoming a mum for the first time. Chris and Luca are incredibly knowledgeable about anatomy which was very important to me after having a C-section and I have seen huge improvements in my core and lower back stability. I am also enjoying the new friends I am making from the sessions and never thought I’d say it but I’m looking forward to continuing the training long term and being in the best shape of my life!!
Katie MorrisKatie Morris
08:05 15 Sep 23
I've really enjoyed the community at Nxtep. I've never been this thrilled get up before 7am to attend the gym. Chris and Luca are brilliant and I feel I've come so far in the year since I started coming. Looking forward to more progress and the pride that comes with working hard
Lesley SneesbyLesley Sneesby
08:04 15 Sep 23
Thank you Chris and Luca for your amazing help, guidance and support in such a welcoming environment at Nxtep
MerelMerel
15:47 03 May 23
I initially joined Nxtep to get a better grip on my fitness levels after yo-yoing for years with sporadic classes and runs. It was an excellent decision as the sessions are three times a week which quickly got me in a good rhythm. Chris and Luca are both fantastic and very patient with a newbie like myself who had never lifted weights before. They have really helped me understand fitness and weight lifting a lot better. They also adjusted any exercises based on my capabilities as I had an injured shoulder for a while, and with the rehab exercises they gave me that’s now back to normal. I can’t recommend Nxtep enough!
CharlotteCharlotte
15:38 04 Aug 22
I've been working with the guys at Nxtep for about a year now; I originally joined thinking it would be a short-term thing to lose weight for my wedding.A year later and I'm married, 12kg lighter than when I first started, lifting much heavier weights and am in much better shape in general. Chris and Luca have been amazing with my training; they always challenge me to try new things and to push further, which is really helpful for someone who's training has always seemed to plateau in the past.They've also taught me about health and fitness as a lifestyle; there's so much more to it than lifting some weights or constantly being on a diet, and they always keep things new, fun and flexible. They're also really helpful and approachable guys; I've messaged them lots of times to ask for training tips and advice when I'm going to the gym outside of training hours, and they're always more than happy to help.
Jackie KingJackie King
19:38 17 May 22
I first met Chris in January 2020. I was 12 weeks pregnant with my first child. As a trained dancer, and teacher I was hoping to maintain my levels of fitness whilst minimising the risks of my pregnancy. My early dance training concentrated on training my limbs, while often neglecting my ‘centre’ or ‘core’. It wasn’t until a back injury in 2012 due to weak lower back muscles that my approach to training changed. When I first found out about my pregnancy, I worried about my back and how to keep it strong.Chris helped me through my pregnancy teaching me safe ways of keeping my core strong, helping with my postural alignment as well as addressing some muscular imbalances that I wasn’t aware I had. Most importantly, Chris gave me the confidence to continue training through pregnancy. I knew I was in safe hands. Chris is phenomenally knowledgeable in how our bodies work.May 2022, I am currently pregnant with my second child and still continuing to train with Chris at Nxtep. Luca has also joined the team and is a fantastic addition. They are a great team, and I am very lucky to be trained by them both. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about pre or post natal pregnancy training to consider Nxtep.
Sean WSean W
12:09 02 Apr 22
Before starting at Nxtep I would go through a cycle of starting to get fit, injuring my back, then avoiding exercise for fear of making it worse. The same happened when I started here, with my over eagerness to improve leading to the same old injury. Chris and Luca kept me motivated and coached me through the recovery process, allowing me to strengthen the areas susceptible to injury and enabling me to carry on where I’d previously have given up. Now I’m lifting ~100kg more than when I first started and the past few years of persistent back injury seem a distant memory. The guys have helped me with my nutrition, my outlook and overcoming what I previously thought I couldn’t. I can’t thank them both enough!
Paul KennedyPaul Kennedy
22:59 05 Nov 21
I’ve been working with Chris and the team at Nxtep, and the initially just wanted to get stronger and fitter somewhere local when the gym near work was no longer an option due to the pandemic. I know feel really confident handling weights and my diet. I recently saw myself in a film from before I started at Nxtep and other people couldn’t recognise me from me who didn’t know me well so, it definitely works! Highly recommended.
Jordan CraigJordan Craig
20:45 05 Aug 21
Training at Nxtep during Covid was tricky but Chris and Luca made it work! Started with training outdoors in the carpark before we were allowed to move indoors, it was always fun and I feel I made real progress.It never felt just like a business and always felt more caring, I was also doing it as part of my DofE to which Luca/Chris were very helpful with.I've had to stop due to other focuses in life but I've got some real fond memories of the time and am hoping to go back later if I can!
ryan unwinryan unwin
20:29 28 Jul 21
Great personal trainer, his sessions are great and really push you into great mindset to achieve your goals, great knowledge of the body aswell! Would definitely recommend!!
David VDavid V
17:54 22 Oct 20
Wanted to improve all round fitness especially strength and conditioning so contacted & met with Chris.....was very impressed with his approach and was motivated to getting started & looking forward to the challengeChris was fundamental to me in making the nutrition and exercise changes required to achieve goals.... inspiring, motivational, encouraging & supportive he is great to work with......regular tracking & updates help me to stay focused..... Chris is easy to get along with and the sessions are challenging but enjoyable.....
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At Nxtep we created an industry leading program for people of all ages and abilities to join and train together. Whether that’s to improve your health, get in shape for an occasion or become the best in your chosen sport, our programmes are created to accommodate your goals.

Our flagship program called NX3 focuses on the 3 pillars of training we feel are crucial to achieving long lasting results: your Nutrition, Training and Mindset.

Our programs don’t just focus on what you do in the Studio, we follow a 360 degree approach by creating a nutritional solution to suit your lifestyle, whether that’s meal plans, recipes or just general guidance. It’s important for the client to find their own solution that they can adhere too.

Not forgetting the round-the clock support you receive as part of our community to make sure your mental health is being looked after and you’re doing the extra bits outside of the gym too, again supporting your own circumstances.

On the NX3 small group personal training program you will train three times each week, at a time to suit your busy lifestyle and schedule.

Don’t worry if you aren’t as fit as others in the group – we will be there to make sure you go at a rate that is comfortable for you, even though you’re training in a group setting.

Small group personal training is more cost-effective than traditional personal training, as you are splitting the usual cost between multiple people.

Additionally, small group personal training has the advantage of motivating you from your peers and the coach. In a group situation, there is often more energy and maybe even some healthy competitiveness. Human nature dictates that you are more inclined to put out an all-out effort if the person sitting next to you is!

 

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Why Does Small Group Personal Training Work?

When it comes to fitness, there used to be three options:

  • Be a solo gym bunny
  • Join an exercise class
  • Hire a one-to-one personal trainer

Training on your own can be great – if you know what you’re doing already, and can self-motivate effectively. However, if neither of the above apply, then it can be a struggle.

In exercise classes, the instructor does the moves, shouts instructions to the whole class, and the pupils copy it. But with class numbers usually ranging from around 10 to 30 or even more, the amount of personal tutoring and guidance you get is minimal. You could be one of many people not doing it quite right, but the instructor doesn’t have time to get round to all of you.

However, small group personal training is distinct due to the key term, personal. Group personal trainers vary from workout instructors in one specific way: they coach. Students often do a variety of exercises in a group personal training scenario according to their own fitness or skill levels.

A group personal training class looks like a collection of individuals doing various exercises together at their own rate of speed, intensity, and skill, in contrast to a group exercise class, which can resemble a choreographed dance routine.

Hiring a personal trainer for one-to-one training is great, but we understand this isn’t for everyone. At Nxtep small group and one-to-one personal training are the core products we offer and believe choosing either path will lead to incredible results.

 

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Is Small Group Personal Training More Effective Than One To One?

It’s not necessarily more effective, but it has certain advantages and disadvantages over traditional one-to-one PT. One to one personal training is great if you want a dedicated time slot to focus solely on yourself and every aspect of your movements throughout the whole session. But, with small group personal training, you’ll still be able to get individual attention from your trainer, while cutting down on the cost of your PT sessions, meaning you can do more sessions with a trainer each week when compared to going it alone. Plus, you’ll be able to meet new friends with like-minded goals which can help to forge new relationships – which has been proven to help people achieve longer lasting results.

Most individuals function best in a group setting as it makes the atmosphere more dynamic. When you practice with others, you are more driven to exert greater effort. If the other participants in your exercise are moving forward, it will motivate you to as well. In a group session, you will spend less time chatting with your PT; instead, you will be focused on your workout and will benefit more from the session. A PT is not there to count your repetitions; rather, their job is to ensure that you are exercising safely, efficiently, and competently.

Is Small Groups Personal Training Better Than Regular Group Personal Training?

We most definitely think so. Small group personal training is preferable to regular group personal training for two key reasons. In contrast to typical group personal training, which may have up to 10 participants to one trainer, our small group personal training is only available to 6 people at a time in the studio. As a result, a trainer will provide you more individual attention, and you’ll get to know the other participants in your group much faster during sessions.

 

 

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The Advantages of Small Group Personal Training Vs One-To-One

Here are just a few advantages of small group personal training:

  • You can complete more sessions per week with a coach
  • You’ll save money as the cost is split with the group
  • You might feel more motivated by others
  • You’ll make new friends

The Advantages of One-To-One Vs Small Group Personal Training

  • You have more dedicated time to yourself from the coach
  • May be preferable if you’re a little shy or feel anxious of training with others
  • Can be better for people with more serious health issues or injuries to take things more slowly

What If I’m Not As Fit As Other People In The Group?

You might be asking yourself what if you are not at the same fitness levels as the other people in your session? What if you are new to strength training and have never picked up a weight in your life? These things don’t matter. Our personal trainers are able to change a programme to suit all levels and you won’t necessarily be doing the same exercise as the other people in your group. Remember it is still a personal training session with just a few other people being coached at the same time.

 

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5 Great Exercises To Try In a Group Setting

 

Side lunge & high pull

Use one resistance band between 2 people. Face your partner while standing tall with your feet together. With your left arm extended to shoulder height, grasp the resistance band’s grip. Keep the band taut by keeping your distance from one another.

While maintaining their feet parallel and leaning back slightly with their hips and flexed knees, both partners simultaneously execute a side lunge to the left. Pull the resistance band towards the shoulder while doing a side lunge, forcing the elbow back to complete a high pull. Repeat on the right side while returning to the starting position.

Chest press & front lunge 

Use 2 resistance bands between 2 people. Face away from your partner and stand tall with your feet together. Two resistance bands are looped together such that each partner is gripping their individual resistance band’s handles in each hand. The band is on top of the arms and the shoulders are abducted such that the hands are immediately in front of the shoulders. Keep the band taut by keeping your distance from one another.

In a front lunge and chest press, both partners move forward at the same time. Step forward while exhaling while keeping the core firmly braced. Back up a foot and take a breath. Alternate by switching legs.

Squat with high pull

Use 1 resistance band between 2 people. Standing straight, with the feet shoulder-width apart, the spine neutral, the abs engaged, and the shoulders relaxed. Hold a resistance band handle in front of your hips with both hands while facing your partner. To maintain the band’s tension, step back from your partner a sufficient distance.

While the other person extends the hips and knees and executes a high pull, you should squat and press the resistance band’s handle downward. The other person squats and presses the band’s handle downward while you extend your hips and knees and perform a high pull.

Side plank with row

Use 2 resistance bands between 2 people. Get into a forearm side plank posture with your back to your partner and both of your arms extended with a little tension while clutching the handles of two resistance bands in your upper hands. Strengthen your core and keep your spine in a neutral position.

Both partners pull the handle toward the rib cage to force the elbows back. While doing the rows, maintain a firm side plank position. To go backwards, do a side plank from the knees while in a side bridge pose.

Chain-gang squat

Use 1 resistance band between 2 people. With the toes turned out slightly and the core strongly braced, stand tall and face your partner with your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider. With both hands, grasp the resistance band’s handle. Keep the band taut by keeping your distance from one another. Keep your core firmly braced.

Person A squats and swings the resistance band between their legs, like you would with a kettlebell. Partner B raises the arms aloft while simultaneously extending the hips and flexing the shoulders. Like a seesaw, one person is up and the other is down.

 

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