10 replies to this topic

[Darten]

Just wondering if anyone has done any group personal training before particularly through companies like Step Into Life? I see groups of them at some races. I'm mainly interested in strength training and increasing core strength. The outdoor aspect appeals to me. Thoughts?

[Sharky]

Darten, on Jan 12 2010, 11:53 AM, said:

Just wondering if anyone has done any group personal training before particularly through companies like Step Into Life? I see groups of them at some races. I'm mainly interested in strength training and increasing core strength. The outdoor aspect appeals to me. Thoughts?

Darten - have a look here http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/index...showtopic=26291 and here http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/index...showtopic=23007

[runningaway]

Darten (I haven't read those other threads), but I got 8 weeks of Step Into Life with a magazine subscription and I found them to be pretty horrible. They are great if they get you enthusiastic and out there if you need motivation. However I found that all the weights were really hurried and my form was pretty terrible as was every one else's but the instructor didn't seem to notice. I only went to three sessions.
My Sports Doc says that they are great for her industry!

[KevinCassidy]

I've seen these groups in various parks around Melbourne. I have to admit that the term "group personal training" always makes me laugh. Group....Personal.....surely this is the ultimate contradiction in terms.

They all seem to have the same format of a young male instructor leading a bunch of middle aged women who spend most of the class ogling at his well toned body.

[Darten]

Thanks for the feedback

[FitzCameron]

My wife is in SIL at Catani Gardens in St Kilda, Melbourne 3 mornings /week - she has had several PTs over the years and she loves these guys. She has been with them for 18+ months

My wife doesn't suffer fools and her coach "Charlie" keeps everyone honest - no talking only working hard: weights, 5 & 8 Km time trials, cardio, boxing and heaps more.

Our theory is that the earlier the sessions are in the morning, the better the work-out as the people (like my wife) who get up at 5.42am on these days want value not standing around blabbing - and slackers soon leave as they cannot keep up!

I am not part of the group, but I do see them train and they are pushed really bloody hard.

FC

[Scopes]

Darten, on Jan 12 2010, 12:53 PM, said:

Just wondering if anyone has done any group personal training before particularly through companies like Step Into Life? I see groups of them at some races. I'm mainly interested in strength training and increasing core strength. The outdoor aspect appeals to me. Thoughts?

Hi. I train with Step into Life Chelsea. It's great and caters for all levels. The toning and powerflex (kind of strength yoga) are as tough as you make it. I did toning session in the lead up to my half marathon and I think it made a massive difference to my form. Never been to a gym but the outdoor training is appealing. But everyone is different.

[Maffrew]

I've been training with Step Into Life Warners Bay for about 11 months now (as was my wife, who is now off on maternity leave!) and it's been great. It was my entrance into fitness, and I would never have started running had I not been doing Step Into Life first.

The first point I guess is that it's franchised. So while my trainer(s) are very good, it's possible that others aren't. The franchises are of course held to standards but at the end of the day if the trainer is naff, the experience may be naff.

The set up means that it provides a pretty good range of different exercise types (circuits, boxing, kickboxing, yoga/pilates, toning, resistance training, boot camps) and it's suitable for a wide range of people of all abilities. You really do have to make the most of it and work to your own ability, pushing yourself. The trainer is there for guidance and support, but they can't MAKE you work hard.

The social aspect is important for a lot of people too. Sessions at Warners Bay can range from 3 or 4 people through to 25 (on a session this big it's usually 2 trainers), so you meet a lot of new people. We have a social night every 3 months and our trainer, David Corin, often puts on 'extras' on Sundays, such as a free fun run, or for instance we're doing a dragon boat team at Paddlefest.

There seems to be an element of snobbery (like many areas of fitness and life in general i suppose!) towards this type of training, but in my view it's as valid as anything else.

[BLightyear]

I do outdoor group training and LOVE it!!
I'm in NSW so can't recommend a good place for you, but once you find the right trainer, you will really get into it.

My trainer does all different activities each day, circuits, boxing, beach running etc. Boot camp style! But you work at your own pace and with the weights you are comfortable with.

Most will probably offer a free week trial so you can see how you like them.

[Pipergirl]

I started my fitness regime with SIL in NSW and found them to be great...was over weight at the time and would of found the gym intimidating. They definetely cater for varying fitness levels but I found that that the quality of the session really depended on the trainer at the time...some good some not so good like with anywhere I suppose.

Have since moved onto the gym where i can do heavier weights etc,. you are a bit limited with them when it comes to heavier weights.

Overall worth a try. Is awesome being outdoors! Good for the spirit!!