Group Exercise vs. Personal Training

Should fitness be personal? Or is there more power in training together?

The truth is, both personal training and group exercise have their place. One offers a deep level of individual support and customisation. The other brings energy, accountability and a shared sense of progress. The real question is not which one is better, but which one suits you at this stage in your journey.

At Foundry, we coach both personal training and group training with structure and intention. Each approach serves a purpose. Here is how to decide what will work best for you right now.

Individual Coaching That Meets You Where You Are

There is no doubt that personal training delivers results, especially in particular circumstances.

If you are starting out and still learning the ropes, personal training can help you build the confidence and competence you need to train well. It is also incredibly valuable if you are recovering from an injury or working around physical limitations that require close attention.

And if you are training for something specific — a performance goal, a sport, or a life event — personal coaching can give you the structure and focus to get there safely and effectively.

The benefits are clear:

One-to-one attention
Sessions designed specifically for your body and goals
Immediate feedback on technique and movement
The ability to progress at your own pace

But personal training is not always the endgame. In fact, for most people, it is the starting point.

Group Training That Builds Long Term Fitness

Once you have built a solid base of movement, group training often becomes the more effective route to long-term results.

Why? Because most of us need similar things when it comes to general health and fitness. We need stronger glutes and hamstrings. We need better core control and shoulder stability. We need balanced, well-rounded training that moves us out of a sitting posture and into stronger, more capable bodies.

Group training delivers that — and it does so in a way that keeps people engaged. It offers structure, progression and expert coaching, without the pressure or formality of a one-to-one session. And, crucially, it adds something many people do not realise they are missing: community.

Different Goals Call for Different Tools

Think of training like a sport. When athletes are injured, they train individually with focused rehab sessions. When they are healthy and working toward performance, they train together under the guidance of a coach. The programme stays essentially the same for everyone. The coach adjusts it slightly to fit the individual, not the other way around.

Most of us fall into this second category. We are not coming back from injury. We have some experience in the gym. We want to feel fitter, move better, and stay strong. That is where group training really comes into its own.

It is not just more fun. It is often more effective.

Strength in Similarity

Despite what some fitness marketing might suggest, most people do not need completely bespoke programmes. We all benefit from many of the same foundational training elements.

A well-designed group programme can cover:

Posterior chain development
Unilateral strength and control
Core conditioning
Shoulder stability
Full body mobility

With a skilled coach overseeing the session, minor adjustments can be made for individual needs. But the base structure can remain consistent across the group.

Small Groups for Quality Work

Strength training often requires more detailed coaching and attention. That is why we prefer smaller group formats for these sessions. Groups of two to four allow for:

Close observation of movement patterns
Space and time to coach technical lifts
Progress tracking and session consistency
Personalised feedback without losing the group atmosphere

Small group strength training strikes the balance between personalisation and motivation. You get the quality of coaching found in a one-to-one setting, but with the shared energy and accountability of group work.

Large Groups for Energy and Conditioning

Conditioning sessions are where we move faster, sweat more and turn up the intensity. These sessions are generally lower in technical demand and higher in output.

That is why they work well in larger group formats, often ten to twenty people. The coaching focus shifts slightly, from technical instruction to motivation and energy. Movements are kept safe and straightforward so that everyone can focus on effort, consistency and enjoyment.

You still get coached. You still get pushed. But the goal here is different. It is about cardiovascular fitness, work capacity and mental toughness — all delivered in a fast-paced, fun environment.

The Right Format for the Right Outcome

Training is most effective when it is targeted. At Foundry, we structure our sessions around two key elements: strength and conditioning.

Strength sessions are focused and require more detailed coaching. They are delivered in small groups, where the coach can tailor the session to suit each member’s needs.

Conditioning sessions are more about output, energy and cardiovascular fitness. These work well in larger groups, where members can thrive off the atmosphere and push themselves harder.

This structure creates a balanced programme. It allows you to train consistently, challenge your body in different ways and recover well between sessions.

Motivation, Accountability and Enjoyment

One of the advantages of group training is the effect of those around you. Training alongside others increases motivation and effort. When someone next to you is working hard, you tend to do the same.

There is also the matter of consistency. Group training tends to be more enjoyable, which means people are more likely to stick with it. Over time, this consistency becomes the biggest driver of results.

It is easier to skip a solo session. It is harder to miss one when people are expecting to see you there.

Personal vs Group Training

Here is a simple way to decide which option is right for you.

Choose personal training if:

You are recovering from an injury
You are new to the gym and still learning fundamental movement
You have a particular goal that requires tailored support

Choose group training if:

You have some gym experience and are not currently injured
Your goal is general fitness, improved strength and overall performance
You are looking for consistency, enjoyment and accountability

You do not have to stick with one approach forever. Many Foundry members start with personal training, then move into small group sessions as they progress. Others combine the two, using personal sessions for specific work and group sessions for general fitness.

Do What Works — And Keep Doing It

A good training programme is not just about sets and reps. It is about what you enjoy, what keeps you consistent and what supports your life outside the gym.

At Foundry, we believe in coaching with purpose. Whether you train one-to-one or as part of a group, we are here to help you move better, feel stronger and build a body that works for life.

The right choice is the one that meets you where you are now — and supports where you want to go next.

Prefer an AI Summary?