Home » The KIPS Podcast » The Keys to Small Group Training feat. Anthony J. Wall, PhD

With the new year right around the corner, retooling your business ideas is always a good route for a fitness instructor. One of the most underutilized tools to grow your client list is small group training (SGT). In an SGT session, you can build community, create a fun environment for your clients, and showcase your knowledge in exercise programming. In episode 96 of the KIPS Podcast, we have returning guest Anthony J. Wall, PhD. Anthony is the current National Spokesperson and Global Wellness Ambassador at the American Council on Exercise (ACE). In this episode, Dr. Wall shares his experiences teaching SGT and offers insight into how fitness instructors can transition from personal training to small-group training.

One of the best tips that Dr. Wall expands on is how most people come to SGT for the community. Keeping this in mind can be challenging for fitness instructors, who want to overload and progressively create intense workouts, but most participants would benefit from a whole-body workout. Yes, programming and exercise selection are essential, but keep in mind that creating consistency and enjoyment can be powerful outcomes that keep your clients returning for more sessions. If your clients are coming back and signing up for more sessions, that ultimately means that you are building your client list and getting more opportunities to grow other areas of your fitness business.

Benefits of Teaching Small Group Training

Teaching small-group training as a personal trainer offers numerous benefits for both trainers and participants. Firstly, it allows trainers to maximize their time, working with multiple clients simultaneously while providing personalized attention. This dynamic setup enables more affordable pricing for clients, making fitness more accessible.

Small group training fosters community and motivation among participants as they encourage one another and share their fitness journeys. This social aspect helps build accountability; members are less likely to skip sessions when they know others are counting on them. Additionally, trainers can design varied and targeted workouts that cater to different fitness levels and needs within the same group.

Furthermore, trainers can refine their teaching skills in a group setting, learning to communicate effectively and adapt their approach based on individual responses. Small-group training can ultimately lead to a more rewarding experience for both trainers and participants, thereby enhancing client satisfaction and retention.

As the National Spokesperson and Global Wellness Ambassador at the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Anthony J. Wall, PhD, serves as the company’s forward-facing representative, speaking nationally on health & fitness topics. Additionally, Dr. Wall is a member of the Physical Activity Innovative Collaborative of the National Academies of Medicine and serves on the Education Committee for the Medical Fitness Association. With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Wall shares his expertise at workshops and conferences worldwide. He also frequently serves as a media expert for respected national outlets, including The Washington Post, Good Life, Real Health, and Women’s Health.