Mobile Personal Trainer vs Gym Personal Trainer

Introduction:

I have been asked this question a lot in my history as a mobile personal trainer... Why choose outdoor or mobile PT over gym?

Put simply I believe the people you meet in a mobile PT space are facing tougher challenges than the average gym goer that wants to lose 5% body fat.. But that's just me!

However this article is not here to explain to you why I have chosen mobile PT it is to guide you in making the right decision when it comes to choosing a mobile trainer or a gym trainer!

As you stand at the crossroads, contemplating the choice between a mobile personal trainer and a gym-based counterpart, it's crucial to recognise the unique challenges and aspirations that accompany each path.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of fitness training, acknowledging the concerns you may harbour and presenting a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

The Rise of Mobile Personal Training

In a world that constantly demands our time and attention, the rise of mobile personal training has emerged as a beacon of flexibility!

This happened during covid when there was this massive lockdown stopping people from being able to attend a gym so they resorted to park gyms or hiring mobile personal trainers for a similar experience.

This was great as I noticed a lot more of a rise of people wanting to get out in the great outdoors to walk, exercise and relax! Now that we have come back to our normal routines I still feel like that change has left its mark in our current culture (I can only speak on behalf of Sydney).

Mobile personal training was an outlet many turned to as an option that would help keep them fit and healthy during a time that we were all locked down and unable to move locations... Look to mobile personal training for an option that helps you create an environment in your life that makes fitness and health goal achievement easy!

Picture this: your personal trainer arrives at your doorstep, tailored workouts in tow, ready to adapt to your timetable. Convenience, flexibility, and personalised attention are the defining features of the mobile personal training experience.

Benefits of Gym Personal Training

On the flip side, gym personal training offers a plethora of advantages, creating an immersive fitness experience that extends beyond the confines of a home.. (will never outgrow a park though!) Stepping into a gym is like to entering a realm of possibilities – the clinking of weights, the hum of cardio machines, and the camaraderie of fellow fitness enthusiasts create an environment that can be a powerful motivator!

It is crazy how it feels when you walk into a gym.. I can not speak on behalf of everyone but I get a massive buzz when I enter my gym! I feel like I can conquer anything I set my mind too on the basis that I am in an environment that permits hard work. You surround yourself around people that are all at the same location attempting to better themselves physically and mentally. That environment can never be beaten. The competition you face with yourself when you are near others doing that same thing is next to none!

Let's delve into the specific benefits:

1. Specialised Equipment: Gyms are equipped with a wide array of specialised exercise machines and tools that cater to various fitness goals. From resistance machines to free weights, the diversity of equipment allows for a versatile and targeted workout, enhancing the effectiveness of your training sessions. The more we go on the more advanced gym equipment gets...

2. Motivating Environment: Exactly what I said before, surrounding yourself with people that are all on the same train as you only pushes you towards working harder and harder.

3. Structured Workouts: Gym personal trainers often have access to designated workout spaces and the expertise to create structured, goal-oriented exercise routines. The systematic approach ensures that your workouts are well-planned, addressing specific fitness objectives and optimising your overall progress. The only drawback of gym based personal training is equipment is never reserved just for the trainers and instead for all gym goers. As such the other members may be using the equipment when it is of need by the personal trainer and their client.

4. Professional Guidance: In a gym setting, personal trainers bring a level of professional expertise and hands-on guidance. They can provide real-time feedback, correct form, and customise your workouts based on your evolving needs, ensuring a safe and effective fitness journey. I feel as if it should be a non-negotiable that you see a personal trainer especially at the beginning of your health and fitness journey in a gym!

5. Social Connection: Engaging in fitness activities at a gym allows you to connect with a diverse community of individuals sharing similar wellness aspirations. The social aspect of gym training can transform your workout routine into a social experience, making the journey more enjoyable and sustainable. I mean who doesn't love having a training buddy? someone you compete against but work together with! It is such a great experience. You can easily achieve this in a gym as you are surrounded by a community of people that frequent the same gym you go to!!

Cost Considerations

As you weigh your options, the financial aspect undoubtedly comes into play. We'll break down the cost considerations associated with both mobile and gym personal trainers. Factors such as location, trainer expertise, and the extent of personalised attention can influence the cost, and understanding these nuances will empower you to make a decision that aligns with your budget and fitness ambitions.

At face value I would say that mobile personal training comes at a larger cost. Take into account that mobile trainers will have to travel to your location however also bring with them equipment for your sessions!

However once you accomodate all factors the costs of both gym based PT and mobile based PT come together to meet in the middle... HOW?

Once you factor in the cost of a gym membership on top of the cost of acquiring a PT in the gym the cost becomes very similar to mobile personal training and you are looking at an average of $70-100 per session in Sydney (inclusive of gym memberships).

Now if you go towards the gym you will always have access to the gym with your membership and what you learn from your PT will guide you in your solo workouts in the gym also! That is a massive bonus!!

Mobile personal training however carries its own benefit... You will have an environment that is always in your life either your home or a park that is nearby. With this location the PT will make sure it is designed in a way that makes it really easy for you to achieve your goals that you set out for yourself!

Addressing Common Problems

We recognise that both home-based workouts with a mobile personal trainer and gym training come with their unique set of hurdles. However, our commitment is not just to acknowledge these challenges but to provide practical solutions that empower you to overcome them, turning potential roadblocks into stepping stones on your fitness path.

1. Distractions at Home:

   1. Challenge: Working out at home can be challenging due to potential distractions, ranging from household chores to the allure of comfortable surroundings.

   2. Solution: My favourite teaching for this is to set up your environments for one specific task. E.g. your lounge room specific for your relax time with family while your dining room should be reserved just for eating. I would also go as far as explaining that your room should be reserved specifically for sleep and this means when you are in these locations your brain is wired for that specific task!

2. Lack of Motivation in a Crowded Gym:

   1. Challenge: The atmosphere of a crowded gym may sometimes lead to a lack of personal motivation, making it challenging to concentrate on your workout.. It also makes it hard when you have to wait for someone on a piece of equipment

   2. Solution: Develop a personalised playlist or motivational cues to enhance your focus. Alternatively, consider scheduling workouts during off-peak hours, providing a quieter and more conducive environment for your fitness routine. Make sure you base your workouts around movement patterns rather than specific exercises so you will always have another option other than waiting 2 hours for a bench..

3. Time Constraints:

   1. Challenge: Balancing busy schedules and finding time for fitness can be a universal challenge, regardless of the chosen workout setting.

   2. Solution: With a mobile personal trainer, leverage the flexibility to schedule workouts at times that suit your schedule. In a gym setting, plan your sessions in advance and integrate them into your routine, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Sometimes setting appointments with yourself is harder than with another person.. if you struggle this is where a coach can come in handy!

4. Limited Equipment at Home:

   1. Challenge: Home workouts may be limited by the equipment available, potentially hindering the variety and intensity of exercises.

   2. Solution: Collaborate with your mobile personal trainer to create diverse workouts using minimal equipment. Additionally, invest in a few versatile pieces of equipment to enhance your home workout experience. I have gotten by creating workouts using cardboard boxes, old chairs, coaches and jugs of milk. You can really use anything to create a challenging environment for your body to adapt to!

5. Intimidation in the Gym:

   1. Challenge: Some individuals may feel intimidated or self-conscious in a gym setting, impacting their confidence and enjoyment of the workout.

   2. Solution: Start with small, achievable goals to build confidence gradually. Consider working with a personal trainer in the gym who can provide guidance, support, and create a comfortable environment tailored to your needs.

Our approach is centred on empowering you to navigate and conquer these challenges. By addressing these common problems head-on, we aim to ensure that your fitness journey is not only effective but also enjoyable.

Challenges are an inherent part of growth, and with the right strategies, they become opportunities for personal development and resilience on your path to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Making the Right Choice for You

Armed with knowledge and real-world insights, it's time to make a decision. We'll guide you through the factors that should influence your choice between a mobile or gym personal trainer. Whether it's the flexibility of a workout brought to your doorstep or the energetic atmosphere of the gym, the decision ultimately rests on what aligns with your preferences, goals, and lifestyle.

Using the information discussed in this article I would like for you to understand where you lie in the decision process? Did this article steer you towards or away from mobile personal training and why?

The honesty I have shown in this article is here to guide you in making a decision that you can confidently stick to for a longer time frame and I hope I have done that for you :)

If you have any questions comment on this article or email me: [email protected]