I started my career as a personal trainer in 2002. To put that in perspective: Joe Millionaire was one of the top shows that year. Almond milk was a novelty and people often looked at you oddly for mentioning it. MTV still played music videos, smartphones and social media didn’t exist, and the idea of semi-private training wasn’t really a thing.
WHAT IS SEMI-PRIVATE TRAINING?
There are a few ways people do semi-private training, so this is a quick clarification. For this article I’m talking about two-to-four people training together with one shared program. I began my career mostly doing one-on-one work, and I can’t stress this enough: you have to be good at training one person before you start training a small group. I’m certain the five years I spent with individuals helped me handle group work later on.
In 2007 I co-founded Cressey Sports Performance with Eric Cressey and Pete Dupuis, which gave me first‑hand experience with the semi-private model. Before that, not many fitness pros or studios used it. Alwyn Cosgrove’s Results Fitness in Newhall, California, was a big influence, and his success helped us see the potential of this approach. We aimed to serve athletes with a vibe closer to collegiate strength and conditioning. The model worked for us, and today more facilities and coaches are recognizing its benefits. I left CSP in 2015 to start my own small studio in Boston. Even though I now work mainly with general population clients, I still use this model and see its advantages. I’m not saying CSP alone started the semi-private boom, but we helped promote it along with other studios and coaches over the years.
Why adopt the semi-private training model?
1) It’s safe. The main worry is that people won’t get enough attention in a group. But many group formats exist in fitness, and people learn in groups in plenty of settings. A thoughtful approach to monitoring and cueing keeps things safe.
2) People stay motivated. Most folks have a competitive streak and push each other when they’re in a group. It’s important to remind clients to focus on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others, aiming for progress rather than perfection. When a group is moving together, energy tends to lift everyone.
3) It builds a community. Clients in a semi-private setting often form a sense of camaraderie. They enjoy training near friends, may schedule sessions at the same times, and sometimes socialize outside the gym. That community can be a strong reason people stay long term.
4) You can see more clients and use your time more efficiently, which can boost earnings. For example, if a trainer earns around $75 per one-on-one session, a semi-private format with two to four people can bring in $100–$180 per time block, depending on how you price and structure it. Factoring in a reasonable schedule, this model can be a smarter use of a trainer’s hours and a good way to help more people.
5) It’s generally more affordable for clients. The semi-private approach is typically about 10–15% cheaper than one-on-one training, which can lower the barrier for people seeking coaching.
6) It can be great for introverts. For coaches who tend to be more reserved, a busy, music-filled gym floor with a small group can make it easier to connect without carrying all the conversation. The group environment often creates natural energy and reduces the pressure on any single person to carry the interaction.
Some drawbacks of semi-private training
1) Some clients may feel they’re getting less attention. Think of it as hosting a party where not every guest gets a private moment with the host. If you plan it well—offering ramp-up classes, clear cueing, and a gentle progression—it’s less of an issue. Some people just aren’t a good fit for this format, so having referrals or alternatives is important.
2) Don’t switch everything overnight. If you’re considering a shift, ease into it. Block out a few hours a week to run semi-private sessions and let clients try it without forcing a complete overhaul of your business.
3) It can be draining. Working with several clients at once isn’t for everyone. Some coaches prefer one-on-one work and continue to do well with it. There’s no right or wrong path—just find what fits you.
All told, the semi-private model can be a powerful option for many fitness professionals, blending efficiency with community and affordability. It’s not a universal fit, but for many, it offers a sustainable, motivating way to help more people reach their goals.
