Introduction
The goal of programming a new training block for group PT is to create an effective and structured programme which aligns with your gym members’ goals, works with their abilities and progresses them over time. This article will break down the process of developing the perfect training block for groups, optimising for engagement and long term, consistent progress.
How to Programme Group Training Plans
Reflect on the last Training Block
Before you jump right into programming new training blocks for your group of members, you must take a bit of time to reflect on the last one. Look for insights of what worked well and what could be improved.
Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself:
What went well?
Look at the successes of the last block. Changes such as improvements in strength, endurance, performance, technique, body composition and client knowledge/understanding will help you understand what worked best and help you build on strengths.
What could have gone better?
It’s equally as important to find the challenges or shortcomings of the last training block. Did your group struggle with anything in particular?
How did your members perform in testing?
Regularly reviewing your group class clients with testing metrics is always a good idea. It will give you a picture of how they are progressing and help you address any gaps in the next block you programme.
Identify What Needs to be Prioritised
Every training block should have priorities, and the best way to do that is to try and consider the collective needs of all the members in your group training classes. You should ask yourself things like:
Who are the mean average of our group clients and what do they need?
Having an understanding of the most general fitness level and goals of the majority of your group members will allow you to create the best programme to cater for the whole group. If you know that 80% of your members are, or ‘the average member’ is looking to build strength, then lean the programme’s aims towards that.
What do our gym members need more of?
Try to get an idea of what your members need more of; whether it is absolute strength, strength endurance, or muscle endurance. Think about the strength continuum and where your members lie on it. Beginners might need more training emphasis on absolute strength whereas more experienced clients might need to focus on endurance. Part of your value as a coach is recognising needs and programming a plan that is effective for addressing those needs.
Define testing Metrics
Testing metrics are key for getting an idea of where your members are at the start and how they are progressing throughout the block.
You must define these when developing the programme by asking yourself what you want to test based on your group class members’ needs.
Here are some examples of measuring metrics you may want to incorporate for some popular tests.
- Absolute Strength: 1 Rep Max, 3 Rep Max & 5 Rep Max Lifts
- Strength Endurance: As many reps as possible (AMRAP) lifting set
- Aerobic Capacity: 30 minute run measuring time and heart rarte
When members know they will be tested on their progress, you are more likely to get buy-in from them, which will help with keeping members committed and motivated throughout the entire training programme. Testing may also help boost the morale of your members as it’ll be a physical reading of improvement for your group class clients.
You should always make sure that your tests align with overall programme goals. If the focus of the programme is strength endurance, then make sure you’re actually testing this and not just absolute max strength.
Develop your Programme
Once you have reflected on previous programmes, worked out your priorities and decided on your testing metrics, it is time to develop a structured plan. Think about the following things:
Length of Training Cycle
Decide how long your training cycle is going to last; anywhere between 4 weeks and 12 weeks would be typical, however this depends on your clients’ goals and the complexity of the programme itself.
For building actual strength or endurance, then you should opt for a longer training cycle.
If you are looking to simply work on and refine technique or skills in sports specific programmes, then you can choose a shorter cycle.
Structure of Programme
How are you going to structure your training programme? The structure of your programme should allow for progression of all of your members and consider ‘the mean average’ member.
Split
How are you going to split up the sessions? When looking to develop strength, a split routine can be very effective, whereas for endurance training you may be more likely to be working the full body through compound or plyometric movements.
Fill in the Blanks
Once you have reviewed your last programme, and have an understanding of the next set of priorities, metrics of testing, and plan, you have your foundation. All that is left is to fill in the details.
Choose Exercises
Pick your exercises to align with the goal of the session, and the overall goal ofg hte programme.
Pick Sets and Reps
Determine the appropriate number of sets and reps depending on the goals of the overall group. For absolute strength, you’ll be focusing on lower rep ranges and heavier weights, whereas for endurance you’ll be focusing on higher rep ranges.
Tempo
Deciding on tempos can often be an afterthought in group PT, but it is definitely something you shouldn’t forget about. Faster tempos can be great for building power, whereas slower tempos can be better for hypertrophy. Tempo is also a relatively easy to comprehend concept for all members in a group class.
Conclusion
This article has gone over how to develop a new training programme for group PT clients. Once you have a plan though, remember that programming is not static; as your member move through the training block, you should be prepared to adapt based on their performances and the feedback of the programme.
If you’re interested in reading more on this, be sure to check out our article on spotting faults in group PT.
If you’re interested in becoming a personal trainer, then be sure to check out our level 3 personal trainer course, as well as all of our personal trainer courses.
If you’re looking for a career in personal training but not sure where you’re up to or where to start, take a look at our article on personal trainer levels explained.