There are many options when it comes to "fitness training": The classic one on one personal training; in-home personal training; couples or shared personal training; small group personal training; small group fitness training (Yes, there is a difference!); group fitness training; online personal training; online fitness training; and of course DIY, go-at-it-alone, self-imposed working out. All of these options have advantages and disadvantages but when it comes to getting the most out of your training nothing beats the first three- one on one personal training, whether in home or at a gym, studio, or other facility, and personal training that you share with one other equally fit and goal oriented person.

Most of the training options mentioned might and should have some of the same benefits, mainly professionally designed exercise programs, the accountability factor, and some form of tracking and/or feedback.
But the advantage of immediately available physical and verbal cueing which you can only get from face to face personal training is one that you cannot get from any form of online only training, most likely won't get from larger group classes, and is impossible or improbable when exercising alone. And just to be clear I'm not referring to only verbal cueing. While just being told or reminded to correct your posture and how, or to focus on a particular muscle group or joint action is very helpful sometimes it is not enough. For instance, activating the large muscle group of the back, the latissimus dorsi, is very difficult for some people new to exercise. One of the best ways of teaching them to activate and effectively exercise the lats is by physical and verbal cueing. A study has proven the benefits of cueing during exercise. And if it works for the lats as was shown in the study it can certainly help with other muscle groups too.

This is just one of many things to consider when you are deciding if professional training is for you and which training option is best.

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