Hiring a personal trainer is often seen as the best way to improve your kickboxing performance. One-on-one guidance, personalized attention, and a customized training program seem ideal, but there are also disadvantages to consider. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential disadvantages of working with a personal trainer in kickboxing, so that you can make an informed decision.
1. Higher Costs
One of the biggest disadvantages of personal training is the price. Personal training is often considerably more expensive than group lessons, because you get exclusive guidance and a customized program. While a group lesson can cost you a fixed amount per month, a single session with a personal trainer can easily cost the same amount. This makes personal training less accessible for people with a limited budget.
Alternative: For those who don’t want to spend a lot of money, group classes or self-study via online videos can be a more affordable option. You can still learn a lot by participating in well-organized group sessions without the high costs of a personal trainer.
2. Lack of Social Interaction
Unlike group classes, where you train with others, personal training can be a lonely experience. You have less social interaction with other fighters and miss the group dynamics that you can find in a classroom setting. For many people, the motivation to train is actually greater in a group setting, because you can encourage each other and progress together.
Alternative: If you enjoy a social atmosphere, you can opt for small group classes or duo training, where you share the attention of a trainer with another fighter, but still enjoy personal guidance.
3. Less Variation in Training
Another disadvantage of personal training can be that you are dependent on the style and method of one trainer. Each trainer has their own approach, and while that can be beneficial, it can also mean that you get less variety in your training. In group classes, you are often exposed to different trainers and techniques, which provides a broader base of knowledge and skills.
Alternative: To maintain variation in your training, consider combining group lessons with personal training. This way you get the best of both worlds: personal guidance and diversity in teaching methods.
4. The Dependence on One Trainer
When you work with a personal trainer, a dependency relationship can develop. You get used to the way the trainer guides and trains you, which means that you can become less flexible in adapting your training techniques when the trainer is not available. For example, if your trainer is temporarily unavailable, this can hinder your progress, because you are used to one specific method.
Alternative: Even while personal training, make sure you keep experimenting with other training styles and techniques so you don't make your skills dependent on just one trainer.
5. Less Competition and Challenge
In personal training, the lack of direct competition can be a disadvantage. In group lessons or sparring with others, you are challenged by your fellow trainees, which helps you to perform better. These competitive elements are often missing in one-on-one training, which means you can push yourself less than when you are facing other fighters.
Alternative: Combine personal training with group sparring sessions or open mat training sessions so you can benefit from both personal attention and competitive challenges.
6. Lack of Team Spirit
For some fighters, training in a team is an important part of their motivation. Feeling like you are part of a community can help you stay motivated and keep going, even when training is tough. With personal training, you can miss this feeling because you only train with your trainer and not with other fighters.
Alternative: In addition to your personal training, consider participating in team or group activities, such as sparring sessions or tournaments, so you don't lose that team spirit.
7. Chance of a Mismatch
Not every trainer is right for every fighter. Choosing a personal trainer who doesn’t align with your learning style, goals, or personality can negatively impact your motivation and performance. Finding the right trainer can be difficult, and a mismatch can lead to frustration and less enjoyment in your training.
Alternative: Always try a trial lesson or consultation before committing to a longer term with a personal trainer. This gives you the chance to assess whether the trainer is a good fit for you before committing to a long term partnership.
Conclusion: Is Personal Training the Right Choice for You?
While personal training offers many benefits, such as personalized attention and rapid progress, there are also disadvantages to consider. The higher cost, lack of social interaction, and potential dependency on one trainer are factors to consider before deciding if personal training is right for you.
If you choose personal training, make sure you keep your options open by combining it with group classes or other forms of training. This will not only give you variety, but also allow you to experience the benefits of both personal guidance and the dynamics of group classes.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal goals, budget, and preferences. Whether you choose personal training, group lessons, or a combination of both, make sure you always train in a way that suits you and motivates you to get the best out of yourself!
