If your gym is offering everything under the sun — large group classes, one-on-one personal training, open gym hours — but your bottom line still isn’t where it should be, you’re not alone.
Many gym owners are stretched thin, draining resources and chasing low-margin services just to stay afloat. It’s not a sustainable model, and it’s not necessary.
There’s a smarter, more profitable approach that delivers better results for your clients and more stability for your business: semi-private training, also known as small group private training.
The traditional fitness business model is showing its cracks, and had been even before the pandemic blew it apart. Since then, gyms have offered online training, prerecorded workouts, and small group personal training, or semi-private training, to replace overcrowded big classes.
It’s also a great way to involve more people in personal training and to make more money per hour for gyms and trainers.
One-on-one personal training is high value but labor-intensive and nearly impossible to scale. Group classes bring energy and numbers, but they often lack personalization — and with rising costs, they’re not always profitable.
This is where semi-private training proves to be the sweet spot.
As Vince Gabriele — veteran gym owner, coach, and author of The Ultimate Guide to Small Group Personal Training — explains:
“There’s not a lot of millionaires in the fitness industry. But this model? I’ve got guys in my group who are legit cash millionaires from doing this. Not just grossing a million dollars — taking home real profit.”
Gabriele has helped hundreds of gym owners transition to a semi-private training model and watched them increase revenue, improve retention, and simplify operations.
What Exactly Is Semi-Private Training?
Semi-private training refers to training multiple clients — typically three to six — at the same time with one or two coaches. Each person follows a customized program tailored to their goals, abilities, and even injuries, while benefiting from the camaraderie and accountability of a small group setting.
At Alloy Personal Training, this model is at the heart of everything they do.
“After years of testing with many fitness facilities, we found the magic number of six people to one coach was the best number to keep the personal training concept workable and the business model scalable,” says the team at Alloy.
Each client receives their own fitness prescription — ensuring it’s still 100% personal training, just delivered more efficiently and affordably. Alloy’s systems guide coaches on how to read each individual daily: Are they under stress? Did they sleep well? Is a tweak in their shoulder affecting today’s workout?
That depth of personal coaching is what keeps clients coming back — and it’s all built into the semi-private training format.
The Financial Case for Semi-Private Training
Let’s talk numbers.
If you charge $80 for one-on-one training, that’s $80 for the hour. Now imagine you train four clients at once in a semi-private training session, each paying $35. That’s $140 for the same hour — nearly double the revenue, with no additional labor cost.
More revenue, same coaching time.
“The goal is to give clients everything they’d get in a one-on-one session — guidance, personalization, communication — but in a small group setting, at a fraction of the cost for them and a better profit margin for you,” Gabriele says.
At Alloy, this isn’t theory — it’s a proven practice. Their six-to-one ratio delivers on both the client experience and the business model. The result? Higher profit margins, more consistent staffing, and happier, long-term members.
Why Clients of All Ages and Goals Love This Format
Semi-private training works across a wide range of demographics.
Busy professionals want results without wasting time. Parents need flexibility and accountability. Athletes need custom programming and progression. And active agers benefit from the personal coaching and small group support.
Most clients want three key things:
- Personalized programming
- A sense of community and accountability
- An affordable option with high perceived value
This model delivers all three — and keeps them coming back.
At Alloy, the client experience is key. Their 7-point approach ensures every client feels seen, supported, and successful:
- Greet everyone by name
- Provide thoughtful introductions
- Explain exercises in client-friendly language
- Offer personal encouragement
- Celebrate small wins
- Hold clients accountable
- Always end with a thank-you
It’s not just training; it’s coaching and connection at scale.
Why Some Gym Owners Still Resist
If it’s so effective, why isn’t everyone offering semi-private training?
Because change is uncomfortable. Some gym owners and coaches cling to one-on-one sessions as the only “real” personal training. Others assume large classes are the only scalable option.
But the real roadblock isn’t the model — it’s the mindset.
“Most of the challenges aren’t external — they’re internal,” Gabriele says. “The biggest one? Gym owners aren’t willing to learn the marketing and communication skills they need to grow.”
You can’t just throw “semi-private training” on your website and expect clients to understand why it’s better.
You need a clear message that speaks to your market, explains the benefits, and invites them to raise their hand and say, “This is for me.”
How to Start Offering Semi-Private Training
If you’re ready to simplify operations and increase profits, here’s how to get started:
- Audit your current services. What’s working? What’s draining time and energy?
- Train your coaches. Equip them to manage small groups and individualize on the fly.
- Implement systems. Use structured programming (like Alloy’s) to ensure consistency and scalability.
- Start with your existing clients. Show one-on-one clients how they’ll still get personal attention — at a lower cost.
- Craft your message. Highlight benefits like personalization, affordability, accountability, and results.
And above all: Keep it simple. If your offering is easy to understand and delivers a premium experience, clients will come — and stay.
Final Thought: Simplify to Multiply
Gym ownership comes with a million moving parts. You’re managing people, programs, facilities, and your own energy.
Semi-private training is your opportunity to streamline what you offer, make more money per hour, and deliver a better experience for your clients — without being overwhelmed or exhausted.
“There’s more on the line for people in all life stages,” Gabriele says. “If you can meet their needs with a model that works for you, too — everyone wins.”
With a scalable approach like Alloy’s or Gabriele’s, you can deliver true personal training, grow your business, and help more people live healthier lives.For more great information on getting new members, read our free “51 Ways to Acquire Clients Without Facebook Ads.”