We Tested Personal Training at a Big Box Gym- Is It Worth It?

Quick Overview

The personal training experience at Powerhouse Gym in Novi, Michigan, was deemed worthwhile by Dr. Mike due to the trainer Aryeh's professional initial intake process, effective movement assessment using basic strength exercises, and a reasonable, results-oriented sales pitch centered on a 90-day commitment.

Key Points: Dr. Mike visited Powerhouse Gym in Novi, Michigan, for a trial personal training session with trainer Aryeh. The initial intake was thorough, covering availability (schedule) and specific goals (e.g., turning 40 and wanting to get in shape). Aryeh used simple, non-intimidating movements during the physical assessment, which Dr. Mike approved of because they test basic strength and competency without being overly complex or dangerous. Aryeh's body composition scan showed Dr. Mike weighed 219.1 lbs with 11.6% body fat, and his visceral fat level was a 5 (low). The sales pitch recommended a 90-day commitment (20 sessions) priced at $80 per session ($1600 total) with a slight discount for commitment, which Dr. Mike considered a good balance—longer than one month for results but not too intimidating like a full year. The physical assessment highlighted that Dr. Mike's posterior chain movements (like the hinge) needed correction, specifically noting his back rounding during the dumbbell hinge. Dr. Mike concluded that the trainer's approach—focusing on foundational movement and appropriate commitment length—was effective and worth the investment.

Context: Dr. Mike, a former professor of sport physiology and representative of Renaissance Periodization (RP), visited a Big Box Gym, Powerhouse Gym in Novi, Michigan, to evaluate their personal training services. He was trained by Aryeh, a young, enthusiastic trainer at the facility, to see if the standard introductory process and assessment are effective for clients starting their fitness journey.

Detailed Analysis

Dr. Mike visited Powerhouse Gym in Novi, Michigan, to evaluate their personal training process, beginning with an initial consultation with trainer Aryeh. Dr. Mike approved of Aryeh's initial intake questions, which focused on availability and elaborating on goals, noting that Aryeh correctly avoided pushing for maximum effort too early. Aryeh then conducted a body composition analysis using an InBody scanner, revealing Dr. Mike's weight (219.1 lbs) and body fat percentage (11.6%). Following the scan, they moved to the floor for a physical assessment using basic movements like the dumbbell hinge and a TRX row, which Dr. Mike praised because they test fundamental strength and movement competency without being overly complex or dangerous. During the hinge, Dr. Mike noted his own back rounding due to strength limitations, which Aryeh corrected. The assessment concluded with a sales pitch where Aryeh quoted $80 per session for a 20-session package (a 90-day commitment), which Dr. Mike deemed a good strategy, recommending 90 days as the optimal commitment length for clients to see tangible results and build a relationship with the trainer, thus avoiding the pitfalls of short-term commitments or overly aggressive year-long sells.