You get what you pay for; quality and luxury will always cost more. 

This especially applies to personal training and personal trainers. A formally educated personal trainer will ALWAYS be a better investment than a weekend certified trainer and, unfortunately, more expensive. However, consider when hiring a formally educated personal trainer that you are not just paying for that 1-hour service; you also are paying for their years of experience, formal education, certification and continuing fitness education that helps create high-quality, high-value sessions.

A formally educated certified personal trainer typically has a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of exercise science, anatomy, physiology, and other fields. They usually hold a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related discipline, which requires several years of study and hands-on experience. As a result, they are typically better equipped to create individualized training programs based on a client’s specific needs and goals, considering any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries. They also tend to have better problem-solving skills and a more nuanced understanding of adjusting exercises and programming to accommodate different types of clients.

In contrast, a weekend certified trainer has only completed a short course or workshop covering very basic personal training topics. As a result, has a different depth of knowledge or experience than a formally educated personal trainer. A formally educated personal trainer will cost more because they invest in more comprehensive education and continuing education. 

Think of hiring a certified personal trainer as an investment. Ideally, you want to put your money into an investment with a great return over time. What does that return entail? You should learn proper training techniques and programming, experience physical improvements, and feel supported and heard in every session. We expect you to leave the nest eventually, and we want you to do so confidently. Our job is to teach you how to train correctly and effectively on your own. You should feel empowered to walk into any gym and know what to do and how to do it safely and effectively.

We have been in the personal training business for 15 years and have had clients leave to try a more budget-friendly trainer and return because they did not get the return on investment. They wasted their time and money with a trainer needing the knowledge, expertise or experience that our certified personal trainers have. Better quality equals a better return on investment. If you hire a $30 per hour, weekend certified personal trainer, you will get a $30 per hour weekend certified quality of training and experience. 

While we understand that being able to afford a personal trainer is not in everyone’s budget, it is one of those investments that, if you spend wisely, you will have significant long-term returns. The better the investment, the better the returns; crappy investments have crappy returns. There is nothing more frustrating than wasting money and time.

We do understand that having a certified personal trainer 3-5x a week isn’t an option financially for many people, which is why we have created many opportunities for our clients to give them accessibility to high-quality personal training, including:

• Partner Personal Training – you and a friend, spouse, or family member share a trainer’s cost while doing your own customized training program

• Semi-Private Personal Training – you and 2-3 others share a personal trainer while doing your own customized training program

• Homework – when you purchase a private or partner personal training package, you get homework to do on days you don’t see us, so even if you don’t see us, you can still be assured your programming is safe and effective, and you are continuing to progress to your fitness goals

• Small Group Classes – we offer small group classes of up to 10 people maximum for you to work on conditioning and mobility outside of your personal training sessions, so you can be assured you are still progressing toward your fitness goals;  classes are specifically programmed to compliment the private sessions with your trainer.

We also have many clients come and see us for 6-8 sessions, learn a new custom training program, then do it on their own for a few months and return for a new program once they have mastered that program. This is a great way to keep fitness and training progressing while knowing you are training safely and effectively. 

Whatever your fitness goals, and if you are a beginner or an advanced trainee, you are worth the quality investment into your health, fitness and longevity. You get one body in life, and your body and health can dictate your quality of life, so invest in your body and health wisely.   

Shara Vigeant, BA, NSCA-CPT, CFSC

Functional training is exercise that focuses on improving the body’s ability to perform everyday activities efficiently and safely. The primary goal of functional training is to enhance functional fitness, which encompasses various aspects of physical well-being, such as strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. Functional training typically involves compound movements that engage multi-joint, multi-muscle movements, which can provide numerous benefits for your everyday life, including reducing the risk of injury and making daily tasks easier and more efficient.

While it’s true that most exercises can provide some functional benefits, not all exercises are designed to improve daily life functionality. Functional training exercises aim to target the body as a whole rather than isolating body parts;  think of training movements rather than muscles. Instead of machines, functional training often incorporates body weight, resistance bands, free weights and medicine balls.

Some key characteristics of functional training include:

1. Compound movements: Functional exercises often involve multiple joints and muscle groups, simulating real-life movements. Exercises like squats and deadlifts involve hips, core and legs, which are all muscles and joints you need to sit down and, get up, lift boxes. The more muscles and joints involved in training, the better.

2. Balance and stability: Functional training emphasizes improving balance and stability by incorporating exercises that challenge these aspects. You can improve your ability to control your body and maintain your balance which is particularly important as you age, as falls are a common cause of injury in older adults. Single-leg exercises like a single-leg deadlift or skater squat are great for challenging balance and stability.

3. Multi-planar movements: Many functional exercises require training in multiple planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse), as opposed to traditional ones focusing on single-plane movements, such as lateral lunges. Life doesn’t happen just moving forward, so training in all directions is essential.

4. Core strength: A strong core is essential for overall functional fitness and everyday tasks. Functional training often involves exercises that engage and strengthen the core muscles, such as plank rows, dead bug variations, and medicine ball throws.

5. Adaptability: Functional training can be adapted to various fitness levels and specific needs, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals, from beginners to advanced athletes. The exercises can be modified in intensity, complexity, and equipment used.

So how do you add functional training to your exercise regime?

Consider an exercise like bicep curls, which is a body part isolation exercise. Bicep curls isolate the bicep muscle and primarily focus on building muscle size and strength only in that area. Although bicep curls can contribute to overall arm strength, they are less functional than exercises like rows or pull-ups, which involve multiple muscle groups and joints. If you want to do a bicep curl, do it in a half-kneeling or tall-kneeling position to utilize more core stability and hip stability or add more movement by adding a reverse lunge or squat. These additions make the bicep curl more functional.

Incorporating functional training into your exercise routine can provide numerous benefits, including improved muscle balance, increased joint stability, better movement efficiency, and enhanced physical performance. It can also help you become more agile and better prepared for the physical demands of daily life or recreational activities.

Shara Vigeant, BA, NSCA-CPT, CFSC

Fitness classes come in all shapes and sizes, from high-energy dance classes to low-impact yoga sessions. But there’s something truly unique about the small group fitness classes offered by SVPT Fitness & Athletics in South Edmonton. They embody an ideal balance of camaraderie, motivation, and individualized attention, setting them apart from other fitness classes in the city.

So, what should you look for in the best fitness classes, and how does SVPT bring this to life?

Small Class Numbers: For Personal Attention and Safety

One of the defining factors of quality fitness classes is small class numbers. Classes that are packed to the brim may create an energetic ambiance but often at the cost of personal attention and injury. Small group fitness classes at SVPT are capped to ensure every participant receives individual attention and instruction, ensuring their form and technique are on point.

This personalized approach amplifies safety, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances the effectiveness of your workout. It also enables our trainers to modify exercises according to each individual’s fitness level and needs, making the session more efficient and productive for every participant.

Proper Instruction: For Optimal Workout Performance

Proper instruction is a crucial aspect of any fitness class. At SVPT, our trainers don’t merely supervise workouts; they educate and inspire. They are passionate about teaching participants the ‘why’ behind every movement, fostering an understanding that transcends beyond the four walls of our gym.

Our certified personal trainers correct form on the spot, provide useful tips to maximize the efficiency of each exercise and offer alternatives for different skill levels. Their insightful instructions empower participants to get the most out of every session and gain the knowledge necessary to maintain their fitness independently.

Scalable Exercises: For Inclusive Fitness Progress

Fitness classes should be adaptable, catering to a wide range of abilities and fitness levels. SVPT sets the standard with scalable exercises designed to accommodate everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes. This scalability ensures that everyone can engage, challenge themselves, and progress at their own pace.

Our trainers are adept at modifying workouts to be easier or more challenging based on individual requirements and goals. This flexible approach makes our classes truly inclusive and ensures everyone leaves feeling accomplished, no matter their starting point.

The SVPT Difference

What makes SVPT Fitness & Athletics truly stand out from other fitness classes in Edmonton are the intangible elements – our commitment to community, our belief in the power of motivation and education, and our dedication to transforming lives through fitness.

We foster a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone knows your name, goals, and journey. It’s not just about burning calories or building muscles; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself to live a more full life outside of the gym and being part of a community that celebrates each other’s achievements.

SVPT small group fitness classes are also designed to be dynamic and engaging, with diverse routines to keep participants motivated and challenged. We blend different exercise modalities, keeping sessions fresh and exciting while promoting comprehensive fitness.

The best fitness classes offer more than just a workout—they provide an experience. They ensure small class numbers for personal attention, deliver proper instruction for effective performance, and incorporate scalable exercises for inclusivity.

At SVPT Fitness & Athletics in South Edmonton, we go the extra mile to integrate all these elements into our small group fitness classes. But more than that, we offer a community that encourages, a learning experience that empowers, and a journey that transforms. Experience the SVPT difference today, and embark on a fitness journey you’ll never forget.

Learn more about our small group classes and schedule here.

In the heart of South Edmonton, you’ll find a sanctuary of fitness that redefines the concept of health and personal growth. SVPT Fitness & Athletics is your private gym oasis and has been diligently sculpting the template of the best gym experience since 2008. How have we done it? The magic lies in our powerful blend of high-quality personal training, a team of the best personal trainers, a community, and a commitment to customer service and the individual needs of our clients.

When you think of the best gym, several factors naturally come to mind: state-of-the-art facilities, diverse training programs, and experienced fitness experts. At SVPT Fitness & Athletics, we raise the bar. Our focus goes beyond physical transformation. We focus on cultivating resilience, instilling confidence, and fostering a sense of community.

The Best Personal Training

A crucial component of our winning formula is offering the best personal training. Our approach is not one-size-fits-all. Everyone comes to us with different goals, physical abilities, and lifestyle needs. Hence, we’ve built our training philosophy around a personalized approach, adjusting to your history and lifestyle and helping you unlock your full potential.

Our team invests time in understanding your objectives and designs a custom-fit workout regime that motivates you to push your limits while enjoying the journey safely. Our training techniques vary from traditional to the latest, ensuring you get the best personal training experience in South Edmonton.

An Ensemble of the Best Personal Trainers

A gym is only as good as its trainers. Recognizing this, we’ve built a team of the best personal trainers, each with unique strengths and specializations. Our formally educated and certified personal trainers are more than fitness professionals; they are mentors, confidants, and cheerleaders. Their mission is to guide you, motivate you, and celebrate your victories, big and small.

Our personal trainers stay current on fitness research, ensuring you receive the most up-to-date guidance. Their expertise, passion, and dedication make SVPT Fitness & Athletics stand out among South Edmonton gyms.

Ensuring Consistent Improvement and Innovation

To maintain our standing as the best gym and offer the best personal training services in South Edmonton, we are relentless in our pursuit of continuous improvement and innovation.
We constantly research and introduce new training methods and technologies to optimize our members’ results. This ongoing commitment to improvement and innovation ensures that SVPT remains at the forefront of fitness, offering our clients nothing but the very best.

Quality, Not Quantity: The Value of a Private Gym Experience

One distinguishing feature that sets SVPT apart from many South Edmonton gyms is the private gym non-intimidating inclusive training experience. Unlike traditional, overcrowded fitness facilities, our private gym offers a more personalized, less intimidating atmosphere. A gym should be more than just a place to work out; it should be a sanctuary, a space where you feel comfortable, safe, and motivated to reach your fitness goals.

In our private gym setting, clients have the space to focus on their exercises, learn the correct form, and feel comfortable pushing their limits. This creates a respectful and supportive environment that fosters personal growth and peak performance.

Our equipment is meticulously maintained, our facilities are clean and welcoming, and our team is always ready to assist. Every detail is considered to ensure that your workout experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Commitment to Community

Being the best gym in South Edmonton is more than just providing top-tier personal training or a comfortable private gym experience. It’s also about fostering community. We encourage an inclusive culture where clients feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. When you hire an SVPT certified personal trainer, you don’t just get the support of that trainer and team; you get the support of others in the gym working towards their fitness goals. Our trainers and clients celebrate each other’s successes, no matter how small they may seem. This shared sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among our community goes a long way in enhancing motivation, consistency, and results.

We understand that the search for the best gym is not merely about finding a place to exercise. It’s about discovering a space to grow, challenge yourself, and feel supported on your fitness journey.

Prioritizing Education for Lifelong Fitness

SVPT is committed to fostering a culture of learning, a crucial element that elevates us to the rank of the best gym in South Edmonton. Our team doesn’t just instruct workouts; they educate clients about the principles of fitness and recovery. This empowers our clients to make informed decisions about their health and wellness, facilitating a balanced, sustainable lifestyle that extends beyond the gym’s walls.

What it takes to be the best gym in South Edmonton combines exceptional personal training, a conducive private gym atmosphere, a strong sense of community, a commitment to trainer and client education, and continuous improvement. At SVPT Fitness & Athletics, we’re proud to provide all of this and more, helping our clients make the most of their fitness journeys while creating a positive fitness community in South Edmonton.

Your journey to becoming the best version of yourself starts here. Start Today!