February 25, 2025 //
Dustin Beach //
Fitness //
7 min read
Everything you need to know about Small Group Fitness
At Positive Movement Fitness, our Small Group Fitness program is designed to cater to busy professionals & parents, providing flexible class hours and individualized attention. Our facility is based in Kanata and serves clients from Kanata, Bridlewood, Dunrobin and Stittsville.
Why Small Group Fitness Works So Well:
1. Personalization: How does your program tailor workouts to accommodate individual fitness levels and goals within a group setting?
Each participant begins with a prebuilt program tailored to their fitness level and goals. Our experienced trainers observe and adjust these programs as needed, ensuring safe and effective progression. Our model progresses each client from a beginner level of fitness and progresses them based on their current competency and level of education and strength around strength training.
2. Community Building: In what ways does your program foster a sense of camaraderie and support among participants?
Because many of the same people show up to the same sessions, a lot of our members connect and build relationships. This is helpful to inspire our members to continue to come and build a strong habit while catching up with other clients who they enjoy spending time with from week to week.
3. Success Stories: Do you have testimonials or examples of participants who have achieved significant results through your program?
I am a 66-year-old woman, postmenopausal with scoliosis. I have endured back pain since experiencing a growth spurt at 13 years old. Whenever I used machines at the gym, it would exacerbate my scoliosis and back pain. One day, I was passing by the storefront of Positive Movement Fitness and thought to myself, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” So, I went in and signed up for six personal one-on-one sessions with Jacob. Jacob has a background in kinesiology and patiently showed me how to perform stretches and exercises that would not aggravate my condition. Afterward, I attended twice per week, and it has made a great difference in my mood and life. I am in a class with three other people, and our programs are tailored to our individual needs. Our instructor, Sean, ensures we are performing our exercises properly and motivates us to push ourselves. Positive Movement Fitness is now my “happy place” where I can get the help I need. I suffer from depression in the winter, often sitting on the couch in February without moving for several days. If I miss more than one class, I receive a stern phone call from Shawn. It’s nice to know that someone is looking out for you. This month, I experienced pelvic prolapse, and Shawn showed me some exercises that quickly corrected it. I also experienced back strain, and he demonstrated stretches specific to the areas that were stiff. The next day, I was back to normal. The people who work there are very knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is pleasant. I am very glad I made the decision to walk through that door; it has changed my life for the better.
Renee Guevara – Small Group Fitness Member
4. Safety Measures: What protocols are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of participants during sessions?
Safety is our top priority. We emphasize proper form and technique, encouraging clients to seek assistance whenever necessary. Our trainers are vigilant, ensuring each movement is performed correctly to prevent injuries and promote effective training.
5. Accountability: How does the group dynamic enhance motivation and help members stay committed to their fitness journeys?
Witnessing peers of similar age (average age 45+) and fitness levels achieve their goals serves is a powerful motivator. The group dynamic not only inspires new clients but also cultivates a sense of accountability, as members encourage each other to stay committed to their fitness journeys.
6. Cost-Effectiveness: What are the financial benefits of choosing small group training compared to one-on-one personal training sessions?
We consider our small group training as personal training on a budget or “small group personal training” and truly feel that it’s the closest that we can get you to personal training without having 1 on 1 personal training. Personal training obviously brings some different elements with personalized attention to lifestyle goals and physical goals. But from a movement perspective and individual program perspective, Small Group Fitness will leave you in a great spot.
It’s not one of those programs that gives everyone the same movements and hopes it will all work out or provides a cardio pump for an hour in the attempt that making people sweat is all that matters. If you’re over 40, male or female. Strength training is very important (lifting heavy stuff) and so is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and SIT (Sprint Interval Training). This is what you’ll get in our Small Group Fitness program. It will be a program built for you.
7. Trainer Interaction: How do your trainers manage to provide individualized attention and correct form within the small group context?
We employ what we call a “4-way stop method.” Just as you approach a 4-way stop sign, checking each intersection to ensure it’s safe to proceed, our trainers continuously observe the group to identify who needs assistance and who is demonstrating proper form during each exercise. If more than one person requires help, clients are encouraged to get the trainer’s attention and wait momentarily, rather than continuing with improper form.
8. Accessibility: How does your program cater to busy professionals, parents, ensuring it fits into their varied schedules?
We try and schedule Small Group Fitness on days and times that are most requested. Here’s our current schedule:
9. Unique Selling Points: What sets your small group fitness program apart from other similar offerings in the area?
Our small group personal training offers a cost-effective way to receive customized programming tailored to your unique needs, helping you establish a sustainable fitness habit. This approach fosters a supportive community that drives your success. Our intimate, non-intimidating environment is ideal for beginners. We focus on strength training, incorporating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Sprint Interval Training (SIIT), which are particularly beneficial for many of our male and female members looking to age with longevity and ensure they have healthspan while doing it.
“Healthspan is not just about living longer, but about living well. It’s about maximizing the number of healthy, productive years we have.”
“Healthspan is not just about living longer, but about living well. It’s about maximizing the number of healthy, productive years we have.”
Dr. Peter Adjia, Geroscience Research Center
10. Why Choose Positive Movement Fitness: What Sets you apart?
Our small group fitness program combines personalized training, community support, and affordability in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re beginning your fitness journey or seeking to enhance your routine, we’re here to help you achieve your goals and getting results from our clients every week.
Positive Movement Fitness is not a gigantic corporation. We’re a local Ottawa owned business looking to make big changes through really caring about our clients. We want to help people reach their goals through goal oriented training and a whole health point of view. After 5 years in business, we can say this with confidence. This is who we are.
