Personal training with a group instead of alone

This may fly in the face of current practices, but a growing trend among many people is shaping up to be personal training... with a group! Ever heard of it? The concept is simple: Instead of paying upwards of $100 per session for a personal trainer to direct you 1-on-1, join a group of about six and pay significantly less.

It could be as cheap as $30 -- and you can bring your friends along as well. This type of dynamic approach to fitness seems like a great way to build relationships with people too. The article mentions that the competitive spirit among those in the group really comes out when everyone is huffing and puffing alongside each other.

Men and women alike strive to out-perform the person next to them. Some people who need motivation could really get a lot out of this fitness method! Others, however, might find it distracting if group compatibility issues show up. Even if the guys outnumber the gals (or vice versa) some enthusiasts find it exciting. As this great quote from a female in the New York Times puts it: "I'll look over and see a guy doing it and I think: 'I can do it. I'm not going to be wimpy because I'm a girl.'"