Personal Training, Explained
What Is Semi-Private Personal Training?
A plain, honest explanation of what semi-private personal training actually means, how it compares to 1:1 coaching and group classes, and how it works here in our Dublin 8 studio.
How It Compares
Three ways to train with a coach. Here’s what each one actually gets you.
Personal training isn’t one format, it’s three, and the differences matter more than most people realise before they book. Here’s a plain breakdown.
Format
1:1 Personal Training
One client, one coach, every second of the session. The most individual attention available, and usually the most expensive per session because you’re the only one being coached.
Format
Semi-Private Personal Training
A small group training together, same coach, same level of programming and attention per person. At Croí Evolve that means capped at 4 clients per session, so you still get seen and corrected, at a lower cost per session than solo training.
Format
Group Classes
A larger class, typically 8–10+ people, following one shared format on a set timetable. Less individual programming, more energy and community. Our Mat Pilates and Ritbox classes both run this way.
At Croí Evolve
Here’s what semi-private personal training looks like in our Dublin 8 studio.
Your programme is built around your own goals, not a shared template. Sessions are capped at 4 clients so your coach can still see and correct your form every time, not just supervise the room.
- A programme built for your specific goal, not a generic class plan
- Capped at 4 clients per session, so the studio stays private and you’re never lost in a crowd
- A full assessment every 3 months gives you measurable proof of progress
- No contract. You stay because it’s working, not because you’re locked in
From €129/month
See the full Semi-Private Personal Training page →Is It Right For You?
Semi-private training is a good fit for most people, but not everyone.
Probably right for you if…
- You want real coaching and individual programming, not just a space to work out in
- You want a lower cost per session than 1:1, without losing individual attention
- A bit of energy from other people around you helps you show up, even if you’re not training together
Might not be right if…
- You need complete 1:1 privacy for a specific medical or personal reason (ask us at your consultation, we’ll talk through what’s possible)
- You strongly prefer training completely alone, with no one else in the room
- You want a drop-in class with no ongoing programme — Ritbox or Mat Pilates fit that better
FAQ
Questions about semi-private personal training.
Is semi-private personal training worth it?
It depends what you’re optimising for. If you want real coaching and individually built programming at a lower cost than solo 1:1 training, semi-private is usually worth it. If maximum individual attention matters more to you than cost, 1:1 training gives you that, at a higher price point.
How many people train together in a semi-private session?
It varies by studio. At Croí Evolve, sessions are capped at 4 clients per coach, specifically to keep the studio private and make sure everyone still gets seen and corrected.
Is semi-private personal training as effective as 1:1?
For most goals, yes, as long as the group stays small and the coach is actually coaching every person, not just supervising the room. That’s why capacity matters: a semi-private session with ten people isn’t really semi-private, it’s a group class with a different name.
What’s the difference between semi-private personal training and a group fitness class?
Semi-private training means an individually programmed plan for you specifically, delivered inside a small group. A group class runs one shared format for everyone in the room on a set timetable, usually at a lower price and with less individual programming.
How much does semi-private personal training cost in Dublin?
It varies by studio and coach experience. At Croí Evolve, Semi-Private Personal Training starts from €129/month, which includes your programme, coaching every session and a full assessment every 3 months. Book a 20-minute consultation and we’ll confirm your exact price.