Uploaded June 2022 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
Listen Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adult-programming-for-1-1-small-and-large-groups/id1606564003?i=1000565569829
Listen Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Tj6L1YichQaF124wtLN9Q?si=3ALl1nhNQ1urRR7KN0y_nA
Show Notes:
Programming for Adult Groups
Different price points = different expectations and options for individualization
A system of regressions and progressions ensures no one is held back, no one is left behind and everyone is safe and successful
The rule of 3 and 10: your operations and systems need to change whenever you multiply by 3 or 10… 3 people, 10 people, 30 people, 100 people, 300 people, etc…
The philosophy stays the same, but the methods change. If you have a universal belief system all your workouts should look similar.
Do we have the equipment? Do we have the space? Is it safe for a large group?
Intro Program (micro)
We do have the same ability to assess people signing up for group training due to the lower price point
8 week intro program that provides guardrails and gives up a mini-assessment and address all our movement patterns (squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, low impact)
After that the adults groups are on a 12 month rotational program
We write ONE program that is then adapted to the individual. NOT 10 individualized programs. If you want an individualized program you pay the high price for that aka personal training
Ex. The group is kettlebell swinging but the new group member will be hinging or deadlifting. The kettlebell swing is advanced and earned.
Cast a really big net to catch a lot of fish, but you won’t catch all the fish and that’s okay.
Have workout number 12 and beyond in your mind when you’re setting up an introductory program and starting out. Don’t try to crush them with volume or intensity. Think about and talk about the next workout.
Training Structure
The first few workouts are just understanding where things are, how things work, where things are, who’s part of the community - teach them the recipe!
Don’t single the new individual out. Keep them moving within the group. Be okay with not completing the whole workout(s) the first few weeks.
You DON’T have to do an assessment on the first session. You can just make it a meet and greet and save the “physical” assessment for the second workout
12 sessions and beyond (macro)
Each month (phase) has a different focus - tempos, isos, eccentrics, hypertrophy, density, circuits, complexes
Seasonal training - in season, off season, maintenance
There’s a bit of “enter-trainment” needed when training people train with you for a long time
Personality types
Check the box types
Goal oriented types
Training focused types
How to develop great “adult athletes/clients”?
Nurture relationships
Gym culture
Buying into their goals
Keep Pushing them
Book Club recommendation:
Kevin: How We Learn to Move: A Revolution in the Way We Coach & Practice Sports Skills by Rob Gray
Brendon: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss
Where you can find us next:
Lots Upcoming Level 2 CFSC events! NYC, Boston, Chicago
Perform Better Summits - Chicago July 15th - 17th then Providence August 26th - 28th
Contact Us
Website: movement-as-medicine.com
Instagram: instagram.com/MovementAsMedicine
YouTube: youtube.com/user/MovementAsMedicine
Listen Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adult-programming-for-1-1-small-and-large-groups/id1606564003?i=1000565569829
Listen Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Tj6L1YichQaF124wtLN9Q?si=3ALl1nhNQ1urRR7KN0y_nA
Show Notes:
Programming for Adult Groups
Different price points = different expectations and options for individualization
A system of regressions and progressions ensures no one is held back, no one is left behind and everyone is safe and successful
The rule of 3 and 10: your operations and systems need to change whenever you multiply by 3 or 10… 3 people, 10 people, 30 people, 100 people, 300 people, etc…
The philosophy stays the same, but the methods change. If you have a universal belief system all your workouts should look similar.
Do we have the equipment? Do we have the space? Is it safe for a large group?
Intro Program (micro)
We do have the same ability to assess people signing up for group training due to the lower price point
8 week intro program that provides guardrails and gives up a mini-assessment and address all our movement patterns (squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, low impact)
After that the adults groups are on a 12 month rotational program
We write ONE program that is then adapted to the individual. NOT 10 individualized programs. If you want an individualized program you pay the high price for that aka personal training
Ex. The group is kettlebell swinging but the new group member will be hinging or deadlifting. The kettlebell swing is advanced and earned.
Cast a really big net to catch a lot of fish, but you won’t catch all the fish and that’s okay.
Have workout number 12 and beyond in your mind when you’re setting up an introductory program and starting out. Don’t try to crush them with volume or intensity. Think about and talk about the next workout.
Training Structure
The first few workouts are just understanding where things are, how things work, where things are, who’s part of the community - teach them the recipe!
Don’t single the new individual out. Keep them moving within the group. Be okay with not completing the whole workout(s) the first few weeks.
You DON’T have to do an assessment on the first session. You can just make it a meet and greet and save the “physical” assessment for the second workout
12 sessions and beyond (macro)
Each month (phase) has a different focus - tempos, isos, eccentrics, hypertrophy, density, circuits, complexes
Seasonal training - in season, off season, maintenance
There’s a bit of “enter-trainment” needed when training people train with you for a long time
Personality types
Check the box types
Goal oriented types
Training focused types
How to develop great “adult athletes/clients”?
Nurture relationships
Gym culture
Buying into their goals
Keep Pushing them
Book Club recommendation:
Kevin: How We Learn to Move: A Revolution in the Way We Coach & Practice Sports Skills by Rob Gray
Brendon: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss
Where you can find us next:
Lots Upcoming Level 2 CFSC events! NYC, Boston, Chicago
Perform Better Summits - Chicago July 15th - 17th then Providence August 26th - 28th
Contact Us
Website: movement-as-medicine.com
Instagram: instagram.com/MovementAsMedicine
YouTube: youtube.com/user/MovementAsMedicine
