Coaching, Personal Training, Classes, Gym Memberships — What Really Works?

I’ve been in this industry for a long time. I’ve trained one-on-one, coached people online, managed teams of instructors, and taught more group fitness classes than I can count. Over the years, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to staying consistent and getting real results.

Why I Love Group Classes

There’s something about the energy in a good class that you just can’t replicate on your own. I’ve watched people walk into class shy, nervous, or unsure, and walk out smiling, drenched in sweat, and proud. I’ve seen friendships form between people who never would’ve met otherwise. You find your tribe in those moments—people with similar mindsets and positive attitudes toward health and fitness.

Group classes are also the best way to start. You get variety, motivation, and structure without overthinking. Plus, an instructor is right there guiding you through it all.

But I’ll be honest: classes alone won’t always get you where you want to go.

Where Group Classes Fall Short

Most group classes are designed for a great full-body burn, not a long-term transformation. They’re amazing for consistency, cardio endurance, and overall strength, but they’re not always targeted enough for specific goals like building muscle or body recomposition.

I’ve noticed that many formats tend to hit the same muscle groups over and over, which can leave gaps in your training. Without a plan, you might find yourself working hard but not seeing the physical changes you expected.

That’s where personal training or coaching come in—to fill in those gaps.

When You Need More Strategy (And Why Coaching Changes Everything)

If you’ve been taking classes for a while but your results have stalled, it’s time to add strategy, and this is where coaching comes in.

Coaching is so much more than people think it is! It’s not just someone telling you what to do. It’s about having a real person in your corner who checks in weekly, gives feedback, and keeps you accountable with daily habits and action steps. If you struggle with consistency, you don’t need more workouts—you need structure, support, and someone who notices when you start slipping.

My coaching programs are more than a task list. We’re building a community of people who want to become stronger, more confident, and more intentional about their health. We do monthly challenges, share wins, and add layers of accountability that grow with you over time.

It might sound like a challenge at first, but once you feel that support, it becomes something you look forward to. Coaching gives you direction, focus, and a team behind you.

Personal Training: Hands-On Guidance That Builds Confidence

Personal training is one of the best ways to learn how to move properly, understand your body, and build strength safely. Working with a trainer gives you real-time feedback, personalized instruction, and motivation to stay consistent. It’s especially valuable when you’re new to exercise, coming back after time off, or ready to push to the next level.

However, training sessions usually focus on the time you spend together. What happens between sessions — your daily habits, nutrition, and consistency — still plays a huge role in your results.

That’s where online coaching makes the biggest difference. Coaching gives you support and accountability beyond the session itself. It helps you stay on track during the week, build better routines, and learn how to apply what you’re doing in training to your everyday life.

Training helps you move better and get stronger. Coaching helps you follow through. When combined, they create lasting results — not just workouts.

Why Online Workouts (and the Right Tools) Matter

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Between work, travel, kids, and unexpected moments, there will be times when getting to the gym isn’t realistic. That’s why I believe in having access to online workouts as part of your routine.

But that doesn’t mean skipping the gym. In fact, I think the best results come from combining the two. You can use online workouts and my coaching app to get the most out of your gym membership by tracking your progress, following structured programs, and learning how to make every session count.

If you’re a beginner or just getting back into fitness, you can absolutely start at home with basic equipment—a few dumbbells, resistance bands, or a mat—and build up to gym workouts as your confidence grows. The key is that your plan should adapt with you.

So Many Options, But What’s Right for You?

I see so many people constantly trying to make things work — jumping from class to class, gym to gym, app to app — and feeling frustrated when nothing sticks. The truth is, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about finding what truly fits you.

That’s why I believe customized coaching is the best option. You don’t have to force things to work. You just need someone to help you see what’s possible. With the right guidance, you can blend classes, gym workouts, and online coaching into a plan that actually makes sense for your life.

There are so many paths to success, but you have to be open to the possibilities.

If you’re ready to find what works for you, book a consultation today or explore coaching and training options at ShanikaLynn.com. You can also

 to stay up to date on upcoming blogs where I’ll dive deeper into each service, including coaching, personal training, and online training — plus practical tips to help you stay consistent and inspired along the way.

New blogs coming soon — stay tuned, stay consistent, and keep showing up for yourself.

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