Personal Training vs CrossFit
One isn’t better than the other. They solve different problems. Here’s how to figure out which one you actually need.
It’s not “which is better”
People search “personal training vs CrossFit” expecting someone to declare a winner. We’re not going to do that. We run both programs out of our gym in Duluth because different people need different things at different points in their fitness.
The honest answer is: it depends on where you are right now, what you’re trying to accomplish, and how you like to train. Some people start with personal training and move to group classes. Some do both at the same time. Some only ever want one or the other.
All of that is fine. Here’s how to think through it.
When a personal trainer makes sense
Personal training is the right call when you need someone focused entirely on you. That sounds obvious, but there are specific situations where it really matters:
- •You’re coming back from an injury or surgery and need exercises tailored to your rehab. A group class can’t give you that level of individual programming.
- •You’re training for something specific — a marathon, a ski season, a sport where you need targeted work that doesn’t fit a general fitness program.
- •You’re genuinely uncomfortable in a group setting and need to build confidence with the movements before joining a class. Some people need that runway, and there’s nothing wrong with it.
- •You have a complex medical history where a coach needs to understand your situation in detail before programming anything.
In those cases, one-on-one attention isn’t a luxury. It’s the right tool for the job. CrossFit Aerial offers a 12-session personal training program for exactly these situations.
When CrossFit makes more sense
For most people walking through our door, group CrossFit is the better fit. Not because personal training is bad — because the things most people struggle with aren’t solved by one-on-one sessions.
- •You need accountability. A personal trainer might text you, but twenty people who expect to see you at 6 AM is a different kind of pressure. The community side of CrossFit keeps people consistent in a way that’s hard to replicate one-on-one.
- •You don’t want to think about programming. The workout is written. The coach explains it. You do it. No Googling “what should I do today,” no decision fatigue. Just show up.
- •You’re motivated by competition — even the friendly, low-stakes kind. Seeing someone next to you push through a tough set makes you push harder. That energy doesn’t exist in a private session.
- •Cost matters. Personal training runs $60-100+ per hour, usually once or twice a week. A CrossFit membership gets you coached classes every day for a fraction of that monthly cost. The per-session economics aren’t even close.
Check out our CrossFit program page for details on how classes work.
“Just Tell Me What to Do”
Dave is in his late 50s, retired, and comes in three to four times a week. When he first looked into getting back in shape, personal training was on the table. A trainer would tell him what to do, watch his form, keep him on track. Seemed like the obvious choice.
Then he did the math. Two PT sessions a week at $75 each would run him $600 a month. For a CrossFit membership, he gets coached workouts five days a week — different programming every day, a coach watching the room, and people around him who make the hour go faster.
His takeaway: “I don’t need someone designing a plan just for me. I need someone to tell me what to do today so I stop overthinking it.” Group CrossFit gives him that. He walks in, follows the program, works hard, and goes home. Done.
That’s not a knock on personal training. Dave just knew what he actually needed — and it wasn’t a custom plan. It was structure and consistency.
You don’t have to pick one
Here’s something people don’t always realize: personal training and CrossFit aren’t competing. They work well together.
Some of our members at CrossFit Aerial do group classes four or five days a week for their general conditioning, then book a PT session every week or two to work on something specific. Maybe it’s a mobility issue that’s limiting their overhead squat. Maybe they want to nail a muscle-up. Maybe they’re working through a nagging shoulder problem and want individualized guidance on top of their regular training.
Because we offer both under the same roof, your personal trainer and your class coach are on the same page. There’s no disconnect between what you do in a private session and what you do in class. That matters more than people think.
If you’re curious about combining both, take a look at our personal training program and our membership pricing.
Not Sure Which Route Is Right for You?
Book a free discovery call. We’ll talk through your goals, your situation, and help you figure out whether group classes, personal training, or a mix of both makes the most sense. No sales pitch.
The cost breakdown, honestly
Let’s lay out the numbers because they matter.
Personal training (industry average)
- —$60-100+ per session
- —Most people do 1-2 sessions per week
- —Monthly cost: $240-800+
- —You get individual attention but limited training days
CrossFit membership
- Coached group classes available every day
- Professional programming you don’t have to think about
- Form coaching in every session
- Built-in community and accountability
See our pricing page for current CrossFit Aerial rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is a personal trainer worth the money?
It depends on what you need. If you're rehabbing an injury, training for a specific sport, or you genuinely need one-on-one attention to feel comfortable, a personal trainer is worth every dollar. If you're looking for general fitness and accountability, you'll get more bang for your buck in a coached group class.
Can beginners do CrossFit without a personal trainer first?
Yes. Every class at CrossFit Aerial is coached and every workout is scaled to your ability. We've had people start who haven't exercised in decades. Your coach modifies movements, adjusts weights, and watches your form. You don't need a PT background to walk in the door.
How much does personal training cost compared to CrossFit?
Personal training typically runs $60 to $100+ per session. Most people do one or two sessions a week, so you're looking at $240 to $800+ per month. CrossFit membership gets you coached group classes every day of the week for a fraction of that. Check our pricing page for current rates.
Can I do both personal training and CrossFit?
Absolutely, and some of our members do exactly that. They attend group CrossFit classes for their daily conditioning and book PT sessions to work on specific weaknesses — maybe a stubborn mobility issue or a lift they want to improve. It's not either/or.
Do I need a personal trainer if I have specific injuries?
For active rehab or working around a serious injury, individual attention from a qualified trainer or physical therapist is smart. Once you're cleared and comfortable with the basics, CrossFit classes can be scaled around most limitations. Talk to us and we'll help you figure out the right path.
What if I'm intimidated by group workouts?
You wouldn't be the first person to feel that way. Most of our members were nervous before their first class. The reality is nobody's watching you — everyone's focused on their own workout. And within a week or two, the people in class become the reason you keep showing up.
Ready to Figure Out Your Next Step?
Whether it’s group classes, personal training, or a combination — let’s talk. Book a free discovery call and we’ll help you pick the path that makes sense for where you are right now.