By Troy Tyrell | WBN News Vancouver | Sept 12, 2025
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Walk into any gym on a Monday night in Vancouver and you’ll see it: rows of treadmills humming, benches claimed, and a handful of people trying to follow some Instagram workout they saved last month. The problem? Most of them look lost.

For years, I’ve watched this happen, not from the sidelines, but as a trainer on the floor. I’ve seen people spend months, even years, spinning their wheels, frustrated by a lack of progress. It’s not their fault. The modern fitness industry has convinced us that we can do it all on our own. But here’s the thing: nobody succeeds alone for long.

The Case for Coaching Without the Price Shock

One-on-one personal training has always been the gold standard. You get custom programming, accountability, and immediate feedback. But let’s be real. In Vancouver, a good personal trainer can cost $100+ per hour. That’s a big ask for most people, especially when rent alone eats up half your paycheque.

That’s where small group training comes in. Imagine the same level of coaching, but shared among three or four people. You still get corrections, encouragement, and tailored workouts. But now it’s a fraction of the price.

In my studio inside the Sandman Hotel, I cap sessions at four participants. This means no hiding at the back like you would in a bootcamp class. Everyone gets seen, everyone gets pushed, and yes, everyone gets called out when they slack off. Lovingly, of course.

The Social Side of Sweat

Vancouver can be a lonely city. You’ve heard of the “Vancouver Freeze.” People are polite, but it can feel impossible to make connections beyond a nod at the crosswalk.

Small group fitness chips away at that. When you train with the same three or four people every week, you start rooting for each other. You swap grocery tips, compare weekend plans, and celebrate each other’s wins. Before you know it, you’ve built a micro-community right in the middle of a workout.

And here’s the science part. Social accountability drastically improves adherence. Translation? You’re way more likely to show up.

Accessible, But Not Watered Down

Critics sometimes argue that group training can’t be as individualized as 1:1 training. They’re half-right. It’s not as hyper-customized, but it’s still far from generic.

At Tsquared, we program for the group but adjust for each person’s injuries, strengths, and goals. You get your own weights, your own range of motion adjustments, and yes, I’m still right there coaching your form. The Gravity Training System we use allows us to tweak intensity on the fly. You can scale up or down instantly so nobody feels left behind.

The Bottom Line

Vancouver is expensive enough. Your health shouldn’t be the thing you sacrifice because of price. Small group training offers a middle path: expert coaching without the luxury-level price tag.

So, the next time you find yourself half-heartedly pedaling on a stationary bike, consider stepping into a setting where someone actually knows your name, your goals, and whether you skipped last Thursday.

And if you’re ready to test it out, your first small group session at Tsquared Personal Training is free. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a chance to see how training with a few like-minded Vancouverites can change the way you feel about fitness.

📍 Learn more here:
www.tsquaredvancouverpersonaltraining.com/articles/personal-trainer-in-vancouver-affordable-small-group-fitness-that-works

By Troy Tyrell, Founder of Tsquared Personal Training
WBN Contributor | Community Builder | Mountain Biker | Advocate for Local Business & Fitness
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#Personal Trainer Vancouver #Small Group Training #Affordable Fitness #Vancouver Wellness #WBN News Vancouver

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