The People's Gym · Cork
Personal training vs classes
We run both at our Douglas and Ballincollig gyms, so we have no reason to push you either way. Here is what each one is good for, who tends to suit which, and why a lot of our members do both.
PT vs classes
What each one is for
Personal training is for getting strong properly with a coach guiding you. Classes are for sweat, energy and a room full of people. Both are coached; they just do different jobs.
Personal training: 30 minutes
One coach, two clients, each on your own programme. Coached technique, loads that climb week by week, built around your body and your goals.
Classes: 45 minutes
Small groups, a coach running the room, a set session everyone does at their own level. Hyrox, spin, circuits and more.
Injuries and conditions
If something hurts, or your GP or physio has given you advice, personal training is the safer place to start. Everything is built around you.
Energy and atmosphere
If what gets you through the door is music, a group and a sweat, classes deliver that in a way a quiet PT session does not.
One app, both gyms
Personal training and classes are both booked through the app, at Douglas or Ballincollig, and nothing you buy expires.
Most people do both
Two short PT sessions for strength, a class for the buzz. Plenty of members started with one and drifted into the other.
Real Google reviews
From members who started where you are
In their own words, straight from Google.
"In September after a year of going to classes in ATP (spin, circuits and morning madness) which I still do and find great I decided to book some classes. I didn't think I'd enjoy them but the lads and ladies in ATP are great, making sure you're doing the exercises correctly and having a bit of craic at the same time. Didn't think I'd enjoy them but found I really do."
"I’ve been a member for about a year and a half and my confidence in the gym has grown hugely. I even do classes now which I would never have dreamt of doing in any other gym I’ve been to. PT sessions are set up so you can stick with the same trainer or switch between a few. So you can really book whatever slots suit you from week to week."
"The staff are both friendly and knowledgeable so much so that I continue to go on a regular basis. Whether it be for personal training or classes I would highly recommend to anyone."
"I started with dance fitness classes, did a few PT sessions & recently did a Legs, Bums & Tums class which felt great. Also, my credits don't have an expiry date so I can do the classes at my own pace when I have time."
The honest version
Which one should you start with?
The honest answer is that it depends what you need, and because we run both we have no reason to steer you. Here is how we would put it to a friend.
Start with personal training if
You have never lifted, or not for years, and want to learn properly. You have a bad back, a sore knee, a condition, or advice from a GP or physio to work around. You are nervous about gyms and want someone beside you. You have a specific goal, like getting strong, a sport, a wedding or a health number your GP is watching. Sessions are 30 minutes, 1:2, one coach with two clients, each on your own programme, with your technique coached and the loads progressed week by week. It is the fastest and safest way to get strong.
Start with classes if
You are already reasonably fit and moving well, you thrive on a group and a bit of noise, and what you want is a hard 45 minutes that leaves you sweating. Our classes are small and coached, everyone works at their own level, and the range runs from spin to Hyrox to circuits. They are brilliant for fitness and for the buzz. They are not the place to learn a heavy deadlift for the first time.
Do both if
You can. Two short personal training sessions a week for the strength foundation and a class or two for the fitness and the craic is the combination a lot of long-term members settle on. Because everything is booked through the one app at both gyms and nothing expires, you can shift the mix from week to week.
Getting started
Your first session is free, whichever you choose. Claim it below and tell us which you would like to try, or ask us and we will suggest one. Our personal training page and classes page go into each in detail, and our semi-private page explains how the 1:2 format works.
Memberships & pricing
Simple, flexible pricing
Personal training from €20.56 a session on a rolling membership, €35 pay as you go, and no-expiry packs from €289. See full pricing →
FAQ
PT vs classes questions
If yours is not here, give us a ring. We would rather talk it through.
Which is better for losing weight?
Either works if you turn up consistently, and food matters more than the format. Personal training is better for building the muscle that changes shape; classes burn more in the session. Many people do both.
Which is better if I have an injury or a condition?
Personal training. Everything is built around you and your GP or physio's advice, with a coach guiding you throughout. Classes are set sessions, and while everyone works at their own level, they are not individualised in the same way.
How long are the sessions?
Personal training sessions are 30 minutes. Classes are 45 minutes.
Can I do both at the same gym?
Yes. Personal training and classes both run at Douglas and Ballincollig, both are booked through the app, and nothing you buy expires. Ask us about the best way to set it up for the mix you want.
Is personal training just for beginners?
No. Beginners love it because they learn properly, but athletes, people training for events and long-term members use it for the same reason: coached, progressive strength work is the fastest way to get better at anything.
Are the classes big?
No. They are small groups with a coach running the room, so you still get attention and corrections, just not an individual programme.
How much does it cost?
Rolling memberships start at €179 every 4 weeks for two sessions a week, and our no-expiry packs never lapse. Your first session is free, no card and no commitment.
Get started
Claim your free session
Tell us a little about yourself and a member of the ATP team will be in touch to book in your free session.
ATP Fitness App
Manage your sessions on the go
Book your PT & classes straight from your phone, manage your membership and top up credits any time.
Find us
Two locations across Cork
Douglas
2nd Floor, Unit A1, Donnybrook Commercial Centre, Donnybrook, Cork City
Tel: 087 649 4134
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Ballincollig
Unit 1A, Link Road Business Park, Carrigrohane, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Tel: 085 725 2370
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed