Quick Answer
Yes, 1-to-1 lessons are worth it—you learn 2x faster with personalized attention.
Private lessons cost £30-60/hour (vs £12-20 for groups) but you learn in 8-12 lessons instead of 15-20, making total cost similar. Benefits: fully personalized instruction, faster progress, privacy, flexible scheduling, and immediate feedback. Especially valuable for nervous adults or those with specific goals.
Benefits of 1-to-1 Lessons
✓ 2x Faster Progress
100% of lesson time focused on you. No waiting, no watching others. Most adults learn in 8-12 private lessons vs 15-20 group lessons.
✓ Fully Personalized Instruction
Tailored to your specific fears, fitness level, and goals. Instructor adapts pace entirely to you.
✓ Complete Privacy
No audience. Ideal if you're embarrassed about learning as an adult or nervous about body image.
✓ Flexible Scheduling
Book times that suit your calendar rather than fixed group class schedules.
✓ Immediate Mistake Correction
Instructor spots and fixes errors instantly, preventing bad habits from forming.
Cost Comparison: Private vs Group
Group Lessons
- £12-20 per lesson
- 15-20 lessons needed
- Total: £180-400
- 4-6 months duration
Private 1-to-1
- £30-60 per lesson
- 8-12 lessons needed
- Total: £240-720
- 2-3 months duration
While private lessons have higher per-session cost, you need fewer lessons and finish faster.
When Private Lessons Are MOST Worth It
- High fear/anxiety: Need patient, individualized approach
- Busy schedule: Flexibility to book odd hours
- Fast timeline: Need to learn quickly for holiday/event
- Very nervous: Don't want audience watching
- Specific goals: Training for triathlon, open water, etc.
The Bottom Line
1-to-1 lessons are worth it for most adults. Higher hourly rate but faster progress means similar total cost to groups, with much better experience and outcomes.