5 Things to Know about Virtual Training & Pilates

A year has come and gone since we got placed into lockdown. I joked with someone recently about how I left some things in my locker at the gym I formerly worked at with the fullest belief that we’d be opening again in one month tops. Yet here we are with a majority gyms still closed in San Diego county, unless they are operating in the open air. I won’t lie- if you would have asked me pre-pandemic my thoughts on virtual 1:1 training, they would not have been positive. I can even remember having a conversation with a colleague in which she suggested that I offer it for my clients when they were traveling. I didn’t see myself doing it. Then enter March 2020 and fitness as we knew it was forced to change.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed both taking virtual 1:1 classes and teaching them. I personally have been more consistent with taking lessons from someone else because I don’t have to travel to a studio for it. As a teacher, I have enjoyed being able to continue teaching clients even when they travel or relocate. Anyways, as someone that has both been taking virtual lessons and teaching virtual classes here are my 5 tips to help your virtual classes go smoothly!

1.Create your workout space:

You’ll only need about a yoga mat amount of space. See if you can open your arms in a “T” shape position and face all four edges of your Mat without hitting a wall or couch. Pass the test? Great! You have enough space! Most people that follow me on Instagram or YouTube know I have a designated workout room, however this is NOT a requirement. Some of my clients push their living room coffee table aside and workout on their area rug. Some of my clients do their lesson on the floor space beside their bed. 

2. Place your screen where you can see & hear the instructor:

I often encourage the “hearing” aspect so that my clients don’t have to crank their neck to watch what’s next but I get when something is new we want to “see” first. The camera should be able to see your entire mat, especially if it is a 1:1 session so that your instructor can offer form corrections. For my personal lessons I prop my computer on a step ladder across the room so that I don’t have to change the angle of the camera when I stand up. However, if you need to change the computer screen angle to change the vantage point, it’s not that big of a deal, it gives you an opportunity for a water break too! Also keep in mind that if you have a window or sliding door opposite of the computer you might need to close the blinds so that it isn’t backlit. That tip is more-so for a 1:1 session than a group class session.

3. Have your props nearby:

When I teach in a group setting I send out an email with the props we’ll be using in class as well as things you can find around the house. In My Amazon shop you’ll find a few of my favorites. You also have the option of using household items like a dish towel, pillow, 16oz water bottles (2), and cans of veggies etc. Either way, have your props nearby so you don’t need to find it somewhere else in the house in the middle of your workout.

Some of my favorite props include:

4. Log on 5 minutes early:

Some classes might require a password while others might have a waiting room. If there is a waiting room the instructor will be approving people one by one into the “conference” room. If the instructor is participating in the class or leading by example chances are there might be some delay for when you get admitted if you sign in right on time or a couple minutes late! No one wants to be left out, so avoid the stress and delay on your workout by setting up the computer early.

5. Have fun!

If it makes you feel more comfortable you can always turn your video off for a group class. The truth is though, everyone is moving as well and no one is watching you move, their eyes are on the teacher. Keeping the screen on helps the teacher make adjustments to your form.

If you haven’t taken a virtual fitness class yet I would definitely recommend starting out with a 1:1 class. That way the class is set to a place that YOU feel comfortable and you are able to ask questions if you need to. I am currently accepting a limited amount of new clients and you can book your first session HERE. My initial session includes a movement screen to assess where your body is currently at, a goals assessment and an intro to Pilates or Personal Training.

Have you taken a virtual fitness class yet? Let me know in the comments below and let me know if there are any tips that have made virtual training easier for you!