Virtual Pilates - 6 things I learned from lockdown.
We are all working our way through uncertain times and it is as important as ever to look after our health and wellbeing. At the start of lockdown this seemed an impossible task. However, a friend who was facing lockdown alone, asked if I was teaching Pilates online. Despite working all my life in tech, the thought hadn't crossed my mind.
So, after a musing, I gave it a go.
I am lucky to have space enough to swing a cat but it still involved moving stuff around to accommodate me, my tech and my mat! And I am not alone; everyone who has joined my virtual classes has been doing so from their living room, bedroom, kitchen, or even the bar of a pub (it is her own place!).
It’s been a learning curve - motivating, at times frustrating but most of all fun. Here are my 6 surprise takeways:
Technology has not been a blocker, despite my initial thoughts. Bar a few sound or wifi connection wobbles, no one has struggled with setting up their PC or tablet and joining in via Zoom. In fact, technology has unleashed exercise and fitness opportunities.
Virtual sessions have not turned classes into a spectator sport. On the contrary, with fewer distractions from other class members, everyone has focused 100% on technique, as well as working more in their own pace and level.
I have focused too. The immediacy of Zoom has meant I cannot be complacent and I’ve fully prepped and rehearsed every single class to ensure quality of input, experience and outcomes of classes being delivered remotely via small screens. I’ve also invested in technology to ensure my service (Zoom), camera, screen and AV all deliver the best quality and reliability.
Lockdown has introduced Pilates and its wonderful health benefits to even more people. Classes have been attended by people (well, okay I mean women) who in normal times would not have been able to attend - or, to be honest, may not have even been interested. Without having to worry about child care, the classes have been more accessible and easy to attend.
Social groups have formed quickly. Those logging into classes early have passed the time getting to know each other and, after each session, we finish in Zoom’s gallery mode for feedback and input. It has been lovely to see a blossoming friendship growing between class members over the past few months.
Each class is more than the sum of the people who take part. I’ve delivered classes watching toddlers launching onto unsuspecting mums in the midst of single leg stretches or stealing Pilates balls; cats perched on their owner’s back; and dogs casually sitting in front of the camera. Remote classes have given me a more holistic view of everyone I have taught, bringing me closer to - and more vested in - each and every single person..
It’s never too late to learn and launch something new. Before lockdown I doubt I would have considered offering live Pilates online. And I want to keep going! I am taking my confidence from those early adopters who have joined and enjoyed live classes online, accessing recordings of the classes they have missed, not needing to worry about travel, child care and so on.
So, after the summer I will still be here, continuing to deliver virtual classes and improving accessibility and outcomes through True Path Pilates. I hope you will be able to drop by and give it a try. ♡