How to get the most out of your online class
Taking an online class is a wonderful way to add some movement, structure and even a sense of community to your day. At the best of times, it may be “easier” to work out from home and right now, it’s our only choice besides (if we’re lucky!) a once daily walk or run. Here are some considerations for making the most of your online class experience.
OPTIMIZE YOUR SPACE:
Find a place in your home where you have the space to spread out like a starfish, while both standing and lying down. If you can do this, you’ll be able to do all your movement well.
If possible, and since this is our new normal – invest an hour in making that space as inviting to you as possible. Clean it well, making sure you feel excited to lie down on that floor, consider putting in a plant, a candle, a photo of a landscape that feels inspiring to you, and maybe tacking on the wall a list of intentions or a piece of poetry that warms your heart. In other words, make the space feel clear, calm and yours.
If you have a room that you or other family members need to use in other ways during the day, no problem (I do, too). Just have a basket with your props and keep it handy, so it’s always there for you. Budget 5 minutes before class to get it ready for your use, and then put things away after. This ritual can get you prepared. Include a spray bottle and a cloth so you can quickly clean anything you want to. And a water glass or bottle for hydration.
SET UP YOUR TECHNOLOGY:
If you haven’t already, download zoom.us so when you get our class invite you are ready to go.
If you share your house with lots of people, you may need to make sure they are not all streaming at the same time as a live class.
Being close to your router will help the online connection.
We would like to see your body if possible, so we can offer feedback and corrections. For a private lesson, this is crucial. Position your device so we can see your whole body.
For a class environment, we want you to see us clearly and not move your head at funny angles during class. Put your screen where you can see us easily. Try to listen as often as possible to the verbal cues and not look at the screen all the time.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY:
As in any class, you need to pay attention to your body’s signals and cues. If you feel like something is too much for you, listen for modifications and do those. It’s better to do the “easier” version and do it very well then to do a “harder” version and do it sloppily. Stay on the conservative side until you feel confident in this new environment.
Eric Franklin speaks often about autonomy in the environment of fitness and exercise/movement. This a perfect time to cultivate inner awareness and authority.
STAY ACCOUNTABLE WITH COMMUNITY:
Our classes are live for a reason. We can’t wait to see you!
Try to pick classes that work for you to actually come to. It is the rare person who will commit to home exercise alone (yay if that’s you) for weeks at a time. We buy memberships at studios, make appointments with trainers, and sign up ahead of time for classes to make sure we will go (and of course for the expertise of the teacher). So if you can - come to your mat during our class time so you have the support of accountability. If you can’t we totally understand–and I know many of you are working harder than usual and doing your best.
We also go to studios so we can connect with people in our neighbourhood. Never have we needed that more. Even if you feel shy, consider saying hi at the beginning or end of class. Seeing your faces is the highlight of my day, and I think it’s been so lovely to see you all saying hi to each other as well. No pressure of course!
FINALLY, If you are new to Inhabit we are offering FREE assessment phone calls so we can make sure you are coming to the best class for you. Email frontdesk@inhabitpilates.com to set up your appointment. We can usually get to you same day.