Tips for Teaching Virtual Yoga & Fitness Classes
Designed for Group Fitness Instructors, Yoga Teachers, and anyone running online live-streaming wellness classes.
(Are you looking for teaching opportunities? Zest is always looking for great talent… Apply here.)
Packing studios and conference rooms feels like a thing of the past - at least for the foreseeable future. Teaching online has become a “norm” that many fitness instructors have embraced. This is a challenging transition for many, especially for the camera-shy and tech-newbies.
Paradoxically, the virtual space tends to amplify our shared human need that feels even harder to deliver in that medium -- social connection. We all want to be seen, heard, and valued for who we are. The social motivation of group classes doesn’t go away with the virtual platform, which is why Peleton shows the number of active class attendees and Strava shares your solo run with your community of runners. When participants show up to class, whether to relax or sweat it out, most people share an underlying desire for accountability, recognition and community connection.
So this bears the question -- How can instructors offer a virtual environment that invites easeful connectedness? What makes attending a live-streamed class different from watching one of the million pre-recorded YouTube videos available?
With some creativity we can create an engaging virtual class experience for our participants, and a more rewarding teaching experience for us instructors.
Here are a few tips for teaching and engaging with class participants in the virtual setting:
1) Set the tone in your physical space: Make time before class to view your space through the eyes of your students. Is there unnecessary clutter and business? For in-person classes, we would prep the space by sweeping the floors, removing unnecessary items, optimizing the audio, and maybe lighting a candle to create an inviting ambiance. For participants to focus on class and let go of distractions, our physical environment should support that. Encourage them to think about this for their “home practice space” or “home gym” too!
2) Consider the visual and sound quality: This may be on the technical side of things, but your livestream class attendees being able to SEE and HEAR you clearly is one of the foundational aspects that connects them to the experience.
—> Visual
Depending on the room you’re teaching in, you may need to turn on more lighting than you would personally prefer (even if you’re teaching a more mellow class). Have more light in front of you than behind you to avoid being backlit. (In other words, while it may feel great for you, don’t teach with a bright window or lamp on behind you, if you want people to see you.)
When you set up for your class, be sure your mat space and your whole body are in view of the camera so your students can see the full picture of what you’re doing.
When demonstrating a small or nuanced movement, bring yourself closer to the camera so your students don't have to strain to see what you’re instructing them to do . For example, if you are teaching a wrist stretch it may be difficult for students to see how your hands are moving unless you come to the camera to show them up close. Don’t be afraid to move off of your mat.
Offer color contrast in your surroundings as well as your clothing. If your yoga mat is a dark color, for example, avoid wearing black clothing and opt for brighter colors.
—> Sound
For Zoom and most online, digital meeting platforms, the best sound will come from wearing a wireless microphone or headset. (Options range from bluetooth Apple Airpods to super fancy lavalier headsets). Whatever you choose, always test your sound before class starts and ask your students for sound quality feedback when greeting them.
Be mindful of demonstrating poses that block your mic/airpods. With wireless headphones, for example, the sound will be muffled even if only one is pressed against a bolster or your arm. With headsets and lapel mics, be mindful of movements that might press the mic into your neck, chest or clothing. Demonstrate first so your students can see the full posture and then cue them into the movement afterward. Do one then the other.
Use language that is encouraging and less likely to be frustrating for your students. For many, repetitive counting or total silence can be discouraging. Instead, offer anatomical cues while you’re repeating a movement or words of encouragement like “we’re halfway through” or “only 15 seconds left - you can do this!”.
Use language that is professional and educational in nature. You know what you’re talking about, so use proper terminology that makes it sound like you do! For example, if you’re teaching a fitness-focused class use anatomical cues and then explain what you mean. If you’re teaching a “yin yoga”, “restorative yoga”, or stretching class, speak to the nervous system effects of the posture you’re instructing. Students value understanding what they’re doing and why they’re doing it!
3) Make yourself available: Sign on at least 5 minutes before class starts, and stay until everyone is signed off afterward . The point is to be physically present and show that you’re available for interaction, questions, and feedback. This means setting up your space, getting a drink of water, and using the restroom are all done beforehand. If you consistently do this, your students will start to sign on earlier just to chat and connect with you -- which is exactly what we want!
4) Cultivate genuine relationships: This is by far the most important tip to engage your students and keep them coming back -- make each person feel seen as well as valued simply for being there. Take into consideration that you may be the only person in their entire day to ask how they’re doing and show genuine interest in their wellbeing.
This can be very hard to do. For tips on this specifically, see our other blog post on How to Create Connection and Community in Virtual Classes.
Are you a highly engaging instructor looking for more teaching opportunities? Zest is always looking for great talent! Apply directly here.