Virtual yoga and online training — The Instructors’ Handbook #3/4: How to Deliver Private Online Sessions Like a Pro
Part 3/4 of FitMyTime Instructor Handbook
Online home workouts are increasingly gaining popularity, as more and more yoga teachers and personal instructors discover the benefits of online practice. Offering one-on-one & group online sessions is a great way to expand your opportunities as a fitness or yoga instructor, especially in light of the new reality that was forced upon us since the Covid19 outbreak.
In order to get people to book your online private classes, you need to master the ins and outs of online training. This requires time and practice, which is why we recommend newbies to run trial classes with friends or someone who can give you meaningful feedback.
We have prepared a few (mainly technical) tips that will help you deliver fab private online yoga and fitness workouts:
The booking process:
- Before you accept a booking request on FitMyTime, chat with your client, using the platform’s internal messaging platform.
- Check with the client to make sure you understand their needs and goals, and if they have any physical limitations, aches, or pains.
- Conduct a short test to make sure the video chat link works well and that you connect properly. Send your video chat link to your student in advance, using FitMyTime’s massaging system. All they need to do is click that link at the scheduled time. Clicking it will enable them to join the class.
- Time zone differences: If your client is in another time zone, use the time zone converter to make sure you meet at the right time.
- You can advise your client to record the live online class so they can use it later for their practice.
Preparations for class:
- Connections: Double-check that your internet and video connections are working.
- Music: Music is great to motivate, but the volume should be low enough that the client can hear your instructions.
- Background noise: Pets, children and construction can disturb the experience. Make sure your work environment is relatively quiet.
- Light: Your room/studio should be well-lit so that your trainee can see you clearly.
- Battery: Video chat can drain your battery quickly, so make sure it’s full or that you are plugged in during class.
- Microphone: The easiest way to communicate is by using a Bluetooth headset with built-in-microphone. Otherwise, make sure that your computer/telephone’s built-in-microphone is loud enough for you to speak and be heard even when you are standing a few meters away.
- Screen: You can use a laptop, tablet, or even your smart TV (cast your mobile screen to your TV) for the video chat. Mobile phones are a bit more challenging, but if you are willing to spend some time making sure your phone is stable and at the right angle for class, that could work as well.
During class:
- Place your laptop, smartphone, or tablet on a couch, chair, table, or even on the floor.
- Check to make sure that your trainee can see you properly, and that you can see your trainee. Make adjustments if necessary.
- Be sure to explain your exercises clearly in order to compensate for the fact that you cannot physically correct your trainees’ form.
- Listen to your trainee! Make sure you can hear their responses to your instructions.
- Do what you already know and love to do — provide motivating professional teaching and coaching!
After class:
- Always follow up after a session and ask your students how they’re feeling. Following up and checking in really shows that you care and it helps in building and maintaining sustainable relationships.
- Make sure to ask each one of your clients to write a review on your page. Reviews are a valuable promotional tool and they are important for potential customers who visit your listings.
FitMyTime welcomes yoga and fitness instructors who are interested in teaching online to join our community.
Meanwhile, you can read more about how it works.
More posts from our Instructor’s guide:
FitMyTime is a global marketplace for online yoga and fitness classes.
