8 Tips to start you on your online teaching journey
There is no doubt that there has been a HUGE rush amongst Pilates teachers to teach online, given that the current climate in the world has meant that studios and face to face classes have needed to take a pause for a while.
For many instructors, this is something they may have never had to do before! Teaching in front of a screen rather than to a room full of people is definitely a different experience.
Once you have completed your APPI Pilates certification you will be ready to enter the workforce as a qualified Pilates teacher. And if the demand for Online Pilates classes continues, you too could be teaching some of your Pilates classes online. Here are some helpful tips that will assist you along your way to being an online teaching star.
Demonstrate
You are the only thing on the other end of the screen of the participants. So what this means is, you will probably need to demonstrate the exercises more. In a face to face studio setting it is much easier to set the participants up with an exercise, do an initial demonstration, and then observe and correct the participants. In an online setting, all the participants can see is you! So making sure you have given them a sufficient demonstration and explanation is key, so that they know what to follow along to.
Background music
We love it, but make sure it is not too over powering - the most important priority is that the participants can hear your voice. Unsure whether they are able to hear you clearly? Just ask them! If you are reaching them via zoom, or another platform where they can speak to you or type to you, just ask the question and they will let you know pretty quickly if there are any sound issues.
Get connected
This might seem obvious, but make sure you have a reliable internet connection source. There is nothing more disheartening than running a class only to have the internet connection cut out multiple times throughout the session - it can really get in the way of the flow of the session.
Get creative with visual imagery
Now more than ever, participants are going to need as many imagery cues as possible to help ensure that their alignment and core awareness is on point.
Give participants levels and options
You would do this normally in a live class, but given that you don’t have a three-dimensional view of everyone, and you aren’t getting as much feedback in terms of how they are managing, it is important not to just assume that everyone is capable of the more advanced options.
Provide positive reinforcement to participants
I know you may not be able to actually see them on some platforms, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate being given positive reinforcement! Using positive language such as ‘well done if you got to the end of that round!’ can really boost a participant’s mood and enthusiasm to continue on.
Look after your own body
If you are running more than a few Pilates online classes per week, this will probably mean you are demonstrating much more than usual. Don’t be afraid to take a break throughout the workout and let the participants do a few more repetitions of an exercise without you once you have explained the movement thoroughly to them. If you can see them on the other side of the screen with zoom for example, this can serve as a great opportunity to have a look at their technique and offer them more specific cueing feedback.
Have fun!
There can be so much to think about with Pilates online teaching, especially if it is something more new to you. But don’t forget to enjoy yourself and have fun! The participants are very grateful to have you on the other side of the screen guiding them through an amazing workout, we promise you… whether they are physically there with you in the room or not!!
We hope you found these tips interesting. If you are keen on gaining your certification, APPI Pilates training is world-renowned and designed for those with no previous Pilates or fitness training. So whatever your background and whatever your career goals, we’ll be able to guide and support you.
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Are you interested in becoming an Internationally recognised APPI Pilates Instructor? You now have the opportunity to complete 50% of your Pilates Instructor course online. Find out about our Pilates teacher training here.
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About the author:
Mari Yammas is one of our very talented presenters here at Unite Health. Mari is a qualified physiotherapist, with a passion for wellness through pilates. Marilena was introduced to the APPI method while living in London and went on to work at APPI's Wimbledon clinic.
She also works as a Pilates guru for Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw's @keepitcleaner
You can find her at @i_do_pilates_