Are you stuck at home and tired of feeling stuck? If you're like most of us, it's time to take a few minutes and start getting back into a movement routine, or just a moment to take a breath and refresh. Chances are you are doing that routine in quarantine right now. We're here to make your transition from studio to screen a little easier!
1. Download zoom and set up an account before your first session. This doesn't take long, and once you do it once you're done. But better to get it out of the way, and then be ready to go for your first session.
2. Set up in a quiet, well-lit place.
3. Wear clothing that separates you from the background. All black clothes in a dark room on a black yoga mat against a dark-coloured wall makes it a bit more challenging to check in on your form.
4. Bring out the wireless headphones
If you have access to wireless headphones this is the easiest way to make sure you can see hear and talk to your instructor even if your face is on the mat or you are laying down on your reformer. If you don't have any no worries, most laptops and phones can pick up, and carry sound pretty well!
5. Position your camera...
From the side for private sessions. In our 1:1 sessions, the goal is that we talk you through the movements and corrections without you having to crank your neck to look at the screen every few seconds. Forward-facing/straight on for classes. If you are following along in a class format in which you need to see the screen/instructor to know what to do, then forward-facing is the best option. It means less time twisting in weird ways to see what you should be doing and how.
6. Props and equipment
Let your instructor know what props you have around that could be used before your session, or if you have your own Pilates equipment at home. You never know what could be useful, a foam roller, a squishy ball, or even paper plates or a skateboard!
7. Listen to your body and talk to your instructor
Your instructor is viewing you from the lens of a camera, and possibly at a weird angle. We can offer a surprising amount of modifications, detailed instructions and feedback with just a camera. Ultimately (as with any session in person or via zoom) all movements need to be right for you. If something doesn't feel right, stop. If you are in a private session tell your instructor what you are feeling and when. We are here to help you feel amazing, not to work through pain.
8. Glitches happen. Embrace patience and laughter.
Where there is technology involved there are bound to be glitches. Know ahead of time that things can happen. "Freezing" is the most common. If you or your instructor look "frozen" on the screen, stop your movement for a few seconds until everything is back to normal. Embrace patience and laughter with your movement sessions. It's okay to have a little fun doing Pilates!
*Always check with your doctor before starting a new workout routine.
Ready to book a session?
You can book in person, Pilates Reformer Sessions at our New Braunfels, TX location, or virtual Private Pilates sessions all online, here.
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