3 Problems With Virtual Fitness Classes
In April 2020, Singapore started the circuit breaker. We had to adapt to many changes since, from working remotely to following new social norms. Likewise, with many other companies, we had to pivot ourselves to be able to provide virtual sessions for both our personal training services and corporate health programs. While we are thankful that shifting our services online was a success (with lots of support and trust from our clients), there were still some problems our clients and ourselves faced during this period of hosting virtual fitness classes.
Also, read our follow up blog post on 3 More Challenges Corporates Faced With Virtual Wellness & How To Solve Them.
1. Not seeing the value of online sessions
As there are many free contents easily accessible on the internet, it lowered the value of online sessions. Although fitness instructors spend the same amount of time teaching online and face-to-face, we came across companies who expect to pay less or even not willing to pay at all for online sessions. There was one incredulous request that asked us to host a full hour of virtual fitness class at no charge. Times may be bad, but we had put a price on our services to set the market rate and norms when paying for online services. Even if someone is providing free online fitness content, how long can they actually do it for free? It takes time and money to create content, for our trainers to take up certifications, and to be licensed to teach professionally.
2. Video camera not turned on
You can already foresee some people not turning on their video camera during the virtual fitness classes, which could be due to several reasons such as feeling self-conscious in front of the camera, messy room, no makeup, etc. However, doing so will not allow the instructor to be able to have a two-way interaction with the participants, which defeats the purpose of conducting the fitness class live. The funny thing was, through our experience, a participant who did not turn on his/her camera was also the one who feedback that the session felt like a recorded YouTube video.
Our online personal training sessions easily kicked off immediately during circuit breaker, thanks to our clients. Our personal trainers could spot and adjust wrong exercise movements easily without being there in person or having to physically have contact with our clients. Therefore it’s really important that even for group classes, turning on your video as a participant will make a huge difference as our instructors will be able to have a glance at everyone’s movements and increase interactions.
All group classes, either face-to-face or virtual, will not give you 100% of the instructor’s attention. However just one small tip from the instructor on your movement will definitely make your workout more effective. After all, our instructors do not enjoy teaching to a black screen full of names instead of faces right? The art of “self-high” looking at themselves while teaching a class is not as easy as it seems, so join us and turn on your video!
3. Bad video & sound quality
For virtual fitness classes conducted live, there are many factors which can affect the session as compared to face-to-face classes. From lack of space at home to unstable internet connection, as well as a lower quality camera, speakers, and wireless microphone. These could lead to a bad video and sound quality during the session, especially for music-based classes. In addition, some video conferencing platforms prioritises voice over music which then makes the music unable to be heard. For instructors who are not tech-savvy, it would definitely hinder the experience of the participants.
Our tried-and-tested solutions
1. Share the value of virtual fitness classes
I believe all of us agree we have to get used to the new norms and it does take time to see the value in online classes. In the long run, when virtual classes become a regularity, it can’t be “free” forever. Even YouTubers who generate fitness content are actually earning money from viewers. Slowly the public will see the value and that it will become “normal” to pay for virtual classes as well compared to classes held face-to-face. After all, isn’t it convenient to attend a fitness class wherever you are without travelling down to the studio? Imagine spending 2 hours a day travelling back & forth just to go to a fitness studio to workout for 1 hour.
Some of our corporate clients actually prefer hosting the classes online as it allows more participants from different departments to be able to come together rather than needing to rent a huge studio space with a maximum pax limit. Companies are also able to connect with employees in overseas branches and exercise together all in one place!
2. Incentivize participants
To help encourage more employees to join the sessions on a regular basis and turning on their video cameras, designing an inter-department competition can allow both the company and individuals to fully benefit from the fitness programs. For example, the HR can set a monthly competition whereby the team that attends the most number of virtual fitness classes for the month will win vouchers. Companies can even organise a virtual dance class, where the instructor will teach a choreography for one song, and at the end of the month, each team will have to perform for the company and the winning team to be crowned the best dancers of the month.
3. Engage a vendor (like us!)
Before you run into any technical difficulties, chances are, we have already sorted them out for you. We ensure that our instructors have a proper set up to conduct the virtual classes and have also done multiple tests on your preferred platform before the actual session. As a professional fitness service provider, we manage a large group of instructors directly so our clients do not have to worry about managing instructors individually for coordination and payment, which reduces your administrative processes and paperwork. If an instructor is not able to make it for the session on a last-minute notice, as a vendor, we will ensure another instructor is ready to cover the slot as well.
Based on our experiences, here are another 3 More Challenges Corporates Faced With Virtual Wellness & How To Solve Them.
Planning for an online event? Proposing virtual programs for your company?