Pacific Northwest Pilates recently made it easier to provide students with fun, engaging home workouts virtually. In less than two weeks, the studio rolled out over 40 virtual classes and just as many weekly private sessions to students determined to stay in shape and connected to a vital community of friends and mentors while sheltering in place.
Not surprising were the challenges we faced by switching to an entirely virtual platform so quickly. Unexpected were the number of positive teaching discoveries, benefits to students, and new opportunities to think and teach in new and creative ways.
Honed & Heightened Awareness
In just a few weeks of virtual classes, PNWP clients self-report that they feel more aware of their body. PNWP instructors are noticing it too! Auditory cues must be very precise to translate well through a screen. A student must pay close attention and tune-in to their body to gain the benefits of a virtual class.
Ishbel Cavaleri, who incorporates yoga, meditation and Pilates into her teaching practice at PNWP to provide a complete wellness approach says, “teaching virtually has opened up unforeseen opportunity for my clients to deepen their practice and hone into their own innate knowledge. I’ve noticed that my teaching has become better as I learn how to cue my clients to check in with their bodies’ feedback at a much deeper level. It’s a win-win!”
Sue Brantley who offers a variety of private and group yoga, Pilates and somatics classes has been delighted by the results of virtual teaching too. She’s been able to notice things a little differently than in person. “I’ve noticed that (virtual classes) put the student more in charge of their own body, which has been really empowering for them and instrumental in understanding their body’s tendencies.”
Creative Coaching
PNWP instructors have had to be creative in ways they never expected. Alternatives to studio props—pillows, chairs and ottomans—have become useful accessories for clients who need more comfortable sitting options or modifications.
PNWP’s Emma Uebuele finds the transition to teaching virtually both challenging and fascinating. “My clients are amazed by how much they get out of each session and we’re both becoming more creative and really partnering together as we work. I’ve used a sofa in more ways than I ever imagined for a workout. Don’t get me wrong I’ll be glad to hop on a reformer and do Footwork someday soon but I have absolutely loved how teaching from home has forced me to be creative and both build and trust my hands-off teaching skills.”
Seeing with Success
There are many factors to consider for seeing a client with success on a computer screen. The light from a window or the angle of the camera may impact a teacher’s ability to see a client clearly. Many PNWP instructors have spent time helping students find the right space in their home for a workout and set up their computers.
How an instructor programs a virtual workout may make a difference too.
Holly Shaw, Instructor Trainer for Pacific Northwest Pilates, shares that she is “able to see nuances in a body more easily through movement than in standing or a static posture.” She suggests to other teachers who are working in a virtual environment to “get clients moving right away with exercises and movements they are already familiar with, and then layer cues and modifications on to something they already know well.”
The Value of Virtual
The benefits of virtual Pilates, Yoga and Somatics are still being revealed. As we return to a more normalized life, Pacific Northwest Pilates instructors expect virtual classes to stay.
Leslie Braverman, Co-Owner of Pacific Northwest Pilates, anticipates that virtual classes may be just thing to help students augment a weekly schedule of in-studio classes. “Once students return to work, begin to travel and life resembles something more usual than today, virtual classes may be viewed as an important part of a regular weekly exercise routine. We’re really looking forward to bringing more value to our clients and helping people remain more committed to their practice.”
Ready to give online classes a whirl? Check out our list of classes for the month May HERE or contact the studio for more information about our private online classes at 503-292-4409.
We hope to “see” you there.
