10 Tips to Teaching Virtual Classes

Photo Courtesy of Michele Park

With gyms closed due to COVID-19, many instructors are being forced to shift their business to a virtual setting or wait until gyms reopen. 

Power Music's Lead Group Fitness Advisor Alee Baytan, has put together a couple of quick tips to help you teach the very best virtual class possible!

10 Tips to Teaching Virtual Classes

1. Keep a sharpie and paper or a dry erase board close by so you can write cues on it should your mic go out. This way you'll still have a visible and clear way to communicate with your participants. 
2. If you're using a platform that requires you to "mirror" your movement, wear a wristband on one hand to help remind you of your right and left lead. 
3. Write out the names of the people attending your class before it starts so you can give them a shout out during your live stream. 
4. Make sure your device operating systems and the app(s) you are using are updated to the latest version before you begin your live stream. Also consider removing unnecessary apps, photos and music from your device to clear up space. This can help prevent your app/device from crashing midstream. 
5. Remember to bring the energy to your virtual class! Your energy needs to be 10x bigger to come across on camera. 
6. Be sharp and clean with your movements and always offer modifications. 
7. Use your arms to make big motions in order to indicate directions with your cues. (Example: "Go right" while motioning to the right.)
8. Cue EARLY - at least 4 counts before the move for participants to process the information and consider lag time.. You may not be able to see your participants so you want to cue them even earlier than you normally would. (Example: "1,2,3,4" - side lunge to your right")
9. When cueing, cut down excess words. Keep it simple and enunciate!
10. Most importantly - have fun! Make your class an experience to keep participants coming back each time. 

In addition to these quick tips, Alee prepared an entire Beginners Guide to teaching LIVE Virtual Classes. Click here to download your FREE copy.

Looking for royalty-free music you can use in your virtual class? Click here to purchase premixed albums completely cleared for use in live stream virtual classes. 

Or, get access to unlimited virtual class music when you sign-up for our Power Music NOW membership! First 30 days are free!

Are there any tips we didn't include here that have been helpful for you while teaching virtually? Comment below and let us know!