Online Fitness Is Daunting, Until You Realise You're In The Comfort Of Your Own Room!
The world went into lock-down and the shareholders of the virtual meeting software, Zoom, rejoiced as their users skyrocketed. Dance schools, Judo clubs, choirs, gyms and so much more were suddenly operating online, seemingly overnight. But with so much free content already available on YouTube, why was there such a high demand for paid live classes?
Let’s face it, YouTube is epic… We have free access to BILLIONS of videos in pretty much every genre and subject you can imagine, from the (very) weird to the wonderful. Plus it’s a fantastic arrangement for influencers & vloggers; they heroically & selflessly provide the world with ‘free’ content whilst stacking up the cash their ad revenue generates on every single click. 🐸☕
And whilst it’s a bit of a novelty having Joe Wicks putting you through your paces at 9am in your own house, there is still something missing.
It’s the connection. And no, I don’t mean your broadband although that has been a headache for a lot of us during this time.
It’s having your name called out to tell you you’re smashing it.
It’s knowing that your best mate is also signed in from their house.
It’s being able to ask a question midway through because something isn’t working quite right for your body.
Let’s face it, our Joe can’t give individual feedback to his many million viewers every day. [This is not a Joe Wicks slam post… It’s just relevant. I’ll stop using him as my example now 😂]
This is what you DO get from live classes through Zoom!
(other providers are available but if we mention them enough maybe they’ll offer us a discount?!):
REAL encouragement from someone who can see you and means it when they tell you you’re smashing it
Banging tunes, rather than royalty free background music
Up to date, topical and current banter
Social interaction before & after a class, with your buddies or total strangers, but mainly from your babbling instructor
Feedback and modifications that are tailored to your individual needs, fitness & flexibility is not a one-size-fits-all affair
Plenty of giggles when someone can’t work out how to get their music to play through the speaker but also have their voice heard over the top at the same time when they thought they had it sorted FOR CRYING OUT LOUD WHY WON’T IT WORK (entirely hypothetical, obvz)
The occasional dance party with everyone on ‘Gallery View’
Time after or before class to ask questions
A chat box to tell your mate how pretty they look today or how much you flippin’ hate mountain climbers
Various camera angles so you can get a close up of tricky footwork when needed
ACCOUNTABILITY. This one is a biggie; no one is chasing you (including yourself) if you don’t show up for a pre-recorded video that you didn’t pay for
Progression & direction from someone who knows where you’re at in your journey and what you’re capable of
Oversharing from your instructor whilst they set up, telling you far too much information about their personal life & helping you feel much better about yours
Personal shout-outs to your dog, cat, child, partner… whether they like it or not
And lastly… A big beaming grin on screen that is there specifically for YOU & your team mates in class, no one else
It’s clear that we have a slight preference but as you can see, it’s justified. We will always be fond of YouTube & continue to share extra content on there for you to tune into whenever you need it BUT…
Zoom, you absolute babe, you had us at hello.
Alice & Sara xx
