Zoom workout classes - how do they work?

[Anonymous]

I have been watching Youtube videos and following along on and off but I really need the accountability of a real live class.

It might sound silly but how do zoom workout classes go. Does everyone turn on their camera? Do people speak to each other? If you do them do you find them motivating?

[Anonymous]

I don't really find them any better than pre-recorded classes. The ones I tried from my gym were more of the "Zoom live stream to Facebook" variety, though, where the trainer couldn't really see the participants and any interaction was through chat. I don't mind people seeing me at the actual gym, but for some reason I don't like the idea of it over Zoom.

[Anonymous]

My boutique studio has been 100% virtual since March. In our zoom classes, there is a main instructor and usually one or two other instructors also taking class. The main instructor will demo an exercise and set everyone up with verbal cues, then switch over to another instructor so the class can watch that person doing the exercise. While instructor 2 is on camera, main instructor will look at everyone who has their camera on and give them encouragement or feedback about form improvements. I never change my setup to see other people in the class but I guess I could. I only want to see the instructors. I find it more motivating than doing a recorded class because I get feedback from the instructor and they know my fitness level and will call me out if I’m slacking.

[Anonymous]

I take 2 a week - LOVE THEM.

One is a weekly strength class on Saturday morning, it's about 10 or so of us who join and it's mostly the same people every week. Most of us have our cameras on and the instructor interacts with us (corrects posture, form, etc.).

I also do a weekly yoga class. Some of us turn cameras on (I usually do) but some don't. It feels different then recorded because we can help shape some of the class at the beginning (if people are wanting a more restorative class vs. a more intense class etc.).

Once a week I do a pre-recorded class I find on youtube or instragram or whatever. I like that too, but I like the live classes as well - it's best for me to have a mix.

[Anonymous]

The ones I do (which are specific to an activity) everyone has their video on so the teacher can see us and provide feedback. Most people mute unless they have a question so we can hear the teacher. I do way way better with the accountability of live classes and really need to fit them back into my schedule.

[Anonymous]

THanks very much - OP here - and this is helpful - I definitely need the instructors input because I am trying to get in shape and can tell my form is pretty poor

[Anonymous]

There is some variety out there, but you can definitely find classes where the instructors will coach you through it. However, you should not expect to be able to ask questions during the workout unless your doing small group training.

I have found the zoom classes to help with accountability because I put them on my calendar like I would have a regular in person class, and I paid for them, so I'm not going to just bail because I don't feel like it.