Virtual Procedures for Clients

By Tensile Strength Studio & Barrington Yoga Loft Staff

So you've decided to take a virtual class through Tensile Strength Studio & Barrington Yoga Loft! We're so excited to share our love of Pilatetes, Yoga and Fitness with you, wherever you choose to practice!

We've developed an extremely user friendly program that our clients are having great success with! You may access our virtual classes from virtually anywhere in the world, as long as you have a good wi-fi connection! Read on for our procedures and tips for success with virtual classes

Signing up for a Class:
Schedule your class on the MindBody Schedule like you typically would, all class packages remain the same and can be used interchangeably for both Virtual and Regular/In Studio classes. In the event of class cancellations or time changes, you will be notified via the email we have on file. All virtual classes will be labeled “Virtual” in the MindBody schedule and will be done outside the studio at a location of your choice.
 
Class sign-ups are cut off promptly 45 minutes before class. There will be no exceptions because the instructor needs time to make sure that links are sent out to all clients prior to the class start time. Additionally, the 12 hour cancellation policy applies to all Virtual classes. All virtual classes will be recorded and available by request for a period of 24 hours. 

Signing up for a Private Session:
Virtual Private session packages are interchangeable with in studio sessions. The Private sessions are scheduled directly between you and your instructor at mutually available times. 

Joining a Meeting/Class  (Here’s a YouTube video on how to  Join a Meeting ) You will receive an email with a link to the meeting/class approximately 30 minutes prior to class start. If you have not received a link, you may reach out directly to:

• Jessica Schmidley - for all of Jessica’s Pilates classes/private appts
  • Email: jessicaschmidley@gmail.com
• Jo Ann Graser - for all of Jo Ann’s classes, private appointments & all Yoga classes
  • Email: jgraser@tensilestrengthstudio.com

1. You may click the link to join the meeting/class at any time, if you have not downloaded the Zoom app (FREE) on your device you will be prompted to do so. 
2. If the “host” (instructor) has not begun the meeting yet, you will be notified when the “host” or instructor has begun the class. 
3. Once the meeting has begun, you will click to “join audio”. This allows you to hear the host/instructor. 
4. You will click “join video”. This allows you to see the host/instructor. 
5. Once you are in the meeting/class you can elect to have your own video showing publicly. 
   
   1. If you are attending a group class, it is optional but recommended to have your video connected to the meeting. There is an icon in the lower corner of the Zoom app that says “start video” if you’d prefer not to have your video shown, you may click to disable your video from showing to the group.
   2. If you are attending a private session, it is required to have your video connected to the meeting. This is how your instructor will see you during your session.
6. Once the meeting/class has begun all class participants will be muted to minimize background noise, only the host/instructor will be heard and seen. Any questions will need to be saved for the end of class if there is time.
7. If you are late to the meeting/class, you may join at any time during the meeting and it will join you to the live meeting/class in progress. Please mute your audio if you are jumping into a class after it has started. 
8. All meetings/classes will be recorded and sent to you after class has completed. You may access these classes for 24 hours through the link provided. 

Virtual Class Tips for Success :

• Make sure your exercise area is clear and you have room to move freely. 
• Adequate lighting - especially important for private sessions.
• Try to minimize distractions, alert family members beforehand and secure pets.
• If you are using a tablet or smartphone, have something to prop the phone so it’s easy to see during your class. A tripod can be helpful here as well.
• If you have a hard time hearing, or you have ambient noise in your space Bluetooth Headphones can be helpful.

Pilates props & accessories - Optional :

• Pilates Ring
• Pilates Ball
• Foam Roller
• Thick Exercise Mat for Pilates Sessions (Especially if exercising on hard floors or you have sensitive joints) *
• A rolled up hand towel - if you prefer lumbar or neck support while lying down

*A yoga mat should be fine on top of carpet/rug

Yoga props & accessories - Optional :

• Yoga Mat  
• Yoga Blocks
• Yoga Strap

Devices

• You can use a phone, laptop or tablet to take virtual sessions or classes. Make sure your device has a working microphone and speaker and a good Wifi connection. 
• Laptops work great especially for private sessions, because the camera can see more, the screen is larger for you to see and can be easily angled. However, any device will work.
• If you have a hard time hearing or your environment is noisy; noise cancelling wireless headphones can be very helpful. 
• Wifi - It’s very important that you have a good Wifi connection to get the most out of your virtual sessions. Be conscious of areas of your home that may be dead zones where the Wifi connection may be sparse. You can use a Wifi extender in those areas if needed, or move to an area where the connection is stronger. You may also plug your computer directly into your router, for a much stronger connection.
• If you’re having issues with virtual sessions with connection or if the format just simply isn't working for you, please reach out. Please understand that we cannot address issues during a group class session. Contact us immediately after the class if there were issues.

Troubleshooting:
​What if I get kicked off? Picture is pixelating? Screen freezes?

• Technology is never perfect. If you are experiencing issues, just be patient. End the call or close the browser, and re-enter the meeting/class the same way that you signed in originally, through the link in your email. Stay calm - it will all be ok!

What if your instructor gets kicked off the call? 

• Be patient, know that we are trying to get back into the class as quickly as possible and following the same steps you would be!

Adapting to Change

• This format and process will feel different than your typical private or group class sessions. It’s important to understand that and give yourself time to get accustomed to this new process. We’re working together to make this the best experience possible when you cannot make it to the studio.

Keep in mind...Virtual sessions may not work well for everyone, and that’s ok! Let's work together to find another option for you!