Online fitness class using MS Teams - how does it work?

Eliza_2

I've been encouraged to join a fitness class using Teams but no idea how it works.  I've never even been to any kind of exercise class so can't imagine how this is done online.  I thought it would be like following a fitness video but it looks like you can see everyone else wobbling around in their sitting rooms and they can see me.  Is that right?  

I'm not sure I can face that, and no idea what to wear.  I only have a  tiny sitting room too.

Anyone done it?  Thanks.

sammyjammy

If its not mandatory and you don't feel comfortable, you could always find something you like on youtube to follow.  Nobody will be looking at you, you maybe able to turn your camera off but the leader may need to see you are doing it correctly so you don't injure yourself.  Just wear something you feel comfortable and can move around in.

DullGreyGuy

Eliza_2 said:

I've been encouraged to join a fitness class using Teams but no idea how it works.  I've never even been to any kind of exercise class so can't imagine how this is done online.  I thought it would be like following a fitness video but it looks like you can see everyone else wobbling around in their sitting rooms and they can see me.  Is that right?  

I'm not sure I can face that, and no idea what to wear.  I only have a  tiny sitting room too.

Anyone done it?  Thanks.

It depends on who's organised it and what their "rules" are. 

In Teams you can decide to have your camera on or off, similarly you can set one participant as the focus so they take up most the screen and the others are tiny boxes down one edge. Never used it in a fitness context but in principle they could mandate that everyone has their camera on but they can't actually turn your camera on themselves but they can remove you from the session if you fail to follow the rules. 

Whoever set it up can also however choose to not allow participants to have their camera or mic on if they dont want distractions. 

It's best really to discuss the matter with whoever organising it to see how it runs in practice. 

Eliza_2

Thank you.  They've said you need your camera on.  I'll ask some more next week but I don't even have the basics - like I'm going to have to buy some trainers as it seems like those are needed.  I suppose I'll have to find a postiion to put my laptop so I can be seen, I don't know any of this which is why I wondered if anyone else has done it.  I've tried loads of different Youtube videos but really need someone to keep me at it, it's too easy to put off till tomorrow if I'm not made to turn up  - I definitely don't want to fall at the first hurdle - and I have no idea which Youtube presenters are good and which could do more harm than good.

Thanks for the responses anyway, I'll give it a go and see how I feel.

Grumpy_chap

Eliza_2 said:

I don't even have the basics - like I'm going to have to buy some trainers as it seems like those are needed.

What type of fitness class are you doing?
There are quite a few forms of exercise that can be done perfectly well in bare feet (some wear just socks, but that can be slippery).  

What floor covering are you exercising on?  Is there carpet or laminate or vinyl or tiles in the living room?

If you don't have anything by way of fitness clothing and equipment, and if your username is anything to go by you are female, then just leggings and a comfortable top are the essentials.  Plus a supportive, but flexible, bra.

A no-slip mat would be a more important first spend than trainers.  Mats do not have to be expensive ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kabalo-183cm-Non-Slip-Exercise-Camping/dp/B00VPMS8EW?th=1 )

If you do decide to purchase some trainers, the choice is vast, so take a bit of time to choose trainers that are well suited to the type of exercise you will be doing, or select simple all-round trainers or, even traditional plimsolls.  If the class is predominantly stretching and such like, bare feet might still be the most suitable footwear for an in-home session.

EnPointe

Eliza_2 said:

I've been encouraged to join a fitness class using Teams but no idea how it works.  I've never even been to any kind of exercise class so can't imagine how this is done online.  I thought it would be like following a fitness video but it looks like you can see everyone else wobbling around in their sitting rooms and they can see me.  Is that right?  

I'm not sure I can face that, and no idea what to wear.  I only have a  tiny sitting room too.

Anyone done it?  Thanks.

Online  classes using Teams / Zoom and the like  really took off 5 or so years ago  - becasue for  the better part of a year there were no other options or  such  tight limits of numbers  able to  attend in person that hybrid working continued  especially as many trainers / instructors / teachers  and /or gyms / Studios had invested i nthe kit  

the online  class tends to follow the format of a 'real life' class   with the instructor  describing or demonstrating the exercise and then  the participants doing it ( sometiems with a  designated demonstrator / class assessistant to follow) while the teacher gives coaching tips and  corrections  verbally  - thisi  why you have your camera on and generally you microhpone off   unless  you are  speaking  or  it;s a  part of the class where  idel cahatter is permitted ( e.g. stretching between barre and centre in ballet class or during  the cool down ) 

do the class in the space that best suits the kind of class  taken  

wear what you would normally waer for that kind of class  ideally contrasting  colours to the flooring  and walls in the  room  to allow the teacher to observe your alignment and positioning 

EnPointe

DullGreyGuy said:

Eliza_2 said:

I've been encouraged to join a fitness class using Teams but no idea how it works.  I've never even been to any kind of exercise class so can't imagine how this is done online.  I thought it would be like following a fitness video but it looks like you can see everyone else wobbling around in their sitting rooms and they can see me.  Is that right?  

I'm not sure I can face that, and no idea what to wear.  I only have a  tiny sitting room too.

Anyone done it?  Thanks.

It depends on who's organised it and what their "rules" are. 

In Teams you can decide to have your camera on or off, similarly you can set one participant as the focus so they take up most the screen and the others are tiny boxes down one edge. Never used it in a fitness context but in principle they could mandate that everyone has their camera on but they can't actually turn your camera on themselves but they can remove you from the session if you fail to follow the rules. 

Whoever set it up can also however choose to not allow participants to have their camera or mic on if they dont want distractions. 

It's best really to discuss the matter with whoever organising it to see how it runs in practice. 

generally it's cameras on mics off  and  the focus is on the teacher  and/or  any  demonstrator  , oyher participants will be visible as the small images  and  most of the time everyone is concentrating o nthe exercise or  on what they are being shown / told by the teacher and any  demonstrator