I have heard people say that it is difficult charging for online classes, especially given that there are a plethora of people offering free classes. Why would someone pay for my classes when they could get classes online for free?
My short answer is personalisation & community.
And the long answers:
- When you do a class with us, we will be modifying the exercises for your needs/issues just like we would in person.
- We will be correcting you just like we do in the studio. In fact, I think clients are getting better corrections because we can see all of them all the time. We don’t even need to turn our heads! And while we are correcting one person, we can still see everyone else, so no slacking off.
- We already understand your body so we know what to look for even if we can’t see you in all of your 360 degree glory.
- There is a cost of running classes. We have had to increase our data allowance for internet, pay for a Zoom subscription & generally we have three people working for each class…one instructing, one modelling & one dealing with any technology issues.
- You get to see & speak with us & we are super motivating & enthusiastic so we are good for your mental health
- You get to see & speak to other people who you already know
- You get to meet some new people
- You get a glimpse into other people’s lives – their homes, their children, their pets. We have a group mat class that have been doing classes together for a while. The last few sessions, one of the participants has taken us on a tour of their house or their garden or shown us a new skill. (One person has been learning flower arranging.)
- Your clients want you to reopen when this is over. Many of our clients are being supportive as they want us to survive so they are happy to contribute financially.
Note on technology setup:
Initially we were using an ipad but found it challenging to offer corrections because of the smallness of the images on the screen. I have now connected my laptop to a large TV screen so we can see clients more clearly. I also found an old external webcam. I have set that up so I can adjust the camera independently from the angle of my laptop screen as before it was a compromise to get an angle that worked for viewing & being viewed.
Distance is no longer an issue!!
Our next steps will be to contact ex-clients who stopped coming to the studio because they moved away. No more excuses that they are too far away to attend our classes.
Make it fun
We have also started a weight loss challenge. Easter eggs, hot cross buns & the proximity to the fridge is making the number on our scales climb. Between classes, our instructors are doing qi shaking with some great upbeat music. We open our next virtual class 10 minutes before the start time so our clients can see us & join in if they want. There is much laughing, sweating & swearing. If you want to learn more, here is a sedate version of what we do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DhwJoylC28
by Robyn Rix
PAA Treasurer, Founder & Owner of Pilates Works NSW
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