Tag Archive for: Livestreaming

Livestream Zumba® Classes: Join the Dance Fitness Party

Livestream Zumba® classes have arrived! This summer, MOVE Livestream is offering three different levels: a Zumba® class, a Zumba® Gold class, and a Zumba® Gold Chair class. I absolutely love teaching livestream Zumba® classes: Each class feels like a dance party! While you are moving and grooving to fun Latin and World rhythms in a Zumba® Class, you are getting your heart rate up, conditioning your muscles, working on balance and flexibility, and boosting your energy to feel great after each class. And the best part is that previous dance experience is not required. Zumba® classes are great for everybody and every body. 

Choose the class that’s right for you

Zumba® Class

A Zumba® class mixes low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style dance party workout. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you’ll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. During a Zumba® class, the instructor typically uses visual cues to show what step is coming next and how many repetitions of each dance move are done. Once you get comfortable with the steps, it’s time to pump it up and get grooving! 

Zumba® Gold

A Zumba® Gold class takes the same Latin and World rhythms and places an emphasis on the low-intensity moves seen in a Zumba® class. This class is designed for active older adults or anyone who is looking for a modified Zumba® class. In a Zumba® Gold class, the instructor will give visual and verbal cues to help participants know what dance move is coming next. We focus on all the elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility, and balance. In this class you will be safe to dance, and you will feel good in your own body. 

Zumba® Gold Chair

In a Zumba® Gold Chair class, you are seated in a chair. This is the perfect modification for individuals who want to feel safe while taking class by removing the element of balance from the equation. Bringing in elements of a Zumba® Gold class, this low-intensity class is perfect for working on range of motion, coordination, and muscular conditioning. This class will get you moving and grooving to some fun Zumba® rhythms. 

What do you need for a Zumba® class? 

During your Zumba® class, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes that you can move in and will keep you stable. For a Zumba® and a Zumba® Gold class, you will need an open space with about four steps to the right, four steps to the left, and four steps forward and backwards. If you are interested in taking a Zumba® Gold Chair class, a chair without arms works best to allow your arms full range of motion. And in any Zumba® class, we sweat… so always keep a water bottle nearby. 

What can you expect in a Zumba® class?

The general class structure includes a warmup with step touch, cardio, and toning, core steps and choreography, and a cooldown to bring your heart rate down and stretch. I cannot emphasize enough; you do not need dance experience to take a Zumba® class! If you feel like you don’t have any rhythm you can still show up for yourself and enjoy this dance party… and get a workout in 🙂  

https://youtu.be/wkWa_GlDqPg

The more you move, the better you feel

Are you nervous about doing the wrong steps? Keep in mind that a Zumba® class is not a dance class. It is not about learning the choreography or doing the right steps. It’s just about moving. I will keep the songs and steps the same from class to class, so every week will feel better as you get more comfortable with the moves. Taking a Zumba® class is, in my opinion, is a great way to feel good in your own body and to groove out all your stress. I can’t wait to see you on the dance floor! 

Livestream Zumba® classes start June 14th. Enjoy your first class free of MOVE Livestream and join the dance fitness party this summer.

Get Your First Class FREE Today!
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Online Fitness Classes: 9 Tips for Your Virtual Exercise Routine

The latest blog from Elaine Economou with tips to maximize your online fitness classes is now posted on the popular website, Sixty and Me.

How has your fitness routine changed in the last 14 months? The global pandemic has uprooted our usual habits and has us exercising more inside our homes. This blog will touch on the evolution of online fitness, as well as:

  • Walk you through some popular online fitness options.
  • Help you feel ready to safely workout on your own.
  • Offer advice for how to get the most out of your online workout experience.
https://youtu.be/6xedpuTLUFc

9 Tips for Online Fitness Classes

We polled our awesome staff of trainers and compiled their best advice. They teach everything from Pilates to barre, yoga, HIIT and more, and have been teaching classes online since the very beginning of the pandemic. The most common suggestion is turn on your camera. Some people are understandably shy about having the camera on, but movement instructors really love to see you move! The instructor can really personalize your experience if they can see you in real time. 

Online Fitness Tips

  1. Choose the right place to exercise
  2. Don’t be late
  3. Listen to your body
  4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  5. Eliminate distractions
  6. Establish a routine
  7. Put your class in your calendar
  8. Turn your camera on
  9. Learn what works for you

Read the full blog for all the great tips from our staff. Online fitness is here to stay. It’s incredibly convenient and can even connect you to a community of people with similar interests. Whatever fitness path you choose, we hope you’ll keep moving.

Move more, feel better

See for yourself what Pilates can do for you from the comfort of your own home. MOVE Wellness offers a free first livestreamed class with over 40 to choose from weekly. We are also welcoming clients into our Ann Arbor, MI studio for private training sessions. Whichever path is right for you, support the activities you love to do in life by starting your personal Pilates journey today!

Start FREE Livestream Trial

About Elaine Economou

Elaine Economou

Elaine Economou helps people move with ease, strength, and joy. Her passion is empowering people to understand their unique bodies to build strength, and do more of what they love. As co-founder of MOVE Wellness®, Elaine leads a global movement community of clients in high-caliber, in-studio, and interactive livestream training. 

Find all of Elaine’s Sixty and Me blogs on her author page.

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Starting Pilates at 60: An Efficient and Safe Way to Exercise

You Can Start Now: Starting Pilates at 60

We’re thrilled to share that our very own Elaine Economou is now a guest blogger for the popular lifestyle website Sixty and Me. Her first blog is all about starting Pilates in your 60s. Learn how Pilates principles can help women over 60 get and stay strong. While starting a brand new exercise routine can seem daunting at any age, Pilates can help with strength, balance, and overall mobility to support the things you love to do in life. Elaine will guide you through topics such as:

  • What is Pilates?
  • What are the benefits of Pilates?
  • How can I get started with Pilates?

Read Starting Pilates at 60: An Efficient and Safe Way to Exercise

You CAN Start Now

See for yourself what Pilates can do for you from the comfort of your own home. MOVE Wellness offers your first livestreamed class free with over 40 to choose from weekly. We are also welcoming clients safely into our Ann Arbor, MI studio for private training sessions. Whichever path is right for you, support the activities you love to do in life by starting your personal Pilates journey today!

Get Your First Livestream Class Free Today!

About Elaine Economou

Elaine Economou

Elaine Economou helps people move with ease, strength, and joy. Her passion is empowering people to understand their unique bodies to build strength, and do more of what they love. As co-founder of MOVE Wellness®, Elaine leads a global movement community of clients in high-caliber, in-studio, and interactive livestream training. 

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7 Reasons to Choose MOVE Livestream Classes

Why Try MOVE Livestream Classes

Whether you’re local to Ann Arbor or across the country, you can now join our high-quality, interactive livestream classes from the comfort of your home. Livestream classes offer new content each session with the energy of a live instructor to motivate and guide you in real time. You’ll have access to our expert team to answer your personal questions—something you won’t find with pre-recorded workouts. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, HIIT, and more. Our weekly class schedule includes over 30 classes. All you need is a device for streaming and space to move. Find frequently asked questions about livestream classes at MOVE here.

But really, we know there’s free content all over the internet. We also know you can subscribe to some really big brands for a lot less. So what sets our program apart and why are we worth a look? Why are 30 LIVE classes better than 3000 on demand classes? Here are 7 reasons to choose MOVE livestream. But don’t just take our word for it, give us a try and see for yourself with your first class free!

Pilates trainer starting a Move livestream class.
  1. Built-in accountability when you register for a live class
    Admit it. There’s just something special about scheduling something and putting it in your calendar that makes you more likely to follow through. It’s so easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and “forget” to make time for ourselves. But if you’ve signed up for a class with a live instructor, you’re much more likely to make the time and hold yourself accountable. The sense of commitment increases when we find a class we love and incorporate it into our weekly routine. 
A MOVE livestream class trainer doing an inspiring Pilates teaser.
  1. Motivating energy of live instruction to keep you moving
    We’ve done plenty of pre-recorded workouts. There’s lots of enthusiasm, but not much spontaneity. An instructor truly enjoying teaching clients in realtime and the ability to adapt the pace or content of a class based on the participants’ needs is irreplaceable. It feels like we’re all a part of one community moving together.
Laptop displaying a MOVE Livestream class in someone's living room.
  1. Convenience and comfort of working out in your own home
    Just rolling out of bed and feeling like taking a class in your pajamas? No problem. We’ve been there and done that, too. While our instructors love to see you moving, there’s no judgement on those days you turn your camera off and move with no one watching. Another perk of livestream classes is that there’s no commute to factor in. Join us on the fly when your 11:00 o’clock meeting gets cancelled. Don’t want to go out in the cold rain? Stay cozy in your very own living room.
Trainer explaining something in a MOVE Livestream class.
  1. Expert support you need to meet your personal goals
    We may be connecting on Zoom, but there’s a whole team of experts behind the screen ready to answer your questions and make sure we’re meeting your needs. We’re always happy to recommend classes, talk through your goals and set a schedule for you, or answer questions about any specific issues or modifications you may need.
Trainer teaching a MOVE Livestream Class in a recording studio.
  1. Variety of fresh class content each session to stave off boredom
    Did you love your class today? Awesome. Do you want to do that exact same class over and over again? Maybe not. (Ok, maybe once or twice.) With livestream classes, trainers are able to progress a group and move you through a repertoire week after week. We promise to keep you on your toes!
Man and woman taking a MOVE Livestream class together
  1. Connection to a wellness-focused community of peers and professionals
    We’ve all found our way to MOVE Wellness for a reason (or reasons). Our community is a group of people who seek to improve our well-being through movement, nutrition, education, and other holistic methods. We all find joy and comfort in traveling on this journey together. MOVE often hosts special community-focused events like our MOVE Book Club, unique-topic Member Workshops, MOVE Donation Classes for social justice, and more.
Trainer greeting her MOVE Livestream class
  1. Reliable access to our expert team to answer your questions
    Trainers are available for a quick chat before or after class as well. Something specific going on with your body? Hop into class early or jump into the chat so that your trainer can be sure to throw out custom suggestions and modifications in class. Our concierge team is always standing by to answer any bigger questions and make sure you’re on your best journey.

Your Interactive Livestream Program Starts Here

Let our expert instructors come to you—attend your choice of 30+ professional studio classes from the comfort of your home. Start your free trial of MOVE Livestream classes today.

Get Your First Class Free!
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Livestream at MOVE: What Do I Need for Class?

One of the top questions asked over the last few weeks has been “What do I need for my livestream class?” While we have a full list of frequently asked questions on our website, we wanted to specifically address this question on it’s own page. The short answer: all you need to take a class is an electronic device to stream on and a Zoom link. That said, sometimes props or music can enhance your class experience. Instructors will always offer a modification or suggest a substitution if needed.

On this page you will find:

Common Props for Each Class

All classes can be done with just a yoga or pilates mat and a bath towel. MOVE has prop kits containing a blue toning ball and theraband available upon request. We do have some specific recommendations for props that are commonly used in each type of class. Instructors will remind you of what props you might want at the beginning of class and can always provide modifications or suggest substitutions if you don’t have these props available.

  • Barre: mat, chair or wall for balance, hand weights
  • GYROKINESIS®: mat, chair or stool
  • Yoga: mat, blanket, head pad
  • Fascial Movement: theraband, orange or yellow Franklin balls or two small hand towels
  • Pilates: mat, theraband or bath towel, toning ball, foam roller, head pad (you can use a small towel)
  • Balance, Strength, & Posture: mat, hand weights

Common Household “Prop Swaps”

Let’s be honest… we all love our in-studio props. So what can we use at home right now to get the same benefits if we don’t happen to have these props at home? We polled our awesome instructors to come up with this handy list of household prop swaps.

  • Hand Weights: Canned Food, Water Bottles
  • Toning Ball: Small Cushion or Pillow, Yoga Block
  • Theraband: Towel, Old Leggings, Nylon Stockings
  • Head Pad: Folded Hand Towel, Small Book
  • Mat: Beach Towel, Camping Pad
  • Foam Roller: Rolled Up Towel
  • Yoga Block: Book
  • Arc Barrel: Sit on a step stool instead of the floor if you have tight hips or lower back.
  • Pilates Towel: Make a DIY version with instructions in this video tutorial from Elaine Economou

Playlists on Spotify

We get it. Class is so much more fun with some motivating music playing. As we livestream classes, we’ve found the best way to facilitate adding music is for clients to play their own at home. While you can choose any music you love (or none at all), our instructors have pulled together some great playlists you can use on Spotify. You can set up a free account if you don’t already have one. They also have a mobile app you can use on your phone. Follow the links below to access each list and when class starts, just hit play!

Suggested Places to Purchase Props

So now you know you can participate in livestream classes without props or with some common household swaps. But if you really want to purchase the real deal, where can you find them? MOVE has pulled together a list of some of our favorite items for home practice and a suggested place to purchase them. Please not that we are not affiliated with any of these retailers and cannot guarantee inventory or your shopping experience. We’ve compiled this list in effort to be helpful to you at this time.

Pilates Mats

The mats we use at MOVE at Airex mats (.6” thick) 

Head Pads

Soft Foam Roller

Theraband Sets

Weighted Balls (1, 2, and 3 lbs) 

Toning Ball

Pilates Ring

Yoga Blocks

Yoga Bolster

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Zooming into Livestream Fitness: Getting Started

How do I download and join a Zoom class?

  1. Make sure that you have a device that can connect to the internet: smartphone (Android, iPhone), computer (Laptop, desktop), or other devices (tablet, iPad). 
  2. You will get an email or calendar invite from MOVE inviting you to a Zoom meeting.
  3. Click the link to join
  1. If you have not previously downloaded Zoom, you will see this screen. Click on download & run Zoom.
  1. Click on the downloaded zoom.pkg
  1. You do not need to allow Zoom to access Files in the download folder
  1. Follow the instructions to complete the installation
  1. Open Zoom when it’s download is complete and allow it to use the camera and microphone
  1. This is the screen when Zoom has been opened.
  1. If you already have Zoom you should be able to click the meeting link and open Zoom immediately. Enter in the name you wish to be viewed during the meeting. Please start the meeting with no video or audio. This will allow for a better connection to the video and audio being streamed from Move.
  1. You will see the screen below if you enter the meeting before the trainer starts the class. Once the trainer has entered the meeting, the audio and video will begin.
  1. If you think you are going to need help setting up Zoom or will have any questions, please call in and we can help you walk through the process.  You are also welcome to peruse Zoom’s FAQs page.
  2. Still have questions? Email office@movewellness.com for support. We can even set up a practice session if needed before your class.

All live stream content is property of MOVE Wellness and should not be recorded. Clients can subscribe to MOVE’s YouTube page to be alerted as we post free online content.

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Livestreaming at MOVE: FAQs

How do I sign up for a class?

  • Sign-up online.
  • Email the office (office@movewellness.com) or call or text us at (734) 224-2560.
  • Please give advance notice to sign up for a class.

Where is the schedule posted?

How do I download and join a Zoom class?

When should I join class?

  • Click the Zoom meeting link and join the class about 5 minutes before class to troubleshoot any technical difficulties.

What do I do if I get stuck in the “waiting room”?

  • Wait a few seconds to give time for being admitted into the meeting, and if not resolved then email the office (office@movewellness.com) or call us at (734) 224-2560.

What do I do if I get kicked out of a meeting?

  • Click on the Zoom link again and our tech support will let you back in.

What do I need for class?

  • All classes can be done with just a yoga or pilates mat and a bath towel. MOVE has prop kits containing a blue toning ball and theraband available upon request. 
  • Instructors will remind you of what props you might want at the beginning of class. Instructors can always provide modifications or suggest substitutions if you don’t have these props available.
  • Visit Livestream at MOVE: What Do I Need For Class? for more information on props and music playlists.

How can I listen to music for class?

Help! No one can hear me.

  • Clients are all muted upon entry of class.
    • This is for technical reasons because Zoom shows the person making the loudest noise on the main screen. This way the instructor will stay on the main screen and any client background noise (kids, animals, phone alerts) will not disturb other clients. 
  • You can request to be unmuted if you have a question and the trainer will get an alert. 
    • You can do this by hitting the chat icon or by “raising your hand” function.
  • For private training sessions, the trainer can leave you unmuted the whole time since there are only two of you.

How do I “raise my hand” to get the instructor’s attention?

  • Once you are in the meeting, click on the participants icon (either on the bottom or the top of the screen). Another panel will open displaying everyone. At the bottom, you can click “raise hand.” This will put up a blue hand icon. You can also lower your hand.

Do I have to turn the video on for class?

  • If you do not wish to have other clients able to see you via video during class that is totally fine. You can join a Zoom meeting with audio only. Just keep in mind the instructor will not be able to see you to offer modifications.

What else should I be mindful of?

  • If you are using your camera, consider if you stay in frame whether standing or lying down and if you prefer to be front or side-facing to the camera.
  • Be aware of surroundings: 
    • Carpet or rugs could become a tripping hazard (especially if wearing shoes); 
    • Props  should be nearby but not hindering movement
    • Chairs or tables may slide
      • If using a chair or table to get up from the ground, be careful not to use it to pull yourself up. Instead think of pressing down rather than away/toward you.
  • Listen to your body. If an exercise doesn’t feel right for you today, please skip it. If you know a modification, please do it instead. You can always skip the current exercise and do your favorite stretch, grab a drink, or simply catch your breath as you wait for the next exercise.
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