6 Problems With Virtual Fitness Classes And Solutions
In April 2020, Singapore started the circuit breaker. We had to adapt to many changes since, from working remotely to following new social norms. Likewise, with many other companies, we had to pivot ourselves to be able to provide virtual sessions for both our personal training services and corporate health programs. While we are thankful that shifting our services online was a success (with lots of support and trust from our clients), there were still some problems our clients and ourselves faced during this period of hosting virtual fitness classes.
To date, we have conducted more than 3000 virtual programs for small, medium, and large companies and their employees. Leveraging our experience, we would like to share 6 problems our clients faced and how we’ve tackled them to ensure the best experience for the companies’ wellness committee when organizing their employee wellness programs virtually.
1. Not seeing the value of online sessions
As there are many free contents easily accessible on the internet, it lowered the value of online sessions. Although fitness trainers spend the same amount of time teaching online and face-to-face, we came across companies who expect to pay less or even not willing to pay at all for online sessions.
There was one incredulous request that asked us to host a full hour of virtual fitness class at no charge. Times may be bad, but we had put a price on our services to set the market rate and norms when paying for online services. Even if someone is providing free online fitness content, how long can they actually do it for free? It takes time and money to create content, for our trainers to take up certifications, and to be licensed to teach professionally.
Our Solution:
Share the value of virtual fitness classes. I believe all of us agree we have to get used to the new norms and it does take time to see the value in online classes. In the long run, when virtual classes become a regularity, it can’t be “free” forever. Even YouTubers who generate fitness content are actually earning money from viewers. Slowly the public will see the value and that it will become “normal” to pay for virtual classes as well compared to classes held face-to-face. After all, isn’t it convenient to attend a fitness class wherever you are without travelling down to the studio? Imagine spending 2 hours a day travelling back & forth just to go to a fitness studio to workout for 1 hour.
Some of our corporate clients actually prefer hosting the classes online as it allows more participants from different departments to be able to come together rather than needing to rent a huge studio space with a maximum pax limit. Companies are also able to connect with employees in overseas branches and exercise together all in one place! Opt for engaging options like Zumba classes or the tranquility of Pilates at home to promote employee well-being.
2. Video camera not turned on
You can already foresee some people not turning on their video camera during the virtual fitness classes, which could be due to several reasons such as feeling self-conscious in front of the camera, messy room, no makeup, etc. However, doing so will not allow the instructor to be able to have a two-way interaction with the participants, which defeats the purpose of conducting the fitness class live. The funny thing was, through our experience, a participant who did not turn on his/her camera was also the one who gave feedback that the session felt like a recorded YouTube video.
Our online personal training sessions easily kicked off immediately during circuit breaker, thanks to our clients. Our personal trainers could spot and adjust wrong exercise movements easily without being there in person or having to physically have contact with our clients. Therefore it’s really important that even for group classes, turning on your video as a participant will make a huge difference as our instructors will be able to have a glance at everyone’s movements and increase interactions.
All group classes, either face-to-face or virtual, will not give you 100% of the instructor’s attention. However just one small tip from the instructor on your movement will definitely make your workout more effective. After all, our instructors do not enjoy teaching to a black screen full of names instead of faces right? The art of “self-high” looking at themselves while teaching a class is not as easy as it seems, so join us and turn on your video!
Our Solution:
To help encourage more employees to join the sessions on a regular basis and turn on their video cameras, designing an inter-department competition can allow both the company and individuals to fully benefit from the fitness programs. For example, the HR can set a monthly competition whereby the team that attends the most number of virtual fitness classes for the month will win vouchers. Companies can even organize a virtual dance class, where the instructor will teach a choreography for one song, and at the end of the month, each team will have to perform for the company and the winning team to be crowned the best dancers of the month.
3. Bad video & sound quality
For virtual fitness classes conducted live, there are many factors that can affect the session as compared to face-to-face classes. From lack of space at home to an unstable internet connection, as well as a lower-quality camera, speakers, and wireless microphone. These could lead to bad video and sound quality during the session, especially for music-based classes. In addition, some video conferencing platforms prioritises voice over music which then makes the music unable to be heard. For instructors who are not tech-savvy, it would definitely hinder the experience of the participants.
Our Solution:
Engage a vendor (like us!) . Before you run into any technical difficulties, chances are, we have already sorted them out for you. We ensure that our instructors have a proper set up to conduct the virtual classes and have also done multiple tests on your preferred platform before the actual session. As a professional fitness service provider, we manage a large group of instructors directly so our clients do not have to worry about managing instructors individually for coordination and payment, which reduces your administrative processes and paperwork. If an instructor is not able to make it for the session on a last-minute notice, as a vendor, we will ensure another instructor is ready to cover the slot as well.
4. Finding the optimal time for virtual corporate wellness programs
A senior human resource executive wrote into us and shared that she was unable to find a suitable time due to staggered hours and alternating Work-From-Home (WFH) and Work-From-Office (WFO) arrangements.
This challenge also applies to companies with branches and teams located outside of Singapore with different time zones, such as India and Australia.
Source: Our Founder’s LinkedIn
Our Solution:
To manage the staggering work hours, we proposed having at least two fitness classes per week so she could cover the different preferred timings from the two groups of employees with staggered hours.
Regarding the WFH/WFO arrangements, we suggested having a hybrid class of both virtual and face-to-face happening at the same time. At the physical class held at the office, either your staff or vendors like us can be in charge of the virtual call that is happening, making sure the camera is following the instructor and ensuring that the audio is clear for the virtual participants who are working from home.
Another way to solve this problem is to have two classes in a day! For example, the original LIVE teaching class (either virtual or physical) is in the morning, and then have a replay of the morning class video recording in the evening. Problem solved.
5. Low attendance/participation rate from employees
This is the most common challenge as it was brought up by every company wellness in-charge whom we’ve spoken to before they engaged us. They would like to get as many employees to participate and attend the wellness activities planned out but the turnout may not end up the way they hoped it will be. In addition, the responsibility of utilising the company’s budget also lies on their shoulders, therefore we understand the importance of offering a quality and highly interactive session for the employees.
Our Solution:
A snippet of FITFAMCO’s survey form for employees to indicate their interest
ASK Your Employees What They Want
At FITFAMCO, before we go about proposing a huge list of activities to do, we encourage the company to do up a survey first for their employees to indicate their level of commitment to a healthier lifestyle and their interest in fitness classes, nutrition, and mental wellbeing activities. Honestly, if the survey results come out to be a majority of the employees expressing low interest in being healthy, there may be other underlying issues the company needs to work on before engaging in health programs. Is it the culture? Are the employees overloaded with work?
We also suggest you set regular days and timing of the sessions, e.g. having a “FitDay” every Wednesday evening at 5 pm. This is so that your employees are able to manage their time well as they can expect when the sessions will be held and can plan their work schedule accordingly.
Reward & Incentivise
When sending out the invites for the virtual session, give the participants a heads up to turn on their camera for the session so they can fully benefit from it and are mentally prepared to show themselves on screen. Assuming this is a fitness class, the instructors would be able to ensure that they are executing the exercises correctly, that is why people hire a trainer right? Not just to offer a good workout but to ensure nobody gets injured!
After much exploration, we found that taking a group picture before each session starts encourages participants to leave their camera turned on. This is because participants will have to make the extra effort if they want to turn off their cameras and if they see all their co-workers’ video turned on, they don’t feel so “paiseh” (embarrassed) you know.
On top of that, we will also gamify the program by creating challenges for employees, such as friendly inter-departmental competitions where each participant who attends each session will earn points for their team. In addition, attendees that participate actively, for example as simple as turning on their cameras will earn their team additional points as well. These are just a few ways to increase participation!
Say No More, It Has Got To Be Interactive
Screenshot of zoom poll for FITFAMCO’s virtual nutrition talk
Nobody likes a one-way conversation. Your speakers or trainers got to be INTERACTIVE and have to be familiar with utilizing the available tools on different video call platforms. For example, our nutritionist likes to begin her talk by asking questions related to the day’s topic via zoom poll as this helps her understand the attendees better and will be able to cater her presentation to address their needs. Whether it’s polling, acknowledging participants, having eye contact with participants, or planning for breakout room discussions, it has to be a mix of activities happening throughout a one-hour session. You’ve got to keep everyone on their feet and be involved as much as possible.
6. Not achieving any results out of the wellness programs
Most companies organise workplace wellness programs with the intention of promoting employee engagement or improving their employee’s health but may tend to miss out on setting a measurable end goal in mind. Back to the first step, have you asked your employees what they want? And are you gathering feedback in between all the programs you have planned out?
Our Solution:
Plan For The Long Run
Just like following a proper fitness regime to achieve your own fitness goal, planning a proper program is recommended if you wish to improve the health and fitness of your employees. At FITFAMCO, we do not simply just provide a one-off Zumba class or nutrition talk, but we plan for companies’ year-long worth of employee wellness program with an end goal in mind. Setting a goal has to be time-specific and measurable! The end goal could be to getting 80% of your employees in the healthy BMI range or even as simple as reducing 90% of employees’ stress score to 3 and below (assuming the survey is a scale of 1 to 5), you’ve got to set the goal to see the results!
Ask For Feedback Regularly
Even after planning out what we think is a “perfect” program, we need to observe the participation rate and ask employees again for their feedback for the ongoing program. Could there be a chance the timing is starting to get inconvenient for them because of the change in project timing? Do they feel the class could be smaller in size to get more attention from the trainer? So many possible reasons for a regular participant to stop attending the weekly fitness class or health talks. Consider sending out a feedback form once a month for a start and slowly moving to once every quarter.
If you ever feel that planning a year’s worth of workplace wellness program is too much of a chore, this is where fitness service providers like us come in to help you. From the planning to the execution, we’ve got you covered. We would like to offer you a COMPLIMENTARY 30 MINUTES CONSULTATION with our workplace wellness consultant, so as to understand better what to expect and how we can value add you.