Getting Started with Online Exercise

A simple first-time checklist—space, chair, water, and tech—so your first class feels smooth and safe.

If you’re new to online exercise, you’re not alone. You don’t need to be “good at technology” to do this. We’ll keep it simple, and we’re here to help.

Free setup help (so you don’t have to figure it out)

If you want, we offer a free 15-minute setup call for members by Zoom or phone. We’ll help you get connected, test your sound, and make sure you know exactly what to click before you ever join a class.

Click here to set up an appointment.

Step 1: What you need (keep it simple)

You only need:

• A chair (stable, not rolling)

• A little open space Recommended 6' x 6'. Enough room to take 4 step to the side

• Water

• A phone, tablet, or computer with internet

That’s it.

Step 2: Set up your exercise space (2 minutes)

Before class:

• Put your chair on a non-slip surface (not on a loose rug)

• Clear the floor of anything you could trip on (shoes, cords, throw rugs, pets)

• Make sure you have good lighting so you can see the screen

• Keep your water within reach

If you use a cane, walker, or anything that helps you feel steady, keep it nearby. That’s normal and welcome here. If whatever you use is movable, be sure to lock wheels, use sticky bottoms to grip the floor.

Step 3: Join the class (the “click this” version)

When it’s time:

1. Open the email or page with the class link

2. Click the link that says Join

3. If a box pops up that asks to open Zoom, click Open or Allow

4. Choose Join with Computer Audio

If any of that feels confusing: use the free 15-minute setup call and we’ll walk through it together.

Step 4: Camera on or off?

We recommend on. People like their camera on because they want the instructor to see them to give feedback to help improve their form to get more out of the movement and to prevent injuries.

Step 5: During class—how to stay safe

• Go at your own pace. Breaks are normal.

• If something doesn’t feel right, stop and take inventory of your body. You can go with an easier movement, or you can just sit down and take a break. Remember, it's your workout. You must respect your body and it's abilities and limitations. Talk to the instructor after class and ask for help or modifications.

• Keep your chair nearby anytime you want extra support or need a rest.

And here’s a big one: you don’t have to “keep up.” Keeping up is you doing what you are able. No matter what the instructor does or how high or how fast, your only measure of success is you walking away feeling good. Think of your accomplishments and what you achieved. If you showed up, you succeeded.

Step 6: Questions? We stay after every class.

You’re never on your own. We stay after every class to answer questions and help you adjust movements so they work for your body.

Want help before your first class?

Use the free 15-minute setup call (Zoom or phone). We’ll get you comfortable with the process so you can focus on feeling better—no tech stress.