very supportive and generous in sharing knowledge and experience.
CONS
Someone compared it to listening to a playlist at home or going to a
live gig. It’s very good, and much, much better than you think it may
be, but nothing really beats the energy of a group fitness studio with
real-life participants.
Would you continue with the virtual sessions beyond
shutdown?
I started with the basics, as soon as I could. I am continuing to improve
my systems and offering. I do believe that we, fitness professionals,
are in a position where we can flip our situation. I believe that we
won’t just go back to where we left off. We won’t be able to return to
the normal that we used to know just like that, because, for one thing,
gyms are reopening at a reduced capacity.
We need to be aware and we need to be prepared. On the other
hand, more and more people are getting active and moving. There
will be an emphasis on health and fitness post COVID-19
This situation allows for creativity and an opportunity to change,
and I will certainly continue to challenge myself to continue to adapt
to the evolving situation both in the virtually spheres and in real-life.
Dominic Gili, Aqua Instructor & Educator
What did you do during shutdown?
After not teaching for several days I noticed I was keen to listen to
music at home (which I don’t normally do, as for me music=work).
Then, when I played a fun dance song and shared it on Facebook I
thought how much fun it would be if I could dance with all the people
that commented. That was the brainwave for #ZoomHouseParty. I
posted about the idea and others seemed interested, so we tried it
the next day and continued every morning throughout lockdown, for
20 minutes.
How did you facilitate it?
My friend and colleague Claire Barker-Hemings took on the role
of host for the Zoom meetings, while I’d DJ and post a link and
passcode each morning.
What sound and music system did you use?
I go into advanced setting in Zoom and share computer audio. I’ve
been asked so many times how we do it that I made a video tutorial!
How did you promote it?
I spread the word via several groups on Facebook, as well as on
Instagram, through my regular AquaFitnessOnline newsletter and
word of mouth.
How did people respond?
People love it. I get messages regularly thanking me saying that it’s
the only reason they get out of bed. It energises them throughout the
day and gives them a sense of connection with others. Everyone is
smiling, dancing and laughing as many participants allow themselves
to get silly, dance with their kids, pets and stuffed toys. When I played
Madonna’s Vogue, one dancer got two funnels out and danced with
them on her chest! People seemed to let loose, dancing like no-one
is watching. People often log in 5-10 mins early and we say hi, chat
and welcome new people.
How many people are getting involved?
We’d get around 25-35 dancers each day. Some dance everyday,
others a few days a week. Everyone was welcome. Most people are
aqua instructors or participants, or friends of one of the regulars.
Most are from around Australia, but we have regulars from the USA,
New Zealand and a friend travelling in Costa Rica even joins us when
she can get good WiFi. I even got a special request from an aqua
instructor from Perth and hosted a 60th birthday #ZoomHouseParty
for her, her friends and participants at 4:30pm Perth time!
Is participant technique an issue with remote virtual
sessions?
For our sessions, there’s no technique required because it’s freestyle
dancing! People can do whatever they like, whenever they like. Some
do the first 10 mins and then leave for a work meeting, some dance a
little and then sit a little. Others go crazy for 20 minutes. One dancer
regularly uses her watch to count steps and often does up to 2,500
steps in 20 minutes.
What’s your approach to pricing?
This party is free!
Would you continue with the virtual sessions beyond
shutdown?
Probably not as regularly, though it might be fun to do it occasionally.
Dominic Gili
Dom is an award-winning aqua fitness specialist with a
reputation for offering innovative, engaging and challenging
water workouts. The owner of AquaFitnessOnline.com, he
also delivers aqua fitness workshops and masterclasses
worldwide. In 2012 Dom was named ‘Author of the Year’ by
Australian Fitness Network.
Lianne Tiemens
Lianne is a Group Fitness Leader, PT and aqua presenter.
A passionate, motivating and in-demand instructor and
mentor at leading gyms and aquatic centres across
Sydney, she specialises in land- and water-based group
HIIT workouts. In 2019 Lianne received Fitness First’s Q3
National Group Fitness Instructor of the Quarter Award.
NETWORK SPRING 2020 | 49