Why I Love Teaching In-Person and Virtually

Why I Love Teaching In-Person and Virtually

Even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was already teaching in a hybrid model, offering both in-person and virtual classes. At the time, the virtual aspect was on-demand classes and since then I now also offer a livestream option for real-time classes. Many instructors strictly prefer one or the other - teaching in-person or teaching virtually. I have actually always preferred having both options available to my clients and for myself, and even more so in this post-pandemic world!

1.) The Pros of In-Person Classes. There will always be a need for classes that are taught face-to-face, no matter how digitalized our world becomes. Humans crave community and interaction and they want to be seen. I enjoy still have in-person classes on my schedule for that real-time connection my clients and I have. The accountability that a set day/time class in-person provides is also super important for those that require extrinsic motivation. Only in-person classes offer hands-on corrections and adjustments and can be invaluable, especially for newcomers and new instructors.

2.) The Pros of Virtual Classes. We have officially entered the digital age and I am here for it! Although I still believe community is best experienced face-to-face, I do believe an online community can be just as helpful in encouraging and motivating one another. I also love that I can literally meet people where they are, in terms of location and availability. Convenience is key in this day and age and the option my clients have to just open up their computers and join a class or click “play” within minutes of waking up, finishing their work day or putting their kids to bed definitely has its advantages. With having no excuses of traffic, timing, etc it makes having a healthy workout routine much more doable. As an instructor, I enjoy the flexibility that teaching online provides. Take this summer for example: my husband and I moved four hours away and I was able to turn all of my in-person classes straight over to virtual!

There are so many advantages of both in-person and virtual classes and each offer their own unique experiences. While one provides a more hands-on direct connection, the other offers a key convenience and flexibility factor that is proving to be more and more important in keeping a more regular workout routine. There may be some clients and instructors that strictly prefer one over the other, but in the last almost decade of teaching I have found a hybrid of both is the perfect combo for me!

Interested in taking an in-person or virtual class with me? Check out my schedule here!

Cheers,

Heather McCreight