If you want to run online classes you need more than a space to perform your exercises. The way you set up your online studio has a big impact on the overall experience. From the decoration of the room to the technical equipment, our tips for online studio will help you become successful with your online classes!

1. Find a suitable room

You can adapt many rooms to the needs of an online studio! This could be, for example, the corner in your bedroom, living room, working room or your actual studio. You just need enough space to be able to show your customers the correct way of executing the exercises.

Another important thing you should take into consideration is if you can close the room in order to avoid unnecessary noise and interruptions. If you want to run successful online classes you should avoid outside noises like construction work or a busy street and interruptions coming from inside your home like family members, roommates or pets.

2. Think about your background

To really keep your participants focused, you should prepare the background in a way that it is not distracting. Your background should be as minimalistic as possible. Too many decorations, objects or equipment can distract your participants easily and make it harder to follow the exercises. Even a carpet or a mat with intense colors can be distracting.

Here, we advise you to apply the “less is more” rule. Things that positively influence your background are plants, a little equipment and a lot of light! Candles can create a nice ambience, but you should place them at a safe distance so that you don’t accidentally knock them over. 

3. The technical setup 

This may be easier than you think! Start with what you have and build up on that if needed. Here are a few things you should consider with regard to your technical equipment:

Check your internet connection before your class starts

You can find a lot of online tools to check your upload and download speed. One page for example is Speedtest. For group videos with more than seven people, Skype recommends a download speed of 8 Mbit/s and more.

Another option to make sure everything is fine is to run a test class with friends or family. We also recommend you to start your live stream 15 minutes before the class actually begins to avoid technical issues.

A nice camera and a decent microphone can increase the quality of your classes dramatically

If you have access to additional equipment we highly recommend you to use it. It doesn’t have to be extremely expensive as even the more affordable devices will probably give you a better quality than the camera and microphone of your laptop.

To avoid problems with your audio and have your participants hear you loud and clear, we recommend you to use a separate microphone. You have various options here: 

Headset with integrated microphone (Bluetooth)
– Expensive alternative: AirPods
– Cheaper alternative: Mpow Flame

Microphone
– Microphone with bluetooth connection: Movo WMIC50
– Connectable microphone: Rode VideoMicro

For good video quality and streaming you may also use an external camera like the Logitech C920 HD PRO Webcam.

These are just some suggestions so please feel free to research on your own and find equipment that fits the needs of your online studio.

4. Install your camera and your microphone

The installation depends on chosen hardware. While you don’t have to worry about the installation of integrated cameras and microphones, external ones can have very different installation flows. Because of this, we unfortunately can’t give you an universal guide for every hardware. We recommend you to read the instructions carefully and follow the installation guideline.

After your equipment is installed, you don’t have to worry about setting it up for each class – it should work smoothly anytime. 

5. Position your equipment 

There are few things you should consider before using and placing your camera and microphone.

Your camera should be far enough that your participants can see your whole body standing, sitting and lying. Think about which exercises you have planned  and if you are visible in every position. If you are doing exercises where your participants need to have a closer look you may zoom in with your camera or just take your camera in your hand if possible. If you are using your laptop with an integrated camera and microphone, your laptop should be far enough that everyone can see you – but close enough for you to see your participants.

With an external microphone you should double check if it is secured safely and there are no loose strings lying around which can be an obstacle for you during exercises. If you are using the microphone from your laptop or the camera is attached to it, be aware that you point the microphone in your direction for better sound.

6. Create a calm atmosphere 

To create a quiet and calming atmosphere you should mute your devices or use the “do not disturb” mode to avoid potential interruptions of your online class. Take care of things such as smartphone, tablet or a clock that may come up with an annoying sound and distract your participants.

These are some of the things you should consider when transforming your living room to an online studio! Even if your first streaming is not perfect, don’t get discouraged. Ask your customers for feedback and try to make constant improvements.

A big thank you to Julia from Urban Sports Club who helped us in creating this article. You rock! – Fitogram Team

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