Virtual Reality
Maggie Hollowed • 1 September 2020
I remember our first day of lockdown, 17 March 2020.
Classes were cancelled and students were asking how they could participate in classes from home. After a couple of weeks of testing different platforms we managed to deliver our classes through social media.
Classes were cancelled and students were asking how they could participate in classes from home. After a couple of weeks of testing different platforms we managed to deliver our classes through social media.
It was not an easy transition and was only achieved after much trial and error with the help and support from students. People found it strange at first, going from a live group class environment to a virtual class from home, watching from their PC, lap top, tablet or phone.
Fast forward 5 months and exercising from home has become part of our daily routine. In addition to that we have all become a lot more ‘Tech Savvy!’. We are now quick to link our lap tops to the TV, or screen mirror our phones or tablets. We are quick to set up, organise the furniture, angle the camera and adjust the sound. We have come along way.
Looking forward to the next 5 months and who can predict what will happen? One thing for certain is the importance of keeping active – both physically and mentally. We must make the most of the Summer days and weeks we have left. Enjoy some long walks, exercise in the great outdoors or simply dance in the sun, wind or rain – our virtual classes will continue to be here for you – we are only a touch of a button away.

‘What is my goal? Why do I want to achieve it?’ ‘What do I have to do to achieve it’? ‘Is it realistic?’ ‘How will it fit into my lifestyle – work, family?’ ‘What changes will I have to make?’ ‘What barriers prevent me from achieving my objectives?’ ‘If I am going to achieve the things I want to achieve and I am willing to make some changes, then what time scale am I going to set myself’

Focus On Positive Communication According to a recent report from the Mental Health Foundation, changing the way we talk and think about ourselves may help us to feel happier in our own skin. When we continuously speak about our bodies in a negative way, “I feel fat today”, “I look old”, “I do not have the body to wear that”, it can lead to us feeling worse about ourselves and leave us with poor body image. Instead, if we try to focus on the more positive things about our body, and what it does for us, this may help to support and improve our body image, ’I am strong’, ‘I am healthy’, ‘I am pretty good for my age’! Another good approach to building body image is to focus on activity and healthy eating habits for the benefits they provide, instead of just focusing on dieting, losing weight or building muscle. Be kind to yourself!