Welcome to Astarte Mind & Body Online Learning

Below are important safety considerations, as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of your online learning and fitness experience. 

Exercise safety for Online Classes

In any exercise program, your health and safety always comes first. Please read and ensure you understand all the information on this page prior to participation in our online programs.
  • ​Ensure you have completed a pre-exercise health screen, and that your information is up to date (available at www.astartestudio.com ).
  • Please inform your teachers of any illness, injury or unusual pain that may be interfere with your ability to exercise at the beginning of any live class. If you wish to keep it private, you can use the personal message option on Zoom.
  • Please ensure you have a clear and clean space to exercise in, with no obstacles that could be a potential trip hazard, or loose or hanging objects that could pose a danger, or potential threat in terms of injury.
  • Every exercise, however gentle, can still pose an element of risk. Understand that you are exercising at your own risk, and that self monitoring is essential.​
  • Work within your personal capacity. If an exercise or movement causes you unusual pain or discomfort, cease the exercise immediately, or choose a modified variation.
  • Please do not hesitate to ask questions or seek advice, especially in a live Zoom class. Your teacher is there to help you and will be happy to offer a modification or variation.
  • If a specific exercise or movement results in continuous or chronic pain, or you experience unusual shortness of breath or change in heart rate not related to exercise, please cease the activity and seek the advice of a health professional.
  • If you are arriving late to class, or catching up online, please ensure you are adequately warmed up in your muscles and joints prior to commencing the class.

Setting Up A Dedicated Home Exercise Space

​Ensuring you have a dedicated space for exercise will assist you in creating a mindset and routine for regular exercise. Your exercise space doesn’t need to be huge, just big enough for you to be able to move relatively unencumbered.
  • Choose a space with a level floor, and adequate lighting
  • The amount of space required will depend entirely on what type of exercises you are engaging in. Pilates, Yoga and Barre based classes need very little space, while dance classes may require a larger area for movement.
  • Clear your space of any potential trip hazards or unstable objects. Take note also of any hanging lights that may inhibit movement or need to be worked around.
  • Have your exercise equipment stored in the designated space or close by. A stylish basket, or washing basket actually makes for an excellent storage for mats and equipment such as Pilates balls, circles, bands, or weights.
  • Room dividers and screens are handy for creating the feeling of a whole new space, and also for maintaining an element of privacy.​
  • Set up your device screen so it can easily be seen by you. If you are fortunate enough to have a space set up with a smart TV, this is the best option. However, laptops and tablets can also work extremely effectively.
  • If participating in live classes, having a laptop set up where you can tilt the screen or camera, or having your mobile device or camera set up on an adjustable tripod, can assist your teacher in being able to clearly see your movements and offer feedback.
  • Add a personal touch to your exercise space that makes it feel nice to be in such as a plant, an inspiring image, motivational quote, or a new mat, splash of colour, or piece of furnishing.

Getting the most out of your Online and Zoom Classes

  •  Make sure you have the latest update of Zoom installed on your device, and have your link ready. 
  •  Ensure that your device screen can easily be seen from your exercise position, and/or adjusted accordingly.
  •  Ensure you have all the equipment you need close by or set up for each session. Your teacher will let you know what you need ahead of time.
  •  Check in at the allocated time for a pre-workout chat, and discussion of any tips, techniques, or things you need to know.
  •  If working from recordings, schedule appointments with yourself each week to help you keep that time commitment, and commitment to exercise.
  •  Do not be afraid to ask questions at the beginning or end of each session, or even throughout sessions. Zoom classes are meant to be interactive and your teacher is there to help you. If working from recordings, please feel free to ask questions in the group, or email your teacher.​
  •  Use the comments/chat box if you are having difficulties with your microphone, or wish to send a message to your teacher or the group.
  •  Try not to watch the screen the whole time, as this can result in muscle imbalances and a stiff neck. Once you are settled into a movement, focus on your posture and alignment. Your teacher will either count the repetitions for you, or allow you to work at your own pace and then count you out of the movement or sequence.​
  •  Get to know your fellow online attendees, and feel free to engage in positive discussion with them. Although we may not be in the same physical space, we are all here to support each other in the virtual space.