Pro Tips for Best Online NIA Experience

Learn how to Zoom before class. Have a friend help you learn how to join a meeting, control the volume of what you hear, choose speaker view or gallery view, and turn your camera on/off. To reduce stress, do this a day or two before your first class.

Plan where and how
NIA requires a minimum of 6’x9’ of floor space, and you’ll probably want privacy. Find your best, most private space of that size, then figure out how best to position a computer or device in that space. Use the largest possible device so you can see well.

Use Best Available Speakers or Wireless Headphones
Better audio quality = better experience. Maximize your audio quality however you can. Use your best speakers, or if inadequate, you can buy new speakers for $40-120, cheaper on ebay or at garage sales. Wireless headphones are fabulous because you can hear great and also move freely. Wireless noise cancellation headphones are extra-fabulous because they help shut out all sounds unrelated to your NIA experience. If you are using a phone and those options are not available to you, place your phone inside a bowl on edge or something bowl-like pointed toward you, so that the sound is directed toward you.

Arrive a little early, stay a little late
Arriving a few minutes before the official start time lets you say hi to others and be part of the community. After class, I always hold a short discussion in case people want to share something. Staying for that helps you get to know your fellow participants.

Reduce Bandwidth
Zoom uses a lot of internet bandwidth. To minimize “screen freeze,” reduce bandwidth by turning your camera off. I won’t see you, but that’s OK, and it saves you a lot of bandwidth. If you want to be seen, at least turn off HD; look for that in Video Settings. All of these measures will result in fewer signal interruptions.

Book an online class with me HERE, or find classes by other Nia teachers HERE.

See you on Zoom!