Why you prefer to train online or face2face ....based on your health type!

While working from home has suited an extroverted introvert like myself quite well, the past few months have highlighted how much I do love the in-person interaction of teaching at the studio in (pictured above).

However, for some, the newfound convenience of online training will over-ride the pull to return to in-person group classes – and why we at the Perth Mind Body Heart Studio are excited to have a beautiful facility from which to serve both interest groups.

Personally I’m super excited to be back teaching face-to-face .

Over my 10 years of teaching movement in different settings, it is the generally increased participation and interaction of the group environment that really light me up. In-person Pilates, Yoga other movement classes are also highly beneficial for many participants who appreciate hands-on cuing to gently guide their bodies into more functional movement patterns.

We know the power of touch - as confirmed for us by science in study of teams in the NBA, which found that the amount of on-court touching by players (via chest bumps, high fives, back slaps) predicted performance across the season, in all teams. The study suggested that in humans, "touch strengthens relationships and is a marker of closeness”.

But not everyone thrives in an in-person environment. Our behaviour is mostly determined by our genes – everything from whether you rebel or toe the line; are driven by competition or prefer to achieve tasks thoroughly and at your own pace; and whether you thrive learning or exercising online in the privacy of your own space, or you are more motivated and inspired in training with others in a group setting.

How ‘touch’ is translated by our bodies, is subjective to the person receiving it.

So, how does the power of touch “evidence” not apply if you prefer to be guided through postural alignment from the comfort of your living room? Well, aside from the obvious – convenience for busy people or those who shy away from leaving the house in the dark or rain – it comes down to your genes. Specifically, what kind of social (or solitary) environment will best enable your brain and body to function most efficiently and with the least stress on your system.

I have friends who love to train with a buddy, those who won’t get off the couch unless ‘the group’ is also training, and those who like the freedom of running solo and tracking their progress independent of the influence of other’s fitness or lack-there-of.

Our genes determine our preference of what drives us – interaction or solo, quieter pursuits – based on the hormones our body produces in response to our social environment, affecting our chemistry and hence the function of our entire system.

Knowing your health type can help you confirm just how much you are likely to benefit by returning to a group class environment. Register to take the free Ph360 Health Type test.

Whatever your type, if postural balance and improved performance with less pain is what you need – select the movement classes that suit you best, from either our Live Stream or Perth local Yoga, Pilates & Breathwork & Meditation selections. We promise that venturing from your home and into our delightful studio will not leave you disappointed that you did, especially after trialing as many of our classes as like on our special 7 days for $7
 Sacred 7 Intro Offer.

For the love of breath & movement, Annelise x