There are great activities and get-togethers happening in my online communities right now. Yes, all of my communities are getting creative these days, and I’m excited about it! I’m talking about:  

• My literal communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
• My local fitness community
• My global fitness and Pilates community

In each of these groups, people are showing up with creative ways to connect over common interests, and keep us healthy and moving.

My Favourite Online Communities 

1. Mine (of course!) – I’m leading morning Pilates and fitness workouts on Zoom Monday through Saturday (most weeks) right now. I love it! It gives me a purpose to get going each morning and the opportunity to see familiar faces. Even if we only chat for a few minutes, it’s good to check in with others. Having you join me live is amazing, but if you can’t catch the live class, you can watch the replay on the b.Pilates & Fitness App. 

2. The Sole Experience Running Company – I volunteer at this running store as a run leader. Now that we can’t run together in person, Eric Muller, the owner, continues to check in with runners throughout the week. He updates the ½ marathon training group with two weekly emails, to explain that week’s training and a suggested route. He is also at the shop in Osprey Village most days, to provide you curbside running advice and shopping service. 

3. Fitness Unlimited – I worked at Fitness Unlimited for many years, and now they are offering a new online class membership. The membership is $20.00 plus GST, and gives you a variety of classes that will be held within a private Facebook group. If you can’t follow the live stream of the class, you can catch up later in the group. Check out their Facebook page to get more details on how to sign up.

4. Unified Training Centre – This is the gym that I work out at now, and they are also holding regular online classes for members via Zoom and Facebook Live. Plus, they are starting a 28 day challenge that starts on Monday. It can be easy to skip a class when you don’t even have to leave the house, and Unified Training is keeping me accountable with the challenge and by still using their online class-booking system. 

5. The Pilates Community – I am part of the Profitable Pilates Agency Group, which has been providing Pilates instructors with webinars and resources to help us navigate our businesses during this time. I’ve also taken part in roundtable conversations with Pilates teachers from all over the world. 

It is amazing how much more connected I have felt to the Pilates community through these opportunities. I have even attended classes with instructors who I have been taught by over the years! 

6. The OPC Pop Up Class (happening this Saturday!) What is an Online Pilates Class Pop Up? The original plan was that I would rent a space, and Pilates pro Leslie Logan would stream in to teach us virtually while we gathered in person. Since the world is in isolation-mode, we have made this a fully virtual event. 

Tickets are $20.00, and we will all meet on Zoom on Saturday, April 18 at 2:00pm. Sign up for the class, and you’ll receive the link to Zoom on the day of the event. As soon as we are able to travel and gather together again, we are planning for Lesley to make a trip to Maple Ridge to teach us in person! 

Yes, this physical isolation is hard. But I am ever so grateful for my online communities that are using technology and creativity to keep us coming together, connecting with others, and moving our bodies. All of this is essential for both our physical and mental health.

Tell me – what communities are you excited about right now?