Streaming Outdoor Summer Classes
A Chicago Tai Chi First
Hello from Chicago!
I want to tell you about how I solved a thorny problem at Chicago Tai Chi.
The problem?
How to Stream Outdoor Summer Tai Chi and Qigong Classes on Zoom.
Here's the solution—
Background
At the end of March 2020, we were locked down. Forbidden to continue in-person classes due to Covid.
So as an experiment, I tested streaming classes via Zoom.
Our online classes were a hit! Our Members loved them!
Since April 2020, we've streamed over 5000 Tai Chi and Qigong classes. Members now join our classes from coast-to-coast.
Post-pandemic, many local Members come to class in-person. Other local Members still prefer the convenience of Zooming in.
Glad to support them all!
We make this happen via the studio set-up we've developed for combining in-person and Zoom classes. Works great!
Our studio set-up supports Members joining classes in-person and via Zoom.
The Problem: Outdoor Summer Classes
All this led to a problem.
Our Members love Summer classes outdoors. I love leading Summer classes outdoors.
But I wanted all Members to be able to join.
So the question became: How to reliably stream outdoor classes?
After researching and experimenting, I came up with a solution I hoped would work.
I put it to test last Saturday, aiming to stream our five Saturday classes live from Chicago's sweet Arrigo Park.
Here's a picture of my mobile Zoom set-up.
Test Results: Success!
The results?
A success by all measures.
47 Members joined 5 classes. 3 Tai Chi classes, one Qigong class, and one Meditation class. At least half the Members Zoomed in, including from New York, St. Louis, and Oregon.
Video and audio quality were solid. Internet connection was stable.
The sun shone. The birds sang. The bees buzzed. The energy of Summer permeated the moment.
Lots of smiles and thumbs up. Very cool!
(Some mosquitoes joined too. Note to self: Add bug repellent to the mobile set-up.)
The Gear
Here's the set up:
1. Laptop with webcam.
2. Tossbiss Laptop Tripod. Sturdy, versatile, super-portable.
3. Jackery Explorer 300 Power Supply. Keeps the laptop battery charged for hours, along with mobile 5G hotspot and headset if needed.
4. Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 (T-Mobile) 5G Mobile Hotspot. Solid mobile internet connection, high quality Zoom video and audio. T-Mobile service required.
5. Plantronics - Voyager 5200 UC (Poly) - Bluetooth Single-Ear Headset and Charging Case. Excellent 2-way audio quality and noise attenuation.
Pick your spot, set up the tripod, boot up the laptop, connect to the hotspot, log on to Zoom and you're streaming your outdoor class!
Chris Cinnamon, JD, MS
Certified Exercise Physiologist
Head Instructor
Author, Tai Chi for Balance and
Tai Chi for Knee Health
Interested in experiencing the powerful benefits, and fun, of Tai Chi and Qigong? You can join our classes in-person in Chicago and online from anywhere.
To join classes, you purchase a Chicago Tai Chi Membership. For Membership options and benefits, click here.