How to Film Great Workout Videos

TL;DR

  • There are two types of video templates: short-form and long-form content

  • Think of short-form content as clips for gym fans that can be mixed and matched, like clips of planks or squats

  • Think of long-form content as class content for guided class fans, like yoga or meditation

  • When filming, remember to reference “my app,” not “the Playbook app” or “my Playbook”

  • Film an intro video and extra content — like an additional workout move or health tips — to share later

Step 1: Figure Out What to Film

Playbook’s two main video templates include:

  • Short-form content, which is 60 seconds or less, uses single exercise or circuit templates and is made for gym fans (i.e. clips of planks, pushups or squats)

  • Long-form content uses the class template and is made for guided class fans (i.e. yoga, HIIT or Pilates)

Step 2: Film Workouts

Short-form (“clips”) content

  • Best for shorter clips of exercises that can be mixed and matched

Short-form content filming best practices

  • Demonstrate moves from the best possible angle so users can see your full form

  • Perform three to four reps of each exercise (about 10 to 30 seconds)

  • Tighten in on the body as much as possible (at least 90% of the screen)

  • Do not explain the exercises or move the camera

  • Don’t worry about background noise

  • Film in portrait (vertical videos!)

WATCH: Use this video as a guide

Long-form (“class”) content

  • Best for continuous movement and exercise like yoga, spin or meditation

  • Requires your motivation and instruction throughout the entire workout

Long-form content best practices

  • Create an optimal environment with natural light and minimal noise

  • Use a tripod, microphone headset and ring light to improve the quality of recordings. Here are a few recommended products:

  • Film against solid backgrounds (we recommend using whtie and light colors)

  • Have a clear view of your workout space in the recording

  • Tighten in on the body as much as possible (at least 90% of the screen)

  • Film in landscape (horizontal videos!)

WATCH: Use this video as a guide

General filming best practices

Filming tips

  • Remember to reference “my app” throughout, not “my Playbook” or “the Playbook app”

  • Project your voice

  • Be energetic, positive and enthusiastic!

  • Set your phone to airplane mode to avoid any interruptions while filming

  • Film multiple videos in one day

  • Check your phone’s storage space — you don’t want to run out of room in the middle of recording!

  • When you are done filming and are ready to upload, check your WiFi connection first — a strong signal should help your content upload faster!

Pro tip: Film an intro video as well as extra content — like an additional workout move or health tips — to share later.

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