1. Standing — the preparation exercises
Step back until your feet and the top of your head are both inside the frame with a little room to spare. Leave space to step forward and back without walking out of shot.
Participant guide
Setting up for your online TRE™ session
Everything to prepare before we meet on Zoom — your space, your camera, your kit and your safety. Ten minutes of preparation lets your facilitator give you the same quality of attention you would receive in the room.
Prefer a PDF? Download HummingBeing's printable guide.
The one thing that matters most
We must be able to see you head to toe — standing and on the mat
In an online session, everything your facilitator can offer you comes through the camera: watching how your body moves, how your tremors travel, and when it is time to pause. If we can only see part of you, we cannot guide you safely. Please test both camera views before the session starts.
Camera positioning
Two views to check before every session
Landscape orientation, roughly hip height, about 2–2.5 metres away. Prop the device so it cannot slide or fall.
2. On the mat — the tremoring practice
Set the device to the side of your mat, never at your head or feet, so the full length of your body stays in shot, including your knees in the butterfly position.
- Use landscape orientation and prop the device so it cannot slide or fall.
- A larger screen helps — you need to follow the exercises being demonstrated.
- Join a few minutes early and check your own video preview before we start.
- Leave room to step forward and back without walking out of frame.
Your checklist
What to prepare
Have all of this ready and within reach before the session begins.
A yoga mat
Somewhere comfortable and non-slip to lie down for the tremoring practice.
RequiredA device with a camera
Laptop, tablet or phone — the bigger the screen the better, so you can clearly see the exercises being shown.
RequiredWireless headphones
Essential in group classes, as you will be far from the device. In private sessions we can try without, but please have a pair ready to connect.
Required in group classesReliable internet
A stable connection throughout. If you can, sit close to your router or use a wired connection.
RequiredGood lighting
Light the room well and face the light where possible. If you are backlit or in shadow, we cannot see your movement.
RequiredLoose, light-coloured trousers
Stretchy and comfortable enough for the butterfly position. Dark clothing hides your tremors from the camera, so please avoid black.
RequiredPillows, cushions, blankets
For support under your knees or head, and to stay warm as your body settles afterwards.
As neededWater within reach
Keep a glass or bottle beside your mat so you do not have to leave the frame.
RecommendedAn undisturbed space
Let the household know, silence notifications, and close the door so you can let go completely.
Recommended
Safety first
Someone you trust, nearby
Please ask someone you trust to be in the same house or apartment as you — or right next door — for the duration of the session, and give us their name and phone number on your consent form.
This is rarely needed. It simply means that if you would benefit from someone physically present, we can reach them straight away. Having their details on the form is the important part.
The platform
Joining on Zoom
Our online sessions and group classes run on Zoom. Only authenticated users can join, and only through the Zoom application — so please set this up in advance rather than on the day.
- Download the Zoom app for desktop or mobile from zoom.us/download.
- Create or sign in to a Zoom account using the same email address you registered with.
- Test your camera and microphone inside the app before the session day.
- Join through the app, not the browser — joining from a browser or while signed out may block you from the session.
If Zoom is new to you, allow ten extra minutes the first time. We are happy to help you test in advance.
On the day
Fifteen minutes before
- Roll out your mat and clear the space around it.
- Set your device in place and check the two camera views — standing, and lying down.
- Turn on the lights; close curtains if you are backlit.
- Change into loose, light-coloured trousers.
- Put cushions, a blanket and water beside your mat.
- Charge or plug in your device, and connect your headphones.
- Confirm your support person knows the session is happening.
- Open Zoom, sign in, and join a few minutes early.
Good to know
Common questions
What happens after the session?
Keep 20–30 minutes free afterwards to rest, drink water and let your body settle. Avoid a heavy meal in the two hours before, and be gentle with yourself for the rest of the day.
Can I join from my phone?
Yes, but the bigger the screen the better — you need to follow the exercises being demonstrated. If you use a phone, prop it in landscape at hip height and connect wireless headphones.
I live alone. Do I still need a support person?
Please arrange someone you trust to be reachable and nearby — a neighbour or a friend next door counts. Their name and phone number go on your consent form; it is rarely needed, but it keeps you safe.
Do I have to keep my camera on?
Yes. Your facilitator watches for signs of over-activation and will guide you to slow down or stop. Without the camera we cannot guide you safely, so please keep it on for the whole session.
What if my internet drops?
Rejoin through the Zoom app as soon as you can. If you cannot reconnect, pause the practice, rest on your mat and message your facilitator. Sitting close to your router or using a wired connection helps prevent this.