Third Age Fitness

If you are using Zoom for the first time, please use our Zoom Set Up Guide to make sure you have your account and computer set up correctly. If issues arise, use the below guide to help identify and resolve the issue.

No sound

1. Check if your computer is muted:
- On Windows: Look for the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen. If there's a red X on it, click to unmute.
- On Mac: Look for the speaker icon in the top-right corner of your screen. If it's crossed out, click to unmute.
- Adjust the volume by clicking and dragging the slider that appears.

2. Check Zoom audio settings:
- Locate the microphone icon in the bottom-left corner of your Zoom window.
- Click the up arrow (^) next to it to open audio options.
- Select "Test Speaker & Microphone" and follow the prompts.
- You should hear a ringtone. If you don't, select a different speaker from the dropdown menu and try again.

3. Ensure you've joined with computer audio:
- If you see a "Join Audio" button in the bottom-left corner of your Zoom window, click it.
- Select "Join with Computer Audio" in the pop-up window.
- If you accidentally closed this prompt earlier, click the "^" next to the microphone icon and select "Switch to Computer Audio."

4. If you can't hear the instructor:
- Ensure your computer's volume is turned up. On most keyboards, look for volume buttons (often F2 and F3).
- If using headphones, make sure they're properly connected to your device and not muted.
- Leave the meeting by clicking the "Leave" button in the bottom-right corner, then rejoin using the original link to reset the audio connection.

No picture

1. Check if your video is turned off:
- Look for the camera icon in the bottom-left corner of your Zoom window.
- If there's a red line through it, click to turn on your video.
- If the icon is greyed out, Zoom might not have permission to use your camera.

2. Ensure Zoom has permission to use your camera:
- On Windows:
1. Click the Start button and open Settings (gear icon).
2. Click on "Privacy" then "Camera" on the left side.
3. Make sure "Allow apps to access your camera" is switched on.
4. Scroll down to make sure Zoom is allowed to access the camera.
- On Mac:
1. Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
2. Click "Security & Privacy," then click the "Privacy" tab.
3. Select "Camera" from the left side.
4. Ensure the box next to Zoom is checked.

3. Close other applications that might be using your camera:
- Programs like Skype, FaceTime, or your computer's built-in camera app might be using the camera.
- Close these applications completely (not just minimising them).
- After closing other apps, restart Zoom and try turning on your video again.

Turning on your camera

1. Click the "Start Video" button:
- This button is located in the bottom-left corner of the Zoom window.
- If you don't see this button, move your mouse over the Zoom window to make the controls appear.

2. If you don't see yourself after turning on the video:
- Click the up arrow (^) next to the camera icon.
- A list of available cameras will appear. Try selecting a different one.
- If you only see one option, your computer might not be detecting your camera properly. Try restarting your computer.

Choppy video or audio

1. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router:
- The closer you are to your router, the stronger your signal will be.
- If possible, try to be in the same room as your router.
- Avoid having walls or large objects between you and the router.

2. Close unnecessary programs and browser tabs:
- Having too many programs open can slow down your computer and affect Zoom's performance.
- Close any applications you're not actively using.
- In your web browser, close any tabs you don't need.

3. Use a wired connection:
- If possible, connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
- This provides a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
- If you don't have an Ethernet cable, consider purchasing one for better online class experiences.

Joining the class

1. Click the link provided by your instructor:
- This link is usually sent via email or posted on a class website.
- Clicking the link should automatically open Zoom.

2. Enter the meeting password if prompted:
- If a password is required, it's usually provided along with the meeting link.
- Type the password carefully, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.

3. Join from browser if you don't have the Zoom app:
- If you see a prompt to download Zoom, look for a small link that says "Join from your browser" or similar.
- Clicking this allows you to join without installing anything.
- Note that browser-based Zoom might have slightly fewer features than the app.

Can't see or hear the instructor

1. If you can't see the instructor:
- Ensure your video is turned on (see "Turning On Your Camera" section).
- Check if you're in "Gallery View" instead of "Speaker View." Look for "View" in the top-right corner of your Zoom window and click it to switch to "Speaker View."
- If the instructor still isn't visible, try leaving the meeting and rejoining.
- As a last resort, restart your computer and rejoin the meeting.

2. If you can't hear the instructor:
- Follow all steps under the "No Sound" section.
- Ask other participants (via chat) if they can hear. If they can, the problem is likely on your end.
- Try using headphones or earbuds, which often provide clearer audio than computer speakers.
- If nothing else works, try joining the meeting audio by phone. Look for a "Join by phone" option in the audio settings.

Additional tips

- Use a device with a larger screen if possible. This makes it easier to see the instructor's movements clearly.
- Position your device so the instructor can see your full body. This allows them to provide feedback on your form.
- Familiarise yourself with the Zoom controls before class starts. Practice muting/unmuting and turning your video on/off.
- If you're having persistent issues, don't hesitate to ask for help. Contact a family member, friend, or get in touch via our Contact page.
- Consider joining the meeting early to test your audio and video before the class begins.


Remember, everyone was new to Zoom at some point. With practice, using it for our exercise classes will become second nature. Don't get discouraged if you encounter difficulties – keep trying, and you'll get the hang of it!