Articles
How to Buy Walking Shoes
When starting a walking program, the most important thing is to start walking. Put on any pair of comfortable, supportive shoes and go for a short walk.
As you start to walk farther, it becomes important to have a pair of shoes that are up to the task.
This article covers what you need to look for.
Getting to and from the Floor: Some Tips
Being able to get down to the floor and back up again is infinitely useful. However, it isn't always easy. If you find it more difficult than it used to be, you will find the tips in this article/video useful.
Cycling Post-Ride Stretches
When I think about stretching after cycling, I have two primary considerations. The first is the same as I have after any exercise: stretching the muscles that have been working. The second is specific to cycling: the mobility of my back after being in a static position so long.
Here I will present several active and passive stretches you can use to address those considerations.
Central Iowa Yoga in the Park 2026
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy yoga in the park. Many communities offer a yoga in the park program. They arrange for a certified yoga instructor to come and teach, and you just need to show up with a yoga mat or blanket.
Back for 2026, here is a list of all the yoga in the park offerings in central Iowa that I can find.
Tips for Exercising in Cold Weather
When it is cold outside it can be harder to find the motivation to get up and get moving. However, exercising is worth it.
I recommend you get 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus two strength building workouts every week. This article will give you tips you need to keep going strong in cold weather.
Movement Snack Spotlight
If you know me, you know I love movement snacks—a small amount of movement done on its own, not as part of a larger exercise routine or other activity.
For 2026 I will spotlight a special movement snack each month. I encourage you to comment and share how each snack works for you. I will collect them in this article which I will update as the year goes on.
Strength Training: Where to Start?
The day comes when you realize, "Dang, I really should be working out!"
Now you might be asking, "Where do I start? How do I start?"
This article will give you what you need to start. After reading this and watching the videos, you can grab a few household objects and do your first workout!
Falls Prevention Awareness Week
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a national health campaign begun by the National Council on Aging. It is observed near the first day of fall to “increase awareness around falls health and injury prevention.” This year it is September 22–26, 2025.
There is much you can do to prevent falls for yourself or a loved one. Now is a good time to review it and take action.
Strength Training for Fall Prevention, Protection, and Recovery
Strength training can reduce your risk of falling, reduce the severity of injuries from falling, and improve your recovery after falling.
Squats and Hip Hinges, the Two Best Lower Body Exercises
Squats and hip hinges are the two primary lower body exercises I teach. I do this because they are fundamental to human movement and are precisely where we want to build strength.
Think about your day. Do you need to get out of a chair? Pick up a child? Those are squats. Do you need to pick up the basket of laundry from the floor? Pick up the big bag of dog food from the bottom shelf at the store? Those are hip hinges. You need to train the squat and hip hinge patterns in order to build and maintain the strength and muscle mass that you need to live life.