Articles
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.
How to Choose Dumbbells for the Polk County Southside Senior Center Exercise Class
I’m the instructor for the Live 2 B Healthy exercise class at the Polk County Southside Senior Center.
This article will help you determine which dumbbells equal light, medium, and heavy for you.
Tips for Exercising in Hot Weather
In the hot summer sun, it can be tempting to stay indoors and sit on the sofa. While staying indoors is part of the advice you will find in this article, sitting on the sofa is not.
It is important for your health for you to get 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus two strength building workouts every week. But we have to acknowledge that doing that in the heat and humidity can lead to, not just discomfort, but to acute health risks.
There are ways to reduce the hot weather risks and avoid the risks caused by sitting on the sofa.
Poison Ivy: A Portfolio of Seasons
Hiking or mountain biking in Iowa or the midwest is a lot more fun if you know what poison ivy looks like and can avoid it.
The trouble is that poison ivy does not always look like it does in the perfect specimen photos. Time and experience have given me a sixth sense about the plant. That is some hard earned knowledge, and I would not wish the experience of some of those poison ivy cases on anyone.
Skip the rash, and learn from these poison ivy photos!
How and Why to Stretch with a Multi-Grip Exercise Strap
A multi-grip exercise strap, also known as a multi-grip stretch strap or stretch strap with loops, is an excellent tool for stretching and flexibility.
In order to get the most benefit from a stretch, you must be able to relax in the stretched position. Any long strap, such as a belt, towel, or yoga strap, can be helpful for this.
The multi-grip strap has many loops which offer additional benefits which you will see in these example stretches.
Central Iowa Yoga in the Park 2025
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. Here is a list of all the 2025 central Iowa yoga in park offerings I could find.
How to Dress for Cold Weather
Knowing how to dress appropriately for cold weather is a matter of comfort and health. Using layers and selecting the right materials makes a significant difference in maintaining warmth and mobility. This article will explore practical strategies for dressing when it is cold out, so you can enjoy your favorite activities longer or endure your chores more comfortably.
6 Ways Exercise Benefits Your Heart
Exercise has many benefits. To celebrate American Heart Month, here are six ways exercise benefits your heart.
Four Follow-Along Videos for Heart Health
In honor of American Heart Month, every week in February 2025, I created a new video designed to help you get your moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Each 15-minute video has 10 minutes of moderate level activity.
31 Days of Movement Snacks
For the month of January 2025 I made a resolution to do, film, and post a movement snack every day.
A movement snack is a bit intentional movement done for a short duration.
Here you will find all 31 snacks and a bit about what I learned from the project.