In this issue:

• Movement Snack Spotlight

• Exercise Classes

• Free Articles and Videos

• Soft Trail Stroll Schedule

• About Me

Every month in 2026, I am spotlighting a special movement snack.

A movement snack is a small amount of movement done on its own, not as part of a larger exercise routine or other activity. And I am a big fan!

The February 2026 Movement Snack Spotlight is…

Dance to the music!

There are a few ways you can do this…

• When you feel like moving, put on a song, and dance to it.

• Or, when a song comes on that you like, dance to it.

• Or, at a certain time each day, whatever song is on, dance to it.

You can do this seated or standing. Be sure to move as much of your body as you can. Pick a short song. This is a snack, not a workout.

You can do this in place of the January spotlight (Put your exercise equipment where you will see it, and use it when you walk by) or you can add it on and do both snacks in February.

Practice it all month. Sure, every day is great, but most days is better than no days. Give a try!

Share with me how it goes and read others’ experiences. I will have posts on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Look for the Movement Snack Spotlight article on my website where I will compile all the monthly snacks.

Let’s dance!

Are you looking for an exercise class? Come to one of the ones I teach!

Strength and Balance

8:30–9:15 a.m. Monday Wednesday Friday
Southside Senior Center, 100 Payton Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
Offered by Polk County Senior Services and Live 2 B Healthy

The Strength and Balance class at the Southside Senior Center is a standing class focused on strength and balance. We use dumbbells, bands, mini-balls, and chairs. There are options for seated participation.

Learn more about this class in the article I wrote about choosing dumbbells.

Parkinson’s Movement Training

9:45–10:15 a.m. Friday
Edencrest Pleasant Hill, 6151 Martha L Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Offered by APDA Iowa and Live 2 B Healthy

The Parkinson’s Movement Training class at Edencest Pleasant Hill is a seated class designed to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and overall quality of life. We use bands, dumbbells, and straps. When appropriate, we push to standing.

The class is available at no cost to people with Parkinson’s. Register for class on the APDA website.

I teach a few classes at other locations. The full schedule is on my website.

I maintain a website with free fitness-related articles and videos for you.

February is American Heart Month. In this newsletter I’m highlighting articles to help you keep your heart healthy!

All my videos are available on my YouTube channel. Exercise demos, Quilters Stretches, aerobic follow-alongs, and more.

Last year I made four videos to help you get aerobic activity for your heart. You can find them in my Follow-Alongs Playlist.

If you are looking for a simple way to become more active, the Soft Trail Stroll walking series was created for you!

Our walks are typically 1.5 to 2.5 miles long. We always set a pace that accommodates everyone present. It’s a stroll! No one is left behind.

Details for each route are available by clicking the graphics below.

Optionally, if you are on Facebook, join the conversation in our Soft Trail Stroll Facebook group! This group is useful for discussing the weather forecast and meeting locations. After each stroll, it’s a good place to continue conversations and share photos.

Maybe you've noticed that some things aren't as easy as they used to be. That might be climbing the stairs, putting the heavy platter in the top cupboard, or riding your bike all day.

I can design a program for you that takes into account what you do and improves what you need, so you can succeed at what you want to do.