Jan. 15, 2026: Staying active, steady and confident is exactly what participants are gaining through the Back-to-Basics exercise class offered at Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO-Therapy) in Staples.
Led by Peyton Landowski, a physical therapy assistant at TCO, the class focuses on foundational movements designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility and overall function. Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace, making the class accessible and beneficial for a wide range of ages and abilities.
For Mary Daniels, 73, of Motley, the improvements have been life changing.
“My balance is so much better,” she said, adding, “I had a little bit of neuropathy in my feet, and that’s gone. It doesn’t even exist anymore. I just feel so much more comfortable and confident doing everyday things.”
Daniels, who has been attending the class for about a year, said the benefits extend well beyond the gym.
“You leave feeling a little tired, but you feel fantastic,” she said. “I tell everyone I know who’s older about this class. It’s just so good for you.”
Fellow Motley resident April Sandhoff, also 73, has noticed measurable health improvements since starting the class.
“My blood pressure is lower than it’s been in years," she said. "I’ve been treated for high blood pressure for more than 20 years, and since I started coming here, it’s consistently been lower. I feel so much better overall.”
Sandhoff added that learning proper technique has been just as valuable as the exercises themselves.
“Technique is huge for me. You don’t always know if you’re doing something correctly at home. Peyton watches and corrects you, and you don’t get that everywhere,” she said.
At 84 years young, Ellen Nelson of Staples, is proof that age doesn’t have to slow you down. One of the earliest participants in Back-to-Basics, Nelson joined the class to improve her balance and stamina.
“I had balance issues. And I still have things I want to do in my life,” she said. “Without stamina, you’re not going to get them done. And I’ve seen absolute improvement.”
Nelson said movements that once felt impossible — like sit-to-stand exercises — are now second nature.
“When I first started, I couldn’t do them hardly at all,” she said. “Now? Easy. Life is what you make it. If you want to grow old, sit in a chair and watch TV. Or you can come here and do something.”
Landowski said that philosophy is exactly what Back-to-Basics is all about.
“I like to tell everyone, whether it’s their first time in class or their 100th, you push yourself as much as you can,” Landowski said. “I do prescribe certain numbers with each exercise, but if anyone is unable to tolerate that, they are always welcome to rest as needed.”
He emphasized that the class is designed to meet people where they are.
“We have a wide variety of experience levels and ages,” Landowski said. “The Back-to-Basics class is meant to be accessible for everyone. The main goal is to promote movement — even if it’s just once a week. We want to see people better themselves and have a fun, inclusive time while doing it.”
For Landowski, the most rewarding moments come from hearing how the class carries over into everyday life.
“I find the most joy leading this class when people tell me the improvements they’ve noticed at home,” he said. “Whether it’s being able to stand up from a chair more easily or finally going on a trip they had been putting off because they didn’t know if they could tolerate walking more than a mile.”
He also values the sense of connection the class brings.
“I love walking into the lobby before class and seeing everyone chatting and laughing,” Landowski said. “For some people, this is their only social interaction during the week, and it’s really special to see them connecting with others they may not have seen in a while.”
For Nelson, the results speak for themselves, regardless of your age.
“You don’t have to be 80 to do this,” she said with a smile. “You can be 50, you can be 90. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
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Class Details:
TCO currently offers three Back-to-Basics class times:
• Mondays at 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.
The first two sessions are free, allowing participants to try the class before committing. After that, classes range from $5–$10 per session, depending on whether participants purchase a 1-, 5-, or 10-class package.
Landowski encourages anyone interested to call ahead to be added to the class list.
To learn more or to add your name to the list, call TCO Therapy - Staples at (218) 600-5370.
