October 20, 2025

For Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) instructor Mary Jo Brown, movement has always been a way of life. A lifelong dancer and retired special education teacher, Mary Jo has dedicated her second career to helping older adults stay active, strong, and socially connected through her class, Move & Feel Better: Gentle Fitness.

Her path to CARD began just before the COVID-19 pandemic, when she stepped in to substitute for another instructor. After the shutdown, she returned with a vision of her own: to adapt her training in the Healthy Steps program and expand it into something more versatile. “I didn’t want to be confined by just one program,” Mary Jo explains. “I wanted to create a class that welcomed everyone—whether you need a chair for balance or you’re ready for a higher level of cardio.”

The result was Move & Feel Better, a unique blend of therapeutic movement, dance, strength training, cardio, and balance work—all set to music. Mary Jo designs her classes with variety and accessibility in mind. “The philosophy is that everybody can participate,” she says. “We can always modify it. Whether you want to keep up with grandkids, stay independent, or simply feel good, there’s a place for you here.”

Her teaching style is rooted in both passion and experience. After training in Healthy Steps in 2006, Mary Jo started teaching classes at Enloe’s Cancer Center, where she saw firsthand the importance of community for survivors and those seeking gentle rehabilitation. Later, she pursued certification as a Group Fitness Instructor through the American Council on Exercise, expanding her ability to create well-rounded programs that meet the needs of a wide range of participants.

But for Mary Jo, the classes are about much more than exercise. “It’s move and feel better—through movement, yes, but also through social connection,” she says. Her sessions often include seasonal social gatherings and even themed celebrations, such as a holiday sock hop. “Especially after COVID, the need for community has been huge,” she adds. “The friendships and support people find here are just as important as the physical benefits.”

Her students’ successes are what inspire her most. She shares the story of Debbie, a 93-year-old participant who credits the class with helping her maintain her balance and independence. “She told me, ‘I almost missed a step, walking down stairs, but I caught myself—and I’m so grateful for this class.’” Mary Jo recalls. “Those moments are little diamonds you hold on to.”

Even outside CARD, Mary Jo continues to teach through Zoom, community centers, and senior facilities, bringing her love of movement to people near and far. What started as a way to adapt during the pandemic has grown into an extension of her small business and another outlet for people who want to stay connected while traveling or at home. You can learn more at healthysteps-maryjo.com.

Ultimately, Mary Jo says her goal is simple: “I want people to feel stronger, more confident, and more joyful in their daily lives.”

Move & Feel Better: Gentle Fitness meets at the Lakeside Pavilion and sessions run every four weeks. First-time participants are always welcome to come observe or try a class. For schedules and registration, visit chicorec.gov/gentle-fitness or follow CARD on Facebook and Instagram @chicorec.

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About Chico Area Recreation & Park District

Established in 1948, the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is a California Special District dedicated to enriching the community through diverse recreational opportunities. CARD brings friends and families together to create joyful experiences and lasting memories. It oversees 17 community and neighborhood parks, four community centers, a swimming pool, the Chico Creek Nature Center, and more. CARD offers a wide variety of sports, classes, camps, and special events designed for all ages. Discover more about CARD at chicorec.gov.