Weekly Newsletter:

February 18, 2026

AKA: “GYZO”

Absolutely free. No charge. Drop in. Drop out. Stay connected, or not.

Presented by Susan Musicant, a geriatric specialist with a physical therapy doctorate. Worked for 20 years in PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly) and DayBreak since 2018.

Susan Musicant, DPT:

Just a few years back — 2009

More recently! — 2025

To enroll:

Call or text 510-298-7728. Or email susan@daybreakac.org for a simple conversation with Susan about your needs, desires, and habits, especially regarding exercise or the desire to exercise.  

For example:

• Can you walk fast enough to get across the street before the light changes?
• Can you get up and down from the floor without calling 911? Do you have body aches and pains (who doesn’t?)
• Have you fallen recently?

(Just what you might think a physical therapist would ask you!)

When and where?

Monday Class: Start at 12:30 pm Pacific Standard Time. On Zoom. The link for the Monday class stays the same from week to week. Class is an hour long. Give or take… 

The Monday class is a little more challenging than the Thursday class. Hence, we call it “GET YOUR ZOOM ON, Extra Strength”.  

Thursday Class: Start at 12:00 pm. Pacific Standard Time. On Zoom. The link for the Thursday class stays the same from week to week. Class is an hour long. Give or take… The Thursday class is a little less challenging than the Monday class. Hence, we call it “GET YOUR ZOOM ON, Regular Strength”.  

What do you need for the class?

• Nice, sturdy chair: Preferably without armrests. Definitely no wheels. Not too soft or cushy.
• 2 small hand weights: If you don’t have any, you can use cans of soup or plastic water bottles.
• 5’ Resistance band: DayBreak can provide this.

Once you enroll, we send you a reminder email for each class the afternoon before and the morning of. The link will be on the email for you to use (though it is always the same for the Monday class and likewise, the Thursday class Zoom link doesn’t change.)

Is the class hard or easy? 

Depends! Hopefully it’s a little challenging, especially at first. After all, that is the big idea. To get stronger and more fit as you exercise regularly.  

The Goldilocks rule: Not too hard and not too easy. Just enough!

A little at a time, and you will get stronger.

And just a little more info…

Who is this for? — 2 groups:

1. Underactive older adults at risk for functional decline and living in the community.   
2. Caregivers with at-risk care receivers: to participate together as a dyad.

Structure for sessions:

1. Welcome.
2. Focus, body awareness, and breathing.
3. Posture and Stretching.
4. Aerobic exercise with small homemade or store-bought hand weights.
5. Strength training with resistance bands provided by DayBreak
6. Move/dance for the "fun of it."

Using music and rhythm throughout the session.

The teaching:

• How and why to start an exercise habit.
• How to deal with musculoskeletal pain and exercise.
• How to do deal with fear of falling,
• Suggestions for other helpful exercise links.
• Remembering the joy of movement, especially with music!

— Susan Musicant, DPT

Injury Prevention Specialist at DayBreak

We appreciate all the love and support! Your gift ensures the security of a safe home and the essential care every senior deserves to age with dignity.

If you know an elder in need of our care and coordination services, or a caregiver seeking support, please encourage them to reach out to us at: 

510-834-8314