A short gratitude post

And some real talk about why this work means so much to me

Photo by Sagar Patil on Unsplash (Please don’t actually release balloons into the sky, btw!)

Today is How to Move’s six-month birthday, and I’m writing to say thank you.

As of the last week or two, I’ve surpassed 3,000 total subscribers, and I’m officially 75% to my goal of enough paid subscribers to make this a financially viable enterprise. (I define this based on the amount of time I’m spending on this newsletter and my standard hourly rate as a consultant.) Perhaps more importantly, I’ve heard comments from so many of you that validate everything I’m putting into this project. Things like:

• “I love your realistic, compassionate approach to movement - and I need encouragement to reclaim exercise.” — Margey

• “I have loved having these workouts as a part of my Sunday late-afternoon routine ~ such a healthier way to spend this time rather than descending into the Sunday scaries that can often overtake this part of the weekend.” —

  Katy O.

• “I love the refreshing way you talk about exercise.” — Emily

• “First class I did of yours and a great balance of challenging but not too challenging with the modifications as I’m just getting back into exercise! I know I’ll be feeling it but it a good way and excited for more classes!” — Claire

• “What’s so great about Anna—and what makes her different from a lot of fitness writers and personal trainers out there—is that she’s so smart about bodies, she’s truly anti-diet and size neutral as a fitness professional…and, she’s been in the belly of the beast. Anna worked in women’s magazines with me long enough to know all the diet culture tricks. So she’s one of my favorite people to talk fitness with, because she can dissect what is marketing, what is diet culture, and what is actually maybe useful for your body.” —

  Virginia Sole-Smith
  . That conversation, ICYMI:

A Pudgy Belly Can Be a Strong Core

The fact that this work is not just on a path to financial viability but also apparently making a real difference in actual people’s lives is… god, I don’t even have words for it. It’s gratifying and fulfilling in just exactly the right ways.

I’m going to stick a paywall here because I’m going to get a little real about my other work in a sec, and listen, I’m nervous about it. Hold my hand, please, paid subscribers. Here we go.