Winter Wellness QC
The last three years have shown the need for self-care and improved well-being. The answer to maintaining our physical health and looking after our mental health could be a weekend getaway for yourself and peace of mind. Research data shows meditation for mental wellness and Yoga at the top of the list.
Illuminate Healing Studio offers guided meditation in the Quad Cities, in addition to yoga and more.
Bends & Brews is a combination of two great things, yoga and beer! The classes take place at different breweries and pubs around the QC. Sarah Wendland is the owner and main instructor of Bends & Brews. She has been practicing yoga for over a decade, and teaching since 2017 when she took over Bends. She loves to flow with her poses and give lots of options so that every class is inclusive to all practitioners.

Photo courtesy of Bends & Brews
There are many places to do yoga in the QC. Here are a few:
Have you tried floating?
It’s not just floating in a pool (although that’s pretty great too). Floating is the art of doing nothing! You simply float in a light and sound proofed room, on 10 inches of water filled with 1,000 pounds of epsom salt. The water is around 35% salt, compared to the ocean, which is only 3%. This provides for effortless floating and relaxation.
Float tanks were invented in the 1950's, and people have been using them for many years, including many professional athletic organizations. By giving yourself the opportunity to experience an environment free of distractions (like light and sound), your brain can relax and focus on other important things. Float Quad Cities has two, state of the art float rooms available. A basic float is 60 minutes.
Unwind, rejuvenate, find balance and indulge in a little pampering at these local spas.
QC Fit Fest Expo - Feb. 18-19
QC Fit Fest is the Quad Cities premier, interactive health, fitness and athletic performance expo that’s fun for the whole family. No matter where you are on your health journey, there are countless ways to discover a healthier way that fits your lifestyle.
Our 3rd annual expo which is a 2-day fun-filled event with fun and unique experiences with 40 + vendors and health professionals for you to speak and interact with. multiple events within the Expo. Plus this year we have added live events you can come watch included into the ticket price like a 8-man BJJ tourney, an Olympic weightlifting competition, and futsol games for kids.
Winter Wellness Family Event - Feb. 25
Explore ways to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit at the Winter Wellness Family Event at Singing Bird Nature Center in Rock Island, IL from 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday, February 25. It’s a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension and Black Hawk State Historic Site.
“It’s the perfect way to spend a winter’s day, learning about health and wellness, exploring nature, sampling tasty soups, and doing fun activities for all ages in a great venue surrounded by the urban forest.” said Becky Buckrop, Illinois Extension marketing and development program coordinator.

Getting outside in the winter is just as important as in the summer. Check out our winter page for outdoor activities.
Are you looking to try some new activities and need a motivation buddy? Or a group to go with while in town?
Quad Cities Women’s Outdoor Club is a non-profit organization that offers year round high-quality outdoor activities, adventures and trips for women in the Quad Cities.
The Black Hawk Hiking Club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020 and nearly 3,000 hikes without a cancellation. Black Hawk Hiking Club conducts hikes weekly or bi-weekly at a variety of sites, both public and privately owned, in and around the Quad Cities area. Hikes are scheduled from November to early June.
The Quad Cities Bicycle Club was organized in early 1964 and activities included racing, touring, and social riding. Join them on rides during the week and other events.
The Cornbelt Running Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting running and walking in the bi-state area. Check out their schedule of weekly runs and race calendar.

Get a smoothie at one of these QC places for a pick-me-up:
Trying to eat better in the new year? Find some favorite plant-forward options because there’s more than just a garden variety in the QC.
