UW–Madison Extension and PBS Wisconsin bring multilingual StrongBodies programming to communities across the state.

A partnership between PBS Wisconsin and UW–Madison Division of Extension is helping more Wisconsinites stay active and connected through accessible, multilingual fitness content.

Expanding access to wellness programming in Spanish, Hmong and English

At the heart of the collaboration is StrongBodies, an evidence-based strength training program designed to support mobility, independence, and overall well-being, especially for older adults. To reach more communities, PBS Wisconsin’s University Place program recorded three new StrongBodies workout classes — in English, Spanish and Hmong, the state’s three most widely spoken languages. UW–Madison Extension coordinated instructors, participants and translations to ensure each session was engaging, culturally responsive and easy to follow, while PBS Wisconsin provided production expertise, studio space, editing and captioning support.

This event was a chance to celebrate wellness in a culturally relevant way. We’re proud to help make these programs more accessible to more people.

Dulce VlisidesASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT

StrongBodies in Green Bay and LaCrosse

To launch the multilingual StrongBodies, PBS Wisconsin’s Community Engagement team and UW–Madison Extension hosted two in-person events to connect directly with local residents.

On July 13, 2024, Green Bay’s Saturday Farmers Market welcomed community members for a Spanish-language GenteFuerte workout and a healthy food demonstration featuring local produce. The event also introduced attendees to the English and upcoming Hmong versions of StrongBodies.

On August 22, 2024, Poage Park in La Crosse hosted a free Hmong-language Lub Cev Muaj Zog class led by a local bilingual educator. Attendees joined in a live workout session and enjoyed refreshments provided by community partners

A growing resource for the whole state

All three versions of StrongBodies are now available on the PBS Wisconsin website (see links at bottom of page) and streaming on YouTube. The English-language class has also aired multiple times on the Wisconsin Channel, with additional broadcasts planned.

Through this partnership, PBS Wisconsin and UW–Madison Extension are sharing vital health resources — strengthening bodies and communities across Wisconsin.

Excellent program that I have been involved in for seven years. Really helps with my balance and motivates me to move in a way my older body can handle.

@robinmercier7886YOUTUBE

Love this program. It works!

@maryellenreschke4248YouTube

Hola instructor Madison, muchas gracias por sus aportactiones para mejorar nuestro cuerpo. Saludos desde Toluca, Mexico.

@ma.trinidadpaulinocarvajal682YouTube