Achieve Your Fitness Goals with Family and Friends this Monday

family fitness walking

study looking at group fitness showed that physical, mental, and emotional quality of life improves when participants exercise together. It could also lead to a significant improvement in mood and well-being.

So, instead of working out solo, grab a friend, or your whole family. Here are some fun group fitness ideas:

  • Take a fitness class together like Zumba or Pilates
  • Walk or jog a Monday Mile
  • Grab some bikes and take a bike ride
  • Do some mini-exercises together
  • Sign-up for a dance class, where partners are part of the fun!
  • Roll out your mats and take a yoga class
  • Organize a game in a court, like basketball or volleyball

Do some group fitness with your family and friends on Monday to be happy and healthy, together.

Playground Maintenance this Saturday

This Saturday, June 3rd the following playgrounds will be unavailable during the specified times below due to maintenance:

7 a.m. – 8 a.m. Oakhurst Park

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Glenlake Park, McKoy Park, and Scott Park

As soon as the work is completed the playgrounds will reopen.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we make improvements to our spaces!

Baseball Opening Day Parade!

The 2023 Summer Baseball season will begin with the Annual Opening Day Parade on Saturday, June 3. The parade will start at College Heights and travel through the Oakhurst business district, down East Lake Drive into Oakhurst Park. Come on out to cheer for the teams and show your support! After the parade, stick around for opening day ceremonies, hot dogs and America’s favorite pastime, baseball!

Parade: starts at 11 a.m., College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center
Games: start at 12 p.m., Oakhurst Park

Decatur Pools Open this Saturday!

Summer is fast approaching and the pools are opening this Saturday! The best place to stay cool this summer is at one of three City of Decatur pools. You may want to get a pool pass to enjoy the pools throughout the summer!

More info on City of Decatur pools and how to get your pass can be found on our website: decaturga.com/activeliving/page/aquatics-pools

Move It For Your Mood

Physical activity comes with psychological and physiological benefits that can help improve mood and manage stress.

All forms of exercise — from walking and jogging to yoga and weight lifting — can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Plus, many forms of movement are free, accessible to all individuals, and doesn’t come with any unpleasant side effects (when done properly).

Both high- and low-intensity workouts offer physiological benefits by triggering a series of chemicals events that help improve brain function and regulate mood. That means, regardless of your current level of physical fitness, there are plenty of exercises and movements you can practice — anytime or anywhere — to help relieve stress.

But how much physical activity is necessary to start feeling the benefits? The Mayo Clinic suggests doing 30 minutes of exercise a day for three to five days a week, but don’t feel like you have to get it all done in one session.

Beginning this Monday, try to record 150 minutes of physical activity per week by using our list of small steps to get you moving. Because getting active doesn’t have to be a workout.

Source: Exercise the Body and Mind with Tai Chi

Safe Routes to School Metro Atlanta Region Winners!

We’re excited to announce that Decatur has received three awards from the Georgia Safe Routes to School program!

Metro Atlanta Region Winners for 2023!

Partner of the Year – Glennwood Elementary School, City Schools of Decatur

Friend of the Year – City of Decatur Police Department

Statewide Partner Award – Decatur Parks & Recreation Department

We’re proud to be a city where you can walk and roll to school safely. Thanks to the Decatur community for helping us make it a great school year!

Exercise the Body and Mind with Tai Chi

Tai chi is a Chinese discipline that brings together the mind, body, and spirit to strengthen your physical and mental resolve. The basic principles of tai chi involve integrating the mind and body, controlling movements and breathing, and generating internal energy.

Did you know that Decatur Parks & Rec offers a variety of Tai chi and Qigong classes? Check them out here: taichi4lifecoop.org

So how can you use this ancient practice to get moving on Monday? A 45-minute session of tai chi might not leave you covered in sweat, but regularly practicing a variety of poses can strengthen the lower- and upper-body, improve flexibility, balance, and aerobic conditioning, and quiet unruly thoughts.

Similar to introductory yoga poses, tai chi movements are simple to execute and low-impact, making them easier on the joints and muscles and generally safe for any fitness level. Even people with certain health conditions can practice by making modifications if needed.

Tai chi can be practiced from the comfort of your bedroom or living room, but before giving it a try search online for videos with experienced instructors who can explain the movements and methods. These movements may not be appropriate for all fitness levels, so remember to start slow. If you have concerns or a history of injury, please first check with your doctor to discuss the appropriate course of action.

Source: Exercise the Body and Mind with Tai Chi

May is Bike Month!

Help celebrate Bike Month with us at our upcoming events! Next up is the Public Art Bike Ride on Saturday, May 13 at 10 a.m. Meet outside the Decatur Rec Center for a bike ride around Decatur. We’ll be making stops and learning about various outdoor art installations and murals. Register by emailing Gael.Doyle@decaturga.com

Be sure to save the date for these other events throughout May!

May 15-21: Bike to Work Week
May 19: Bike to Work Day – Join us for our Bikes and Brews group ride. Meet at 6:30
p.m. in front of Guild + Journeyman for our 6-mile bike ride. Afterwards we’ll grab a drink
from one of our local breweries. All skill levels are welcome. Helmets are required.

Celebrate Earth Month!

Email Jada Jordan to RSVP for April’s hiking club adventure!

McKoy Skate Park Meeting

Due to the weather the skate park meeting will be held at Decatur Rec Center (231 Sycamore Street) from 6:30-7:30pm. Parking is available behind the Decatur Library.

McKoy Skate Park was established on Dec 13, 2003 and excitement builds as we are preparing to renovate the skate park in 2023. The City of Decatur, Decatur Skate Club and American Ramp Company are kicking off the design process for the skate park. American Ramp Company will lead the planning and design process along with Decatur youth to design the park.

Add your input to help design the new skate park: americanrampcompany.com/surveys/decatur-skatepark/