FREE Self-Protection Workshop Wednesday, January 8

January 7, 2014 Leave a comment

We wanted to remind you that the Decatur Police Department is holding a FREE Self-Protection Workshop tomorrow night, Wednesday, January 8 from 6-8pm here at the Decatur Recreation Center. This workshop is geared towards adults, but teens 13-17 are welcome with a parent/guardian.

thCA2IHCGWPresenter Stephen Mosley has over two decades of law enforcement work experience and currently works for the Department of Homeland Security.

In the workship you will learn how to be proactive, maintian awareness and be decisive during a violent confrontation. It is a lecture presentaion and not a physical self-defense class.

To register, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VXVH6YJ or contact Sgt. Jennifer Ross at 678-553-6613.

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Bike Safety: Intersection Positioning

January 6, 2014 Leave a comment

From the League of American Bicyclists:

Since most crashes happen at intersections, be sure to reduce your risk by being visible, positioning yourself clearly on the road, and making eye contact with other drivers.

When you are coming up to a multi-lane intersection, you will want to be in the right-most lane that is traveling in the direction you are going. Where you are within the lane depends on the intersection.

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Healthy Monday: Strategize to Cut Stress

January 6, 2014 Leave a comment

healthy monday header

There are many ways to beat stress, but you’ll find that some work better than others.

  • Keep a positive attitude
  • Step out of the situation
  • Enjoy a laugh
  • Accept that there are things we cannot control
  • Assert your feelings instead of  becoming angry or passive.

This week, consider which tools have worked for you before and perhaps try out some new ones. Having a few “go-to” stress-reducing techniques up your sleeve can make all the difference.

To have Healthy Monday tips sent to you, or to read more about keeping fit and healthy, click here.

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Decatur Biggest Loser Challenge Returns February 1

January 3, 2014 Leave a comment

 

Decatur-Biggest-Loser-Scale-smSponsored by Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp and CertaPro Painters, a portion of the proceeds benefits Decatur Education Foundation. Everyone wins!

 For the second year two local Decatur businesses, Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp and CertaPro Painters, are teaming up to sponsor the Decatur Biggest Loser Weight-loss Challenge, a six-week fitness contest designed to improve awareness of healthy habits and challenge the Decatur community to live a healthier lifestyle. Grand prize winners in the men’s and women’s categories will each win $250 in cash, one month of Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp sessions and $400 in CertaPro Painters gift certificates for painting services. Prize packages will also be awarded for second and third place men’s and women’s winners.

“We had such an amazing response to our Biggest Loser Challenge last year, we just had to do it again,” says David Nash of Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp. “Weigh-in day was a lot of fun, with participants all fired up to make a change for themselves and support the DEF. We are so proud of our prize winners, but in the end, everyone who participated came out a winner with better health and fitness habits.”

 The contest kicks off with a weigh-in at Leapin’ Lizards, 185 Sams St. in Decatur, on Saturday, Feb. 1,7 am–10:15 am. All body weights are kept private – progress is tracked via percentage. Upon registration, each participant receives a weight-loss packet and water bottle. The final weigh-in event is Saturday, March 22, 7 am–10:15 am. Winners will be announced at 10:30 am, and also notified by email.

 Says 2013 Decatur Biggest Loser contest winner Thomas Van Soelen, “The Decatur Biggest Loser Challenge was critical to my health. Thanks to Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp and CertaPro Painters for offering this opportunity to make a needed change!” (Read more of Thomas’s story here.)

 Register by Feb. 1 (must be 18 to participate). Five dollars of each $20 registration fee goes directly to benefit the Decatur Education Foundation. Participants who decide to supplement their weight-loss efforts with rigorous Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp workouts can sign up for four weeks for only $40. And if you’re among the first ten to register, CertaPro Painters will pick up the tab (new customers only).

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Fitness Fails, Exercise Anywhere and More

January 2, 2014 1 Comment

2014Even if you do not make resolutions, you may be working on living a healthier and happier year in 2014. Here are some articles we found to get you thinking:

Read this interesting article on the Today.com and thought it was worthy of sharing. There have been a lot of new exercise “fads” so it is wise to select carefully. Sometimes the tried and true does work best.  Click here to read the article Fitness Fails: Exercises to Stop Doing in 2014.

If you are traveling, click here for information that helps you Exercise Anywhere, Anytime, No Equipment Needed.

You may want to read this article before you pick up that soda and hamburger. It may be okay to indulge every now and then, but regular indulgences may lead to obesity and poor health.untitled

Scientists have found that social norms influence food choices. This, in turn, can influence whether or not a person tends toward obesity or not. Who knew? Read about it here.

Photo from Yogajournal.com

Photo from Yogajournal.com

Love practicing yoga? Here is even more proof that it is good for you, both body and mind.

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Run With the Dogs: Register by Friday to Receive Early Bird Discount

January 2, 2014 1 Comment

DBB-RWTD-2014-Poster_10_ (1)

The Decatur Bulldog Boosters invite you to start 2014 off on the right foot by participating in the 9th annual Run With The Dogs 5K on Saturday, January 11.

The Run With The Dogs is the first qualifying event in the  City of Decatur’s 2014 Grand Slam Fitness Challenge.

Register online at www.active.com (search “Run With The Dogs”) by Friday (1/3/2014) to take advantage of a 20% discounted fee.

Run or walk this 3.1 mile course through the neighborhoods of the City of Decatur. Challenge yourself or just come out with friends and neighbors for the health of it. Dog owners are invited to bring their canine companions.

Long sleeved event t-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered participants.

All canine companions will receive a special commemorative event kerchief.

The run/walk begins at 9AM in front of Decatur High School at 310 North McDonough Street. Registration begins at 8AM. Discounted registration for Decatur school system students, teachers and staff and for City of Decatur employees. All proceeds support the athletic programs of Decatur High and Renfroe Middle Schools.

Bonus: Pop into the EXPO at the Decatur Recreation Center afterwards to learn about all the new classes and activities we offer in 2014.

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Register Early for Body Conditioning and Zumba to Save!

December 30, 2013 Leave a comment

Winter 8 Week Program Flyer

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Healthy Monday: Keep Monday on Your Mind

December 30, 2013 Leave a comment

healthy monday header

Congratulations on a full year of healthy habits!

Even if you still have a ways to go on your goals, now’s the time to celebrate all your progress.

As you look to the coming year, think about the weekly habits that worked best for you and the areas where you could have used a little extra help.

Remember to check in with yourself every Monday to stay accountable and see results!

This week, think about what has worked for you in the past and what you’d like to achieve in 2014.

Set your resolution and determine the steps you need to take to be successful.

For more Healthy Monday information click here.

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Happy Holidays From Decatur Active Living

December 24, 2013 Leave a comment

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Happy Holidays from all of us at Decatur Active Living!

We know the holidays can be stressful, so we encourage you to relax, go with the flow, and enjoy your days and nights. Here are some tips for staying stress free from Modern Mom Blog.

1. Use Imagery

Take a moment to imagine yourself in a beautiful, peaceful place. Maybe it’s a luxurious beach resort that you vacationed at or somewhere that you dream of going to. The key is to momentarily remove yourself from the current anxiety-provoking environment in order to release some of the tension you feel.

2. Breathe

Breathing exercises are a great way to relieve stress anytime and anywhere. They’re easy to learn, easy to use, and can be done as soon as you feel any tension. A simple and effective exercise is to “inhale peace” and “exhale stress”.

3. Light A Candle

Aromatherapy can help you feel calmer and more at peace. Light an aromatherapy candle or have essential oils available to smell in times of stress and chaos.

4. Move that Body

Get up from sitting, (especially important on or after long flights). Take a short walk. In as little as 5 minutes you will feel like you were able to separate yourself from the current situation, regroup and feel like yourself again.

5. Have a Drink of Herbal Tea

To relax, nothing is better than a cup of herbal tea. Chamomile tea is one of my favorites because, in addition to being an aid for stomachaches (which are often stress-related), it is also a great sleep aid.

6. Listen to Music

Music can really transport you. When you are feeling stressed, just tune in to some mellow or soothing music and feel your stress just slip away.

7. Develop a More Positive Attitude

Optimists and positive thinkers experience better health, less stress, and más suerte (more luck) in life. Developing a more positive frame of mind may take a little time and practice, but it can change your life and how you live it. Practice makes perfect and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Maintain Your Sanity, Stay at Peace

Do whatever it takes to maintain your sanity and stay at peace during this, and every, holiday season. Happy Holidays!

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Healthy Monday: Off Limits Can Lead You Off Track

December 23, 2013 Leave a comment

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Forbidding certain foods is a common weight-loss strategy, but studies have shown that this can actually lead to overeating.

Restricted dieters often satiate cravings for their forbidden food by eating other high-calorie items, which can lead to weight gain.

Learning how to effectively cope with trigger foods will leave you feeling in control and improves your chances of maintaining healthy eating habits.

Instead of fearing your favorite foods, figure out how to budget a small portion into your week.
Simply removing the “forbidden” label from a food can greatly reduce cravings for it!

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