Are you walking correctly?

Like any other exercise, walking requires proper form and technique to be done safely and effectively

We learn to walk when we’re still in diapers, but that doesn’t mean we necessarily know how to walk correctly. Like any other exercise, walking requires the right technique in order to be done safely and effectively.

Proper walking form incorporates four different elements: posture, foot motion, stride, and arm movement. For posture, hold your head high, place your shoulders back, and tighten your mid-section. Remember to stand up straight and don’t arch your back. When in motion, your arm movements should be minimal; make sure that as one arm goes back, the opposite foot goes forward, and do your best to keep your hands partially closed but not clenched — a clenched fist can raise your blood pressure.

Now let’s focus on what’s happening waist down. Do your best to tuck your pelvis under your torso and position your feet straight ahead and parallel to each other. With each step, remember to hit the ground first with your heel and roll through to your toe. When it comes to your walking stride, don’t take too big a step forward; be in control and aim for longer strides on your back step. Imagine you’re using your back foot to propel you forward.

When you go on your daily walk this Monday, focus on form and take the extra time to make sure you’re walking correctly.

From our friends at Move it Monday!

Legacy Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Yesterday afternoon Decatur Legacy Park held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new inclusive playground. As you may recall, the creation of an accessible and inclusive playground at Legacy Park was a suggestion made by students at Oakhurst Elementary School during the community master planning process. We are excited to see their vision brought to reality and provide a space that all children can enjoy.

Inclusive playgrounds, as they’re commonly known, are universally-designed, sensory-rich environments that go beyond minimum accessibility standards to create play experiences accommodating the widest possible array of physical and cognitive abilities. They further allow adults of varying ages and abilities to actively engage with children in their care and serve as multi-generational gathering spaces for community enjoyment, socialization, healthy bodies, and imaginative fun.

This effort was made possible by a $145,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) obtained through Dekalb County with the support of county Commissioners Steve Bradshaw, District 4, and Ted Terry, District 6. The City of Decatur then pledged $114,00 in matching funds for a total project budget of $259,000.

To see more pictures of the ceremony and to read the Decaturish’s coverage, click here

Downtown Decatur Walking Tour

A walking tour will be held this Saturday from 11am-12:30pm starting from the community bandstand. Visit decaturtowncenterplan.com for more information about the Town Center Plan 2.0 process!

Join the fun during Biketober!

Be sure to join the fun this month for Biketober. We encourage costumes, but breathable, of course. Let’s get pedaling!

Memorial Walk honoring Dave Schneberger this Saturday!

Memorial Walk honoring Dave Schneberger

Join us this Saturday, September 17, to honor the life of our dear friend and Pedestrian Advisory Committee member, Dave Schneberger. We will meet at Decatur Recreation Center at 9:00am for a short walk to Sycamore Park where stories and Dave’s poetry will be shared. Dave loved gelato so be sure to have a cup from Cremalosa at the park. See you all there as we celebrate Dave’s remarkable life.

Earn-a-Bike

Free workshop on September 24, 10-2pm at Legacy Park.

Practice bike handling skills and build your bike knowledge!

Learn how to ride smart with drills and practice riding.

Earn a free bike – While supplies last.

For more information contact civilbikes@gmail.com

Oakhurst Recreation Center

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out on Saturday for our Grand Opening! The Oakhurst Recreation Center is now officially open! Our current hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9am-6pm.

Our hours will expand as we begin to get more programs and activities in the building.

Check out pictures from Saturday on Decaturish

Bright at Night Walk Tonight at 8pm

Take a walk with the Pedestrian Advisory Committee! This Friday, July 22, at 8 p.m. starting at Decatur Recreation Center. PAC hopes to encourage citizens to enjoy walking in Decatur, day and night. To address safety concerns and to help citizens enjoy the city at night, we are offering a series of Bright at Night walks that encourage community and exercise. All participants receive wearable lights to wear on future walks.

Bright at Night Walk Tonight and Pollinator Festival Tomorrow!

Take a walk with the Pedestrian Advisory Committee! Tonight at 8 p.m. starting at the Decatur Rec Center. PAC hopes to encourage citizens to enjoy walking in Decatur, day and night. To address safety concerns and to help citizens enjoy the city at night, we are offering a series of Bright at Night walks that encourage community and exercise. All participants receive wearable lights to wear on future walks. More information can be found here

Bee City USA®-Decatur, GA (a.k.a. “Beecatur”) will mark National Pollinator Week 2022 with a festival on Decatur square. This free event will take place on June 25, 10 am – 2 pm. Decatur Active Living and Scott Park Community Garden will be there to promote awareness of Decatur’s community gardens and to give a chance to weigh in on Decatur’s Parks and Recreation 10 year Master Plan aka: “Recreatur”. There will be activities for kids, free face-painting by Bubble Squad Entertainment, and King of Pops will be on hand selling their famous popsicles.

Bright at Night Walk this Friday

Take a walk with the Pedestrian Advisory Committee! This Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m. starting at Decatur Recreation Center. PAC hopes to encourage citizens to enjoy walking in Decatur, day and night. To address safety concerns and to help citizens enjoy the city at night, we are offering a series of Bright at Night walks that encourage community and exercise. All participants receive wearable lights to wear on future walks.