Celebrate Bike to Work Week with Decatur Active Living

The end of Bike Month is quickly approaching so be sure to celebrate with us as we wrap up another great month.

Visit us at our Bike to Work Energizer Station tomorrow morning, May 20, in front of Decatur Recreation Center for a grab and go breakfast.

Bike and Brews will be later that evening at 6:30pm. We will meet in front of Decatur Recreation Center then end at Twains Brewpub.

Did we mention that GA Commute Options will join us? Visit their table for cool swag. Hope to see you ride with us.

Celebrate National Walking Day!

Come walk with us! Decatur Active Living will celebrate National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 6th at 10 a.m. Meet outside the Decatur Recreation Center and be ready to walk 2-3 miles around Decatur.

The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day and it encourages Americans of all ages to get out and stretch their legs and get their hearts pumping. The American Heart Association launched National Walking Day in 2007 as part of its efforts to promote healthy living.

Unable to join us? Wear your sneakers (or take them with you) to work, and at some point in the day, take a 30-minute walk. 

  • Take thirty minutes out of your day to go for a walk.
  • Find a trail near you or walk around your neighborhood.
  • You can also visit a local park or walk on your treadmill.
  • Take your canine pals with you, too. They need the cardiovascular workout, too!

Here are some great ways to make that 30-minutes more enjoyable:

  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Take a friend to pass the time.
  • Make sure to stretch those muscles.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Move your arms, too.
  • Make sure you have good posture.

Touch A Truck & Touch A Budget TOMORROW!!

After two long years Touch A Truck is back! Visit trucks, bikes, MARTA vehicles and get a popsicle from King of Pops! We are partnering with City’s Touch A Budget and Clean Energy Plan. Help us kick off Spring with our most beloved event. See you all there!

Touch A Truck – Saturday, March 19 . 10am – 2pm . East Lake MARTA Station, North Lot

Use Monday to Stay on the Right Track

New routines can take some time to get going. If you’ve been trying to make your day more active, use this Monday to check in on your progress and to stay on track. Did you use January to make a new resolution? Consider Mondays instead! You can resolve to keep moving and try new activities every week. You haven’t fallen off the wagon yet! You might just need to make some minor adjustments.

Staying active can become second nature to you no matter what your fitness level is. In the beginning, keep track of how often you get up and move throughout the day and how much time you spend moving.

Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes per day, five days a week. You can build up to that kind of goal over time. For now, draw up an hourly schedule and note when you get up and what you do. If you find that you’re sitting for a long period of time, find an activity that will help break up that block of time.

You can use every Monday to reset your practice, add to it, or change it up if you want to do something more or less challenging. Changing your lifestyle is not a sprint – it can be done incrementally, over the course of time. You can hit the “reset” button every Monday and reach new goals every week!

Here are a few simple exercises that will keep you moving throughout the day:

Mini workoutsWhenever you can find a few moments, do quick exercises in short bursts that will get your heart beating and muscles moving!

Chair yogaIf you can’t leave your desk, take some time to stretch and prevent yourself from getting stiff. Bonus: A little yoga will help you reduce stress!

WalkingWalking is real exercise. Consider organizing or walking a Monday Mile. But if you can’t find the time to do that, take short walks throughout the day. Park your car further away from your destination instead of finding the closest spot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during conversations or meetings at work. Every step counts!

It’s never too late to start being more active on a daily basis. Monday is a great day to start adding a little bit more movement to your day that can continue through the rest of the week!

Don’t Forget to Sign Up for the Love Run 5K

Don't forget to sign up for the Love Run 5K. Proceeds benefit The Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence. The race is on Saturday, February 26th.
The Love Run 5K Race

Today is Take A Walk Outdoors Day!

Take A Walk Outdoors Day falls on January 20 every year, and as the name suggests, it’s a day to step outside for a walk! Walking comes with a host of health benefits, and taking a walk outdoors is a great way to get to know your neighborhood and city. Walking outdoors lets your body absorb Vitamin D which is good for your bones and muscle growth. For best results, try an early morning walk because only the early morning sun generates Vitamin D, and 75% of adults don’t get enough of it. Taking walks can brighten your mood, as chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine are released during and after walks. Walking can also lessen depression, and it is more effective in doing so if you walk outside than inside. Taking a walk can also benefit the brain by helping new brain cells to grow, which can fight memory loss and dementia and is beneficial for the heart: it can lower your blood pressure, and can lower your risk of getting a heart attack. It can also lessen your chances of getting lung cancer, help you burn fat, strengthen your bones, and keep your skin healthy by helping your body to produce more collagen. The best part is walking is fun and easy and requires no special equipment. You can walk alone, with friends or with your furry companion.  

The City of Decatur, with its tree lined streets and more than 60 miles of sidewalks in 4.5 square miles, is a prime location for walking. Decatur also has a variety of parks and greenspace along with the PATH trail that runs through the city. Take a nice leisurely stroll, or power walk at a brisk speed. Walk in your neighborhood, or take in a hike. Above all, make sure you get outside and get some exercise. Your body and mind will thank you.

Download our walking map with six routes around Decatur! https://www.decaturga.com/parksrec/page/take-walk-decatur-map

Decatur Active Living’s Holiday Hours

Happy Holidays to all! Decatur Active Living facilities and programs will have a modified schedule until the New Year.

Decatur Recreation Center and Ebster Recreation Center will close on Thursday, December 23 at 2:00 PM through Monday, January 3.

Glenlake Tennis Center will be closed on December 24 and December 25 as well as December 31 and January 1. All other days have normal business hours.

Oakhurst Indoor Pool will have normal business hours except for the following dates:

  • Friday, December 23: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • December 24 and 25: Closed for Christmas
  • Sunday, December 26: 12:00 PM (noon) – 5:00 PM
  • Friday, December 31: 6:00 AM – 2:00 pm
  • January 1: Closed on New Years Day
  • Sunday, January 2: 12:00 PM (noon) – 5:00 PM

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please reach out to our front desk at 404-377-0494.

Just Keep Moving with Bobbie Elzey

Bobbie Elzey is living an extraordinary life. From a schoolteacher and dancer to a pioneer for dance aerobics, Bobbie has paved the way for many females in the health and fitness industry. Beginning her fitness journey in the 1970s at a local YMCA, she built a dance fitness program with five participants to 1,000 participants. She ventured her way to Russia to teach across the country and to judge the National Competition for Aerobics eventually making her way to teach in Decatur in 1985.
Bobbie has taught Dance Aerobics and Functional Exercise for Seniors with Decatur Active Living for the past 36 years. Bobbie quickly became a staple and champion for health and fitness as well as our older adult population. We had the opportunity to sit down with Bobbie to hear her advice on how to prioritize health and wellness, especially for the older adult population.

Bobbie’s Health and Wellness Advice:

  • Age and disease should not be a roadblock to exercise!
  • To be successful in staying active, be sure to find activities that you enjoy. Think about what fitness activity you enjoyed during your childhood and do that now.
  • Every day movement and balance is important. Older adult populations can develop muscle quickly and gain confidence.
  • Challenge yourself with movement, balance, and strength activities daily. Get up and get moving!

Just Keep Moving with Bobbie’s classes at Decatur Recreation Center. Visit our website to learn more about our programs and be sure to contact Bobbie at www.lzaerobics.com to learn about her weekly classes and pricing.

Biketober starts next Friday!

Roll with us next month for Biketober! Check out our biking programs and don’t forget to sign up for our We Bike Decatur team with Love to Ride.

Third Friday Bike Ride is Friday, August 20

Join Decatur Active Living for this social-paced bike ride around Decatur neighborhoods. We bike approximately six miles and no-one will be left behind. Please wear a helmet and mask. This ride is not appropriate for children.

Meet in front of the Decatur Recreation Center and be ready to put wheels down at 6:30 pm.