Gear up for an action-packed weekend with our Biketober and Walktober events!
Biketober Highlights:
Bikes & Brews: Friday Night! 🍻🚴♂️ Join us for a thrilling cycling experience on Friday, October 6th, at 6:30 p.m. Meet in front of @guildjourneyman, 115 Clairemont Ave, and let’s hit the road together.
Saturday Ride: October 7th at 10 a.m. 🌞 Embrace the morning breeze and scenic views on our Saturday ride. Get ready to pedal your way to a fantastic weekend!
Walktober Adventures:
Art Walk: October 8th at 2 p.m. 🎨 Explore the artistic side of Decatur! Join us for an Art Walk on October 8th, starting at 2 p.m. Meet at the Community Bandstand on the Decatur Square. Co-sponsored by the Decatur Pedestrian Advisory Committee, these walks will be led by Angie Macon of the Decatur Arts Alliance.
Decatur Historic Cemetery Tour:
Second Sunday Tour: October 8th at 2:30 p.m. 🌳 Don’t miss the last Second Sunday tour of the season at the Decatur Historic Cemetery! Hosted by Friends of Decatur Cemetery, these captivating tours happen every Second Sunday, May through October. Meet at the wellhouse/gazebo in the Historic Old Section at 2:30 p.m. for an enriching journey through history.
Get ready for a weekend filled with outdoor adventures, community spirit, and the beauty of Decatur!
Looking for a fun and rewarding way to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Look no further than Walktober, a celebration of all things walking!
Why Walktober? Walking is not just a stroll in the park; it’s a journey to better health, both physically and mentally. As we step into October, join us in making walking a daily habit. The benefits are numerous and impactful:
Physical Fitness: Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s suitable for all fitness levels. It helps improve cardiovascular health, enhance endurance, and maintain a healthy weight.
Mental Well-Being: Enjoy the therapeutic effects of a leisurely walk. It’s proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Connection with Community: Walking brings people together. Whether it’s a stroll with neighbors or a walk in a local park, it fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Creativity Boost: Need to clear your mind? Walking has been linked to increased creativity. Take a walk, let your thoughts flow, and see the ideas bloom.
Walktober Bingo: Fun, Fitness, and Prizes! To add an exciting twist to your walking routine, participate in our Walktober Bingo challenge. Here’s how it works:
Pick up a Bingo Card: Visit any of our three recreation centers to grab your Walktober Bingo Card. It’s your roadmap to a month of walking adventures! Or print the card off from this post.
Complete the Challenges: Each square on the Bingo Card presents a unique walking challenge. Explore your neighborhood, parks, and trails while ticking off the activities.
Capture the Moments: Take pictures as you complete the spaces.
Submit for a Chance to Win: Completed the card? Share your pictures with us and get entered into a raffle to win one of five exclusive Decatur 200th Birthday Swag Bags. It’s a celebration, and you could be a winner!
Join the Walktober Movement! Walktober is more than just a month-long event; it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier you. Lace-up those walking shoes, embrace the beauty of fall, and step into a new level of well-being.
Downtown Decatur has always been a vibrant hub, brimming with creativity and culture. Among the many facets that make this community so unique, public art stands tall as a testament to the city’s commitment to artistic expression. Have you ever strolled through these charming streets and wondered about the stories behind the sculptures, murals, and installations? Or perhaps you’ve missed some of these artistic gems tucked away in corners waiting to be discovered.
If you share our curiosity or want to explore Decatur in a new light, we invite you to join us on Sunday, October 1st and 8th at 2 p.m. for a captivating journey through the city’s public art landscape. These guided walking tours promise not only to reveal the narratives behind the art but also to unveil hidden treasures you may have missed.
On October 1, we will cover the east side of downtown Decatur and on October 8, we will cover the west side of downtown Decatur. Co-sponsored by the Decatur Bike & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, these walks will be led by Angie Macon of the Decatur Arts Alliance. Meet at Community Bandstand for these enjoyable and informative FREE walking tours.
Don’t let that hard-core runner convince you otherwise: Walking is real exercise. A 2013 study found that walkers who cover the same mileage as runners enjoy comparable improvements in a variety of health markers. One reason is because walking works the same muscles as running, only the intensity and duration are different. Sure, it’ll take you twice as long (or more) to cover the same distance as your runner friend, but walking is easier, more accessible, and may be the best exercise to start off with, especially if you’re a beginner.
Here are your talking points for why walking is real exercise:
Keeps your weight in check. According to a 2009 study, people who walk to work are less likely to rattle that obese marker. To burn enough calories to lose weight, the Mayo Clinic suggests putting on your sneakers and walking 30 minutes a day.
Helps regulate blood sugar. Walking combats Type 2 diabetes because it helps lower blood sugar levels, thus reducing insulin levels. But timing is everything. Walking for 15 minutes after every meal regulates blood sugar levels just as effectively as one 45-minute walk per day.
Promotes better digestion. What’s the antidote to lying down after a big meal (one of the worse things you can do for acid reflux and a host of other conditions)? Walk! The activity super-charges your digestion by moving the food faster through your body.
Prevents varicose veins. Walking helps to drain excess fluid from the lower legs and can help prevent varicose veins through the pumping action of the calf muscles. That increase in oxygen you’re feeling also gets rid of waste products in the tissues.
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Walking briskly can lower your risk of high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol just as much as running can, according to findings reported by the American Heart Association. In fact, the more walkers walked, the better their health improved.
Gentle on the joints. Doctors say gentle walking is the best exercise if you’re pregnant, morbidly obese, or suffering from arthritis. Walking may even help ease the pain of chronic illness. For those experiencing these conditions, experts suggest starting with just two to five minutes a day, then adding an extra two minutes every third day.
Mood lifter. Walking just makes you feel good! That’s because moving your body releases endorphins that dull pain receptors in the brain, sedate you, and can even make you feel happy, if not euphoric. A 2005 study found that walking briskly for 35 minutes five times a week, or 60 minutes three times a week, could significantly impact mild to moderate depression symptoms.
Better night’s rest. Tossing and turning all night? Take this insider’s tip from travel experts, who suggest walking around a new city on the day you arrive until it’s dark can help recalibrate your supply of melatonin. Essentially, the hormone is needed to synchronize your body clock to your new time zone; the more melatonin in your body, the sleepier you’ll feel at the right time.
How to walk right?Experts say that to ensure walking is real exercise and not just a friendly stroll you must walk fast enough to cover at least 3.5 miles an hour. That will feel like hurrying to a bus or trying to get out of the rain; the point is to feel slightly winded. If you’re a beginner, see that goal as an aspiration and slowly work up to it. Join us every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. (10 a.m. starting in October) outside the Decatur Recreation Center for a 2-3 mile walk around the city.
In August, we come together to celebrate National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines. It’s a perfect opportunity to create wholesome habits in your lifestyle and focus on self-care to feel like your best self! We all know how life can get busy with work, traffic, family obligations, and other stressors. However, research has shown that practicing self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. To lead a happy and healthy life, it is crucial to prioritize wellness and self-care.
Physical Fitness and Activity: Moving Towards Better Health
One of the key pillars of Wellness Month is promoting physical fitness and activity. Engaging in regular exercise not only benefits our physical health but also improves our mental well-being. Whether you love jogging in one of our many parks, attending yoga classes, or playing sports, finding activities that bring you joy can make staying active a delightful experience. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we offer various fitness classes and open gym activities, like basketball and pickleball, to support your health and well-being. Check out our Playbook to see all our program offerings!
Nutrition: Fueling our Bodies with Nourishing Choices
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health, and Wellness Month encourages us to reevaluate our eating habits and make healthier food choices. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into our meals can provide essential nutrients and support our immune system. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we collaborate with pre-med Emory students to promote nutrition and healthy eating habits for the community. If you have expertise in cooking or nutrition and would like to teach a class at one of our rec centers, reach out to us at dprd@decaturga.com.
Mental Health: Cultivating Inner Peace and Resilience
Taking care of our mental well-being is equally important as caring for our physical health. During Wellness Month, we encourage practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques. Nurturing our mental health can lead to increased focus, better sleep, and enhanced overall happiness. We offer Yoga and Tai Chi classes to help support you on your journey.
Community Engagement: Building a Supportive Network
Social connections play a vital role in our well-being, and Wellness Month motivates us to connect with our community and build supportive networks. Join us for a 2-3 mile walk every Wednesday morning to connect with your neighbors while getting your steps in. Additionally, you can visit Volunteer! Decatur to actively participate in various community events organized by the City.
Healthy Habits for the Long Run
Remember, investing in our health is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By cultivating healthy habits and incorporating them into our daily lives, we pave the way for a happier, healthier future. As we embrace this month-long celebration of health and well-being, let’s support one another, strive for balance, and make Wellness Month a stepping stone towards a brighter and healthier future. Happy Wellness Month from Decatur Parks & Recreation!
Living close to parks and recreation facilities has incredible benefits for both adults and youth. Studies consistently show that proximity to these spaces is linked to higher physical activity levels. Get ready to lace up your sneakers and experience the positive impact firsthand!
But the benefits don’t stop there. Parks also provide a vital connection to nature, offering a sanctuary of tranquility and wellness. Research demonstrates that spending time in nature can relieve stress, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and enhance mental health. It’s a win-win for your body and mind!
Join us this Wednesday at 9 a.m. in front of the Decatur Recreation Center for an invigorating 2-3 mile walk around Decatur’s vibrant neighborhoods. Embrace the fresh air, enjoy the scenic views, and connect with like-minded individuals who prioritize their well-being.
At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we understand the importance of equitable opportunities for all community members to stay active. Our dedicated park and recreation professionals play a key role in ensuring that everyone has equal access to these transformative experiences.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to improve your physical and mental well-being while exploring our beautiful community. Grab a friend, bring your family, and let’s walk together towards a healthier and happier lifestyle!
See you Wednesday at 9 a.m. in front of the Decatur Recreation Center. Let’s make every step count!
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.
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!
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