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

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!

Touch-A-Truck Update!

Due to the weather forecast, we are delaying our annual Touch-A-Truck and Touch-A-Budget event start time by one hour. We will now begin at 11:00am on Saturday, March 25 at East Lake MARTA station, North lot.

Touch-A-Truck this Saturday!

Join the City of Decatur for their annual Touch-A-Truck and Touch-A-Budget event on Saturday, March 25 at East Lake MARTA station, North lot from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Bikes & Brews Postponed

Unfortunately, due to the forecast for Friday we will be postponing this month’s bikes & brews.

We’ll be back April 21st @ 6:30pm meeting at Guild + Journeyman.

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

Don’t forget to provide your feedback!

The Decatur Parks and Recreation Master Plan, known as Recreatur, is in its final planning phases. Learn about the research and findings, review the proposed plan recommendations, and provide your feedback for the future parks and recreation in Decatur. Visit recreatur.konveio.com to add your input!