Family Adventure Awaits!
KEEP MOVING
We are often asked, “What’s the best activity for getting in shape?” The answer to that is, “Whatever moves you.” When it comes to exercise there is not one solution for all. I often recommend that people start with activities that they enjoy and with summer approaching, there is no better time to rally a few friends or gather the family for an adventurous outdoor outing that also serves a healthy purpose.The idea is “keep moving” and North Georgia offers some of the most beautiful scenery and motivation to move your workout outside.
There are many factors to be considered when you decide to explore the activities available, most important being safety. Be sure to plan and have proper expectations of your surroundings. Make a list of all the supplies and safety equipment needed for your activity. It is always a good practice to keep water with you and this is even more important as we consider our average temperatures for our beautiful Georgia summers can be in the 90’s.
If you are adventuring alone, be sure to notify others of your plans and expected return time.
Georgia’s climate and terrain offers many outdoor options:
Walking
Cycling
Hiking
Tennis
Volleyball
Swimming
Kayaking
WALK
A fast-paced walk can improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system; reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; and help you maintain a healthy weight. Walking is also a low-impact exercise, so it's easy on the joints and muscles. Bonus: You burn an average of 170 calories during a 30-min walk.
Where to Go:
See our Trail Guide for walking trails at our local parks.
CYCLE
Cycling is another low impact exercise and there are many trails and neighborhoods that offer amazing cardiovascular exercise. Cycling may even be good for your mental health, with some studies finding that cycling to work is linked with better well-being than driving to work. Riding for 30 minutes can burn between 400-600 calories!
Where to Go:
North Park Out and Back, Alpharetta - 3.54 miles
Jones-Jones-Edgerton, Peachtree Corners - 3.59 miles
Around JC & Duluth, Duluth - 6.2 miles
18 miles from home, Cumming - Alpharetta loop - 8 miles
More Routes on the Map My Ride website
HIKE
Hiking not only gives you an aerobic workout, but it may also be good for your mental health. A number of studies suggest that spending time in nature reduces stress levels and negative thinking. More good news, according to a recent study, if you do not have time to work out during the week, a long hike or two on the weekend may offer health benefits similar to those seen in people who exercise more frequently. One can expect to burn about 250 calories on a 30-min trek.
Where to Go:
Our series, DISCOVER GEORGIA HIKING details some fantastic hiking with beautiful views and grand waterfalls. See those separately.
Rabun Bald Summit – Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald – 3 miles
Sawnee Mtn Preserve, Indian Seats Trail @ Sawnee Mtn - 4 miles
Sweetwater Creek State Park - 2-4 miles
East Palisades Trail at the Chattahoochee River - 3.4 miles
Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill - 3 miles
TENNIS
What's not to "love" about tennis! Tennis helps improve reaction time and bone density. Sports are also great for taking your mind off of “exercising.” Before you know it, you will be burning 400+ calories in only 30 minutes.
Where to Go:
T2 Tennis, ALTA (Atlanta Lawn & Tennis Assn) and USTA all have tennis leagues. Find out more on their websites.
VOLLEYBALL
Who doesn’t like a good game of Volleyball with friends? Volleyball is a favorite summer activity that has great health benefits as well. This is also a great option for improving reaction time and upper body strength. This game will keep you on the go and get you up in the air. While the amount of calories burned varies on different surface (concrete, grass, sand), you will likely burn 300+ calories easily with just 30 minutes of volleyball.
Where to Go:
Alpharetta Beach Volleyball Courts, Alpharetta
A5 Volleyball Club, Roswell
Some YMCA locations
SWIM
Swimming is probably the most muscle engaging, low impact exercise that you can do. Studies show swimming may be particularly good for older adults, as it may help strengthen core muscles and reduce the risk of falls. In addition, swimming may help with arthritis by increasing the use of joints without worsening symptoms, the CDC says. This “go to” Georgia summer activity will melt about 400 calories during a 30-minute session.
Where to Go:
West Gwinnett Park & Aquatic Center in Norcross
Many Neighborhoods and lakes
KAYAK
If you are looking for a more scenic adventure, kayaking is a great option in Georgia. This activity helps improve upper body strength and is also easy on your joints. Don’t let the sitting down fool you. You can expect to burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes.
Where to Go:
SO many options for kayaking and canoeing on the Chattahoochee and in North Georgia and North Carolina! Google is your best bet here!
Now you have lots of ideas to get out and stay healthy (in North) Georgia!
By: Devin "DC" Campbell
Eat the Frog Fitness, Johns Creek
Resources:
Many Listed!