The past four years have brought a health-and-wellness boom to the metro area that has resulted in a number of opportunities for locals to get fit. Retail centers, hotels, specialty stores and even the Atlanta Beltline have created partnerships to offer area residents yoga, cycling, barre and other fitness programs free of charge. Many of these events take place outdoors to capitalize on Atlanta’s mild weather, while also building a stronger feeling of community.
In 2011, Atlantic Station launched its Wellness Wednesdays program after feedback on social media indicated visitors were interested in health and wellness experiences, says Liz Gillespie, vice president of marketing for North American Properties, developers of Atlantic Station and Avalon in Alpharetta.
Wellness Wednesdays offers free yoga in Atlantic Station’s Central Park, and it is taught by instructors from Exhale Spa. The event is also produced in conjunction with Athleta, a women’s fitness brand that offers its own free in-store fitness classes each Saturday. Athleta also is the backup location for Wellness Wednesdays yoga if it rains.
Leigh Mallis, co-founder of Atlanta on the Path - an alliance of professionals dedicated to improving life through nutrition, yoga and meditation - says Atlanta has matured quite a bit in its health and wellness offerings.
“(Atlantans) are seeking a more integrative and collaborative approach to their wellness. They are seeking more than just a single discipline to stay within their health, ” she says.
Fitness, says Mallis, isn’t just about going to a gym anymore. “It is the experience as a whole and people wanting more mind-body connection.”
Ready to experience all that Atlanta’s fitness community has to offer?
Here’s a guide to upcoming outdoor fitness events:
The Atlanta Beltline Partnership: Free fitness classes include old favorites such as Walk With a Doc and FitWit, as well as new additions like adult swimming, self-defense, and Barre3. The classes are free, but you do have to register at beltline.org/fitsignup. Days, times and locations vary.
Atlantic Station Wellness Wednesdays: Yoga classes are offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday through the end of September. The class is free and takes place outdoors in Central Park. In the event of rain, it moves indoors to Athleta (with limited capacity). Go to http://atlanticstation.com and click on Events.
Avalon AvalOM: Free wellness classes take place in the Plaza from 6-7 p.m. each Thursday. Classes will include yoga, barre, adventure runs and more in conjunction with Avalon’s health and wellness brands such as Exhale, Flywheel Sports and Lululemon.
Pink Barre: Pink Barre (http://pink-barre.com/) hosts “Barre in the Park” sessions at its Emory Point, Buckhead and Sandy Springs locations. Bring your own yoga mat. The next session is at 11 a.m. June 27 at Heritage Park in Sandy Springs.
W Atlanta Buckhead What the Tuck: From 6:30-7:30 p.m. each third Thursday of the month through Sept. 17, join the ladies of Pink Barre for a free poolside barre series. Make a reservation at www.watlanta buckhead.com/barre and bring your own yoga mat. Towels and water provided. Valet parking is $6. The hotel is at 3377 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta.
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