There’s an “om” looming over Atlanta.
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 Evolation Yoga. 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.
The Wigwam Wellness Festival at Chattahoochee Nature Center, which brings together fitness instructors and health experts to help attendees discover new strategies for their well-being, is a great example of creating a community around fitness. So is the series of free fitness classes on the Beltline that have been offered since winter 2013. This year, classes include yoga, cycling, self-defense, adult swimming and more.
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 this season 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. Days, times and locations vary.
Atlantic Station Wellness Wednesdays: Yoga classes are offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday now through the end of September. The class is free and takes place outdoors in Central Park. If it loooks rain, follow @AtlanticStation on social media. Go to atlanticstation.com and click on Events.
Avalon AvalOM: Free wellness classes take place in the Plaza from 6-7 p.m. each Wednesday. Classes will include yoga and barre in conjunction with Avalon's health and wellness brands such as Exhale, Flywheel Sports and Lululemon.
Sweet Escape Yoga Classes: Kristen Leigh offers free outdoor yoga classes at Tanyard Creek Park / Louise G. Howard Park on Collier Road. Visit www.sweetescapeyoga.com for details. There is no fee, but donations are accepted.
W Atlanta Buckhead What the Tuck: From 6:30-7: 30 p.m. each third Thursday of the month through Sept. 15, join the ladies of Pink Barre for a free poolside barre series. Make a reservation at www.watlantabuckhead.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.
Wigwam Wellness Festival: From 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 22-24, you can join this event for a range of wellness and fitness opportunities at Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Tickets start ate $70 (plus fee) on www.wigwamfest.com for one day. When you buy a ticket, you sign up for four one-hour sessions of your choice.
Yogathon with Atlanta Women's Foundation: Combine fitness and fundraising at this May 21, which takes place in Chastain Horse Park. You can register and create teams as you would for a walk or run, but you'll spend four hours doing yoga in the park. It costs $81 to participate, and during breaks, you have a chance to visit a sponsor expo featuring health and fitness goodies. For more information, go to http://atlantawomen.org/yogathonfaq/.
About the Author
