Churches across DeKalb County are opening up their exercise facilities to the public.
Seven congregations with gyms have partnered with the DeKalb County Board of Health for a program aimed at improving the health of local residents. The church gyms, some of which also offer specialized exercise classes, will be open for free or at a low cost.
“These partnerships are yet another great way for us to make being active easier for our residents,” DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford said in a statement Monday.
Some of the classes and activities include Zumba, basketball, indoor soccer and weight training.
The churches opening up their gyms are:
- The Beulah Community Family Life Center in Decatur
- The Bridge at Austin Community Center in Decatur
- Kirkwood Edgewood Healthy Living Initiative at Greater Smith Chapel AME Church in Atlanta
- Kirkwood Edgewood Healthy Living Initiative at Turner Monumental AME Church in Atlanta
- Mt. Zion AME Church in Decatur,
- Saint Philip Community Development Corporation in Atlanta
- Stronghold Christian Church in Lithonia
You can visit the Board of Health's website for more information on the locations, hours, classes and prices for the facilities. Some of them are free, while others charge a small daily fee or offer a trial membership.
The churches will also hold monthly health-related educational sessions. According to the 2019 County Health Rankings, 26 percent of DeKalb County adults are obese, the Board of Health said.
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