It’s no surprise that losing weight or getting in shape tops most lists when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions. However, despite the numerous studies citing the importance of exercise, many Chattanoogans don’t exercise.
According to Mayo Clinic studies, financial barriers, boredom, physical limitations, and time are leading reasons why most Americans choose not to exercise. The City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department is challenging these barriers, providing choices that make exercise fun and full of variety for numerous age groups and ability levels.
Chattanooga Parks and Recreation offers Zumba, water fitness, line dancing, senior fitness, light aerobics, yoga, chair exercise, lap swim, free adult aerobics, senior sports and more. Many classes are free, although a few, such as Zumba and water fitness, cost a few dollars a class. Classes are available several times a day, Monday through Saturday, in numerous Community Centers and the Chattanooga Fitness Center at Warner Park.
More low cost options include numerous walking trails totaling nearly 35 miles within Chattanooga’s City limits. In most cases, an average individual can lose 300 calories in 30 minutes with a brisk walk. Chattanooga Parks and Recreation maintains the South Chickamauga Greenway, North Chickamauga Greenway, and several portions of the Tennessee Riverwalk, and offers two locations that include an outdoor fitness trail: Warner Park and Shepherd Community Center both offer stations that include sit ups, stretching, bench pressing, inner core work and more.
Source: City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation