Getting in shape isn't cheap. The average gym membership is about $50 a month, and often you're required to sign a yearly contract. If you change your mind, you're stuck for a while.
But you can get your workout fix for free at a dozen local parks.
There's nothing sweeter than getting something for nothing. That's what outdoor workout zones offer -- a chance to get in shape without paying a dime. They're springing up in city parks all over Atlanta. The goal is to make exercise and health something all of us can afford.
Blessing Heard, 16, found one in Atlanta's Coan Park, near her grandmother's house.
"It looked new and fun, so I wanted to see what it was," said Heard.
Think of it as a playground for grownups who want to get in shape. Each fitness zone -- Atlanta has 12 of them now -- is packed with circuit training equipment that allows you to use your body weight as resistance.
Atlanta City Parks Director Doug Voss says this is the new face of public parks.
"The machines have just gotten that much better, you used to have a chin up bar, now you have machines out here that work every part of your body. And they're actually pretty easy to use," said Voss.
They're also free. The City of Atlanta Parks Department worked with neighborhood groups to raise money to buy the equipment. Each zone is designed for the people who live around it.
Voss says the idea is to put fitness within everybody's reach.
"But also, the cost of a gym membership is expensive. Our parks are wonderful. You've got so many different opportunities. And a lot of times we've seen that parents will come out, they've got a child on the playground, as long as there's good supervision there, they can come over and workout at the same time, then they've got a perfect opportunity to come work out," Voss said.
The fitness zones are part of a national trend to build healthier communities. If you don't live in Atlanta, but you want to find resources like this in your community, click here for more information.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
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Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
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Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
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Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
Thursday, May 16 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:02:20 GMT
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs.
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs. It was 29-year-old John Kremer's job to find those hidden bombs, and safely destroy them. That's what the Buford man was trying to do, when one of them exploded right under his feet.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-15 22:42:54 GMT
"You're fired!" Those are two words you never want to hear from anyone, especially your own doctor. But that can happen when patients and physicians don't see eye-to-eye.
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Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-14 11:48:46 GMT
There are more than 31 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. And according to a recent survey, more than a third are worried about prescription drug costs.
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