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Fit Life py 2026! Hap

LIFESTYLE • LIFESTYLE • HEALTH HEALTH •• FITNESS FITNESS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

North Atlanta

CARLA BELDING

Keeping North Atlanta Dancing & Healthy

Financial Fitness:

Take Control of Your Future

Men’s Health:

What Supplements Should He Take?

Dance Your Dance Your Way Way Into Into 2026! 2026!

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North Atlanta

Fit Life LIFESTYLE • HEALTH • FITNESS

Tracie Morse ~Owner/Publisher

HAPPY 2026! Whether it’s new goals, a fresh focus or better balance that is most important to you in 2026, I am grateful that you choose to include FitLife in your health, wellness & fitness journey. Here’s to a new year of health, happiness and abundance!

The Energy of Jazzercise

Dance Your Way to Fitness in 2026 - Page 6 Cover: Katie Coon Photography

Financial Freedom in 2026 Invest in Yourself - Page 12

Men’s Health

Men’s Vitamin Wellness - Page 10

12 - Community Events 16 - Healthy, Easy Recipes

13 - Best Places to Work Out 18 - Senior Life

VISIT THESE BUSINESSES “Tell them “I saw you in FitLife!” ActIVate ATL Dental Implants Big Sky Anti-Aging Blossom & Vine Body Bar Family Practice Center Gameday Men's Health JC Jazzercise JetSet Pilates Lindora

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SE Medical Group Structural Based Therapy

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SENIOR LIFE: Atria Center for the Visually Impaired N GA Audiology & Hearing Aid Center Phoenix at Milton Thrive Touch Tulip Place Dementia Day Center Your Tech Lady Vitality Living Milton

23 22 20 21 19 22 20 22

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Dance Da nce SSweat weat Repeat Repeat

Building a Jazzercise Community from Alpharetta to Cumming! When you meet Carla Belding, you instantly feel her energy. The longtime Jazzercise instructor, business owner, and self-described “numbers girl with rhythm” radiates positivity and drive. Now, she’s bringing that same spirit to a brand-new Jazzercise location in Cumming, expanding the reach of her beloved Jazzercise Alpharetta community.

A Numbers Girl With Rhythm “I’m an accountant. Jazzercise lets me use my business skills along with my creative side of marketing and dance.” That perfect balance of structure and spontaneity has been the foundation of her success. Behind the choreography and music is a well-run business built on passion, consistency, and connection.

Inspiration & Guidance “I rely heavily on my faith. When things get hard, I find myself praying for the right thing to do in life and in my business. I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and Jazzercise allows me to help

people in their health and wellness. I want to leave a positive impact on people’s lives.” Her circle of support runs deep. “There have been many people in my life who have pushed me to do things I didn’t think I could do. They range from teachers, family, and friends. But I couldn’t do any of this without the support of my husband. Being a Jazzercise husband is not easy,” she laughs. “At any given moment, I’m asking him to repair something, install something, or help me with an event.” That humor and gratitude define her leadership style. “I’ve never walked away from a challenge, and the fitness industry is a challenge every day. I want people to remember that their health is the best investment they will ever make. Don’t stop moving. Find the time.”

Words to Live By Health is your greatest wealth. For Carla, this is more than motivation — it’s a mission. “Movement isn’t just about fitness or looking a certain way; it’s about creating a long,

I want people to remember that their health is the best investment they will ever make. Don’t stop moving. Find the time.

new friends! I know this to be true — my husband and I have moved five times, and I’ve found Jazzercise friends everywhere. They’re the BEST!”

Let’s Dance: How to Get Started vibrant life filled with confidence, energy, and community,” she says. “Those words push me to invest in people because when someone feels strong, supported, and seen, their entire life improves. That’s the kind of impact I want my business to have every day.”

From Member to Mentor — to Multi-Studio Owner “I started as a member in 1997 and became a certified instructor in 2002. I knew I wanted to do more than just teach — I wanted to use my skills and knowledge to operate a studio. I opened my first Jazzercise location in 2004 in Illinois and loved it!”

The Jazzercise New Year Sale is going on now! Get two months of unlimited classes for just $99 — but don’t wait, this sale ends January 31. Monthly memberships are flexible to fit every schedule: $129 – Unlimited classes $119 – 12 classes per month $109 – 8 classes per month $99 – 4 classes per month No long-term contracts, and there’s always room on the dance floor — no waitlists. Need flexibility? Try a class pack: 8 classes – $219 (two-month expiration) 4 classes – $114 (one-month expiration)

She purchased the Alpharetta location in 2020, and after years of growth and community success, she’s ready to expand again. “I have recently acquired the Jazzercise location in Cumming, and I look forward to seeing this location grow over the next year. I’ll bring the same perspective that we have in Alpharetta — positive vibes and a strong community serving the women of North Forsyth.”

Positive Vibes Only!

Find Your Happy Place

Once known for its neon leotards and ‘80s energy, Jazzercise has evolved into a modern, full-body workout that combines dance cardio, strength training, HIIT, Pilates, and yoga. It’s attracting a new generation of participants — including Millennials and Gen Z — who crave workouts that are not only effective but also fun and community-driven.

With her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to faith, fitness, and fun, Carla Belding continues to make Jazzercise more than just a workout — it’s a celebration of strength, community, and joy.

“This is our happy place. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel a positive, warm vibe. We want our members to leave everything at the door and have one hour just for them. No outside noise — just positive vibes only.” She adds, “If you’re moving to a new area and don’t know anyone, go to a Jazzercise class. You’ll make

Start 2026 off right by joining Jazzercise Alpharetta or the brand-new Jazzercise Cumming studio and discover how movement, music, and positivity can transform not just your body, but your entire outlook.

Call (706) 974-9431 Take the first step to a happy, healthy 2026.

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FINANCIAL FITNESS Invest in Yourself

AS THE NEW YEAR BEGINS, MANY OF US FOCUS ON PERSONAL FITNESS GOALS— EATING HEALTHIER, losing weight, and building better habits. All of these are essential for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. But there’s another part of your life that deserves just as much attention: your financial fitness.

Just like learning how to exercise or fuel your body properly, you can also learn how to strengthen your financial life through education and smart investing. For many people, investing feels intimidating—much like the first time you walked into a gym. But everything changes once you have a personal trainer to guide you. You learn the techniques, the strategy, and the confidence to reach your goals. The same is true with investing. A personal investment coach can help you develop skills to take control of your financial fitness. Here’s how a current student summed up her experience:

Changing my perception of money and investing has completely transformed the way I approach my future and my own financial fitness. I’ve learned how to build wealth with intention instead of impulse, and how to shift my mindset from spending to ownership. Instead of wasting money on things that lose value, I now understand how to put it into investments that can grow with me for a lifetime. Through one-on-one coaching, just like at a gym, I’ve learned how to analyze businesses, read charts confidently, manage risk, and even apply options strategies that give me more flexibility. These skills have allowed me to make decisions based on knowledge, not emotion, and to understand how real wealth is created over time. But beyond the technical skills, I’ve grown as a person. I’ve learned discipline, patience, emotional control, and long-term thinking—qualities that will benefit me and that I will utilize beyond the world of investing. I am building the foundation of my financial life and this education has given me confidence I didn’t know I was missing. Today, I feel empowered, informed, and capable of taking control of my financial future. These lessons have shaped not only the way I invest, but the way I live.

The “Invest in Yourself” financial education program inspires individuals by helping them build the skills need to take control of their financial future. One-on-One personalized coaching is designed to build customized learning plans so clients spend time learning skills for long term success: Fundamental Analysis to understand business value Technical Analysis to navigate market behavior Options Strategies to enhance flexibility and income

Our clients don’t just build portfolios—they build confidence, discipline, and lifelong financial skills that strengthen every area of their lives. 2026 can be the year everything changes—your mindset, your habits, and your financial fitness. With the right guidance, you can learn to invest with purpose and confidence.

By: Shawn Laizer Managing Partner/Investment Coach slsbsws@gmail.com Linked In: SLSB Investing

Sponsored Content

*Not a licensed financial advisor. Invest in Yourself does not recommend to buy or sell any specific securities or investment products. Program is for educational purposes only.

RUNNING BIG PEACH ALPHARETTA FREE RUN/WALK CLUB Monday Group Run @6:30p Wednesday Group Run @6:30p 5530 Windward Pkwy Alpharetta BIG PEACH SUWANEE FREE RUN/ WALK CLUB Tuesday Group Run @6:30p Thursday Group Run @6:30p Town Center Park, Suwanee BIG PEACH CUMMING FREE RUN/ WALK CLUB Thursday Group Run @7:00p Saturday Group Run @8:00a 5485 Bethelview Rd, Cumming WOLF CREEK WALKING CLUB Thursdays @10:30a Wolf Creek Library 3100 Enon Rd, Atlanta HARRISON PARK RESOLUTION 5K Saturday, January 3 @10:30a Harrison Park 257 McCutchen St, Ellijay FREAKIN FREEZIN 5K Sunday, January 4 @9:00a The Monroe 298 Colonial Homes Dr NW, Atlanta TURTLE TROT 5K Saturday, January 10 @7:30a Winder-Barrow High School 252 N 5th Ave, Winder

WISEMAN 5K Saturday, January 10 @8:00a Bethlehem United Methodist Church 709 Christmas Ave, Bethlehem

COCOA CLASSIC 5K RUN Saturday, February 14 @9:00a The Mount Vernon School 510 Mount Vernon Hwy Sandy Springs

UGLY PAJAMA 5K RUN Saturday, January 17 @9:00a 3835 Johns Creek Pkwy Suwanee

CUPID SHUFFLE 5K Saturday, February 14 @10:0a Little Mulberry Park 3855 Fence Rd NE, Auburn

JAVA JOG 5K/10K Saturday, January 24 @8:00a Rock Creek Park 445 Martin Rd, Dawsonville

KUPCAKES AND KANDY 5K Saturday, February 21 @8:00a North Gwinnett Church 4973 West Price Rd, Suwanee

SURF AND SUN 5K Saturday, February 7 @8:30a West Bank Park 3017 Buford Dam Rd, Cumming

MATCHMAKERS AND MIMOSAS 5K Saturday, February 21 @9:00a Ott Vineyard and Winery 230 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay

SUWANEE SWEETHEART SPRINT 5K Saturday, February 7 @9:00a Downtown Suwanee 330 Town Center Ave NW Suwanee TARTAN TROT 5K/10K Saturday, February 7 @8:30a St Luke’s Presbyterian Church 1978 Mount Vernon Rd Dunwoody ATLANTA MISSION 5K Saturday, February 14 @8:30a Pemberton Place Greenspace 126 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta

STAMPEDE IN THE PARK 5K Saturday, February 21 @10:00a 76 Main St NW, Lilburn CARE FOR COPS 5K Saturday, February 28 @8:00a Downtown Suwanee 330 Town Center Ave NW Suwanee BEER CHASER 5K Saturday, March 7 @11:00a Downtown Suwanee 330 Town Center Ave NW Suwanee

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January/February 2026

Community Events

HALF-MARATHONs

NEW YEAR’S DAY 5K AND HALF MARATHON Thursday, January 1 @8:50a North Forsyth Middle School 3645 Coal Mountain Dr Cumming CHILLY WILLY 5K/10K/HALF MARATHON Saturday, January 10 @8:30a Sugar Hill Distillery 1111 Magical Way, Sugar Hill FROSTY 5K/10K/HALF MARATHON Saturday, February 14 @8:30a AMC Theatres 2600 Cobb Place Ln NW Kennesaw SUWANEE 5K/10K/HALF MARATHON Sunday, February 15 @7:30a Downtown Suwanee 330 Town Center Ave NW Suwanee TRAIL RUNS / CYCLING

MAYHEM ON THE MOUNTAIN 5.15/3.0 MI TRAIL RUN Saturday, January 10 @8:30a Sawnee Mountain 2505 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd Cumming HERITAGE PARK FARM TO TRAIL 6.0/2.8 MI TRAIL RUN Saturday, February 7 @8:30a Heritage Park 2543 Macon Hwy, Watkinsville THRILL IN THE HILLS 5K/HALF MARATHON/50K TRAIL RUN Saturday, February 14 @8:25a Fort Yargo State Park 210 S Broad St, Winder

SOIL MATES TRAIL RACE Saturday, February 28 @9:00a 1037 Trice Cemetery Rd Thomaston

LIGHTS ON THE LOOP December 5 - January 4 Alpha Loop 2500 Northwinds Pkwy Alpharetta

CHARLESTON PARK 6.2/4.3 MI TRAIL RUN Saturday, March 7 @8:30a Charleston Park 5850 Charleston Park Rd Cumming

BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER Saturday, January 3 @9:00a Sims Lake Park 4600 Suwanee Dam Rd, Suwanee

FREE YOGA/FITNESS

CHAIR YOGA Wednesdays @10:15a Northeast Spruill Oaks Library 9560 Spruill Rd, Johns Creek

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO Friday, January 21 @11:00a Johns Creek Baptist Church 6910 McGinnis Ferry, Johns Creek ALPHARETTA SYMPHONY: REVOLUTION Friday, February 6 @7:30a Innovation Academy 125 Milton Ave, Alpharetta

ENERGY YOGA Mondays @6:30p POLAR BEAR PLUNGE Wednesdays @11:30a Saturday, February 7 @10:00a Ocee Library Wills Park Pool 5090 Abbotts Bridge, Johns Creek 1815 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta MAT YOGA GALENTINE’S DAY AT AVALON Mondays @11:00a Thursday, February 12 @5:00p Tuesdays @11:00a Avalon, Alpharetta Thursdays @11:00a MARDI GRAS AT AVALON East Roswell Library 2301 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell Tuesday, February 17 @5:00p Avalon, Alpharetta YOGA LUNAR NEW YEAR Fridays @11:00a Saturday, February 21 @12:00p Northeast Spruill Oaks Library Atlanta Athletic Club Fields 9560 Spruill Rd, Johns Creek 1930 Bobby Jones Dr, Johns Creek YOGA FOR BONE HEALTH LUCK OF AVALON Wednesday, January 14 & 28 Friday, March 13 @6:00p @10:15a Avalon, Alpharetta Wednesday, February 11 & 25 @10:15a Northeast Spruill Oaks Library 9560 Spruill Rd, Johns Creek COMMUNITY EVENTS

AVALON ON ICE November Thru January Avalon, Alpharetta

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TASTE OF SUWANEE Saturday, March 14 @12:00p Suwanee Town Center 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee WINTER FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, January 10 & 24 @9:00a Saturdays, February 7 & 21 @9:00a Suwanee Town Center

BEST PLACES TO WORK OUT Whether you are beginning your fitness journey, or looking for a new challenge, this is your guide to the best places to work out in North Atlanta! (Hours vary. Give them a call!)

BODYBAR Pilates-Alph

Alloy Personal Training Windward

210 South Main Street Suite E Alpharetta 30009 678-336-0284

www.bodybarpilates.com/studios /alpharetta/

~ Learn More on Page 2 ~

www.windwardplaza. alloypersonaltraining.com

Jazzercise Alpharetta

BODYBAR Pilates-Roswell

10525 Old Alabama Rd Conn Alpharetta 30022 706-974-9431 https://www.jazzercise.ch/location/j azzercise-alpharetta-north-pointfitness-center

~ Learn More on Page 19 ~

Senergy Fitness

10595 Old Alabama Rd Conn Suite 21 Alpharetta 30022

470-282-5225 https://senergyfitness.com

Disover Strength

4190 Old Milton Pkwy Suite 2G Alpharetta 30005 678-918-4818

www.discoverstrength.com/ alpharetta

Truth in Motion Yoga 1875 Old Alabama Rd, Suite 845 Roswell 30076 678-575-7452

www.truthinmotionyoga.com

3070 Webb Bridge Way Suite J Alpharetta 30005 678-990-2061

ConneXion 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd Roswell 3007 678-336-2377

www.bobybarpilates.com/roswell/

~Learn more on Page 2 ~

Fly Dance Fitness

11105 State Bridge Rd Suite100 Johns Creek 30022 770-706-1691 www.flydancefitness.com/ourlocations/johnscreek-georgia

Jazzercise Cumming

3545 Rowe Ln Cumming, GA 30041 706-974-9431

www.jazzercise.com/studio/ga/northforsyth-at-anytime-fitnesscumming-20350/

HOTWORX - Johns Creek

3005 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek 30022 678-691-4971

www.hotworx.net/studio/johnscreekalpharetta

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Senior Life r our A Resource fo Community

We hope SENIOR LIFE connects with you, your family, and friends as we bring you: Relatable Content A Collection Of Collaborations Trusted Businesses Dedicated to our Seniors

These trusted partners are here to help guide you: Atria North Point Center for the Visually Impaired N GA Audiology & Hearing Aid Center Phoenix at Milton

Thrive Touch Tulip Place Dementia Day Center Your Tech Lady Vitality Living Milton

Know someone who needs assistance to manage a new situation or transition? Please refer them to SENIOR LIFE as a trusted resource for our senior community.

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