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ALPHARETTA|DULUTH JOHNS CREEK|SUWANEE PEACHTREE CORNERS

FitLife North Atlanta

LIFESTYLE • HEALTH • FITNESS

Experience the Luxury of Relaxation with

Canna Wellness

In This Happy 2022 Issue:

~ Interior Design Trends ~ Your Financial Health ~ Events & More!

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Tracie Morse ~Owner/Publisher Here's to YOU and to Living Your Best Life in 2022!

On the Cover: We welcome Canna Wellness to Milton and to the FitLife family! Learn about the benefits of CBD so you can “experience the luxury of relaxation”. More about them on pg 10.

We invite you to visit page 18 for the BEST PLACES TO WORK OUT in North Atlanta!

Thanks to Eat the Frog Fitness, Johns Creek, for giving us keys for success in 2022 in our FIT TIP on page 6.

FIT BEYOND 55, by 55 Fitness on page 14, honors the legacy of a special mom and her impact of fitness in our community and beyond.

We can't wait to make the warm-you-up soup featured in FIT FARE. Stop by Cibo & Vino for

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delicious prepared dishes for your family.

Updating your home or finances in 2022? Be in the know with tips and trends in this issue. *Special thanks to interior designer, Cynthia Porche of Porche Home for her expertise.

Refer often to the FIT EVENTS calendar! Hope to see you out and about!

Be sure to engage with us on social media!

LIKE & FOLLOW @northatlantafitlife for more great content!

Cheers to you! Happy New Year!

LIVE WELL. BE INTENTIONAL. CHOOSE HAPPY!

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Sponsored by Eat The Frog Fitness, Johns Creek

Fit TIP

Keys to Living Your BEST in 2022!

By: Megan Casbarro Fitness Professional, Eat the Frog Fitness United States Marine Corp Veteran

Many of us “lost” a year of our lives due to COVID-19.

Between lockdowns, capacity limitations, and social distancing, many of the experiences we enjoy and cherish were taken away from us or how we experienced them was altered completely. Although there is no end in sight to COVID, that doesn’t mean we can’t “live our best lives”. With the New Year upon us, it is the perfect time to manifest that mantra. Part of that includes honing in on our health and wellness. How are we to experience life to its fullest potential if we are not taking care of our own well-being?

Getting started will look different for everyone.

We are all at different stages in life with different goals, priorities, and definitions of what “best life” means. There is no one size fits all answer when it comes to health. However, there are tips that can help guide you on your way to living your full potential in every facet of life, not just health.

Set Attainable Goals We tend to set large, nebulous goals like “I want to lose weight” or “I want to make more money”.

Many people falter on the path to achieving their goals for a variety of reasons; often, because they get discouraged from not seeing results. By setting small goals that build upon each other, attaining the end goal is more likely. For example, if you decide to run a 5K with little to no running experience, most likely, you won’t be able to run 3.1 miles on the first day of training. Instead, set small milestone goals that will build strength and endurance to eventually work your way to that 5k. It sounds simple, but you would be surprised how common this error is in goal-setting.

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Accountability So, now we have our goals and a plan to achieve them, but are we actually going to be successful in obtaining them? Accountability is something with which many people struggle. It’s easy to walk into a fitness facility and sign up for a membership. However, going consistently is another story. Having someone hold you to your plan can help you stick to it. Some people find a buddy to go to the gym with, others hire a coach to train them. Even posting your progress or checking into your gym’s location on social media can help keep you consistent and aid in the development of healthy habits.

How are we to experience life to its fullest potential if we are not taking care of our own well-being?

Balance

Life is all about give and take, maintaining a harmonious balance between opposite forces.

Although eating healthy is key to a healthy life, would we really be living our best lives if we didn’t indulge in a donut or cake every once in a while?

Rather than consuming sweet treats whenever we please, setting a limit of once a week on a “cheat day” is a good way to enjoy the things we love, yet moderate the amount of food we consume that provides little to no nutritional benefit. This applies to other facets of life, including recreational time, hobbies and other work-life balance activities. Moderation can be good, but planning limited indulgences can help fight burnout and keep you on track.

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Canna Wellness Runs in the Family!

When Christy and Richard Roth opened their CBD store on Windward Parkway, little did they know the venture would prove to be generations in the making.

Christy and Richard Roth, owners of Canna Wellness, came by their passion to educate and share their knowledge of CBD products through different paths. When Richard received a cancer diagnosis in 2018, his cycle of pain and anxiety with the disease and its treatment was consuming, especially when he tried to sleep. When he tried a CBD tincture, he was amazed at what a difference it made and its impact in stopping the pain/anxiety cycle. Later, a friend of Christy’s gave her a tincture to try to help calm menstrual cramps. She’s never stopped taking it because she saw such a major improvement.

Christy attended a CBD store franchising meeting and she and Richard were all in. After opening the store, Richard’s mother sent him this photo of his great-grandmother, Ilah McClaran, in Shreve, Ohio circa 1920. Her husband was a physician and used properties from the marijuana plant to treat some of his patients. Look closely and you will see the crop behind Mrs. McClaran. Eventually, law enforcement burned the crop.

What makes the Roths the perfect owners of Canna Wellness (formerly the Hemp Farm Store) is that Christy is a molecular biologist! This cover shows them in front of the molecular structure of CBD. The Roths own a laboratory testing and processing facility, Shepard Health Lab. So, they understand the molecules of the products, the plants they come from, what makes them effective and what companies can be trusted for their 10

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products. You see, the CBD industry is not regulated by the FDAand there are brands that are not reputable, like those you see in gas stations.

Christy and Richard differentiate that CBD comes from industrialized hemp, and THC comes from the marijuana plant. CBD products are natural and have many wellness properties, but will not give you the ‘high’ that THC does. If you are looking for a product with THC, Georgia regulations state that CBD products must contain less than <0.3% THC. You can find those at Canna Wellness, too.

Benefits of CBD:

~ Reduces Anxiety ~ Antioxidant

~ Muscle Relaxant ~ Pain Relief

~ Inhibits Cancer Growth ~ And, more!

~ Immune Support ~ Aids Sleep ~ Anti-Inflammatory

Now that you know that CBD is not the same as THC, and that it has an amazing array of benefits, you may be ready to try one of products at Canna Wellness.

Tinctures – Sublingual drops offered in different flavors that are usually taken every day like vitamins Edibles – In gummy or pill form, these must be digested but last longer Topicals – Includes salves, rollers, lotions, chapstick and bath bombs that are absorbed through the skin Smokables – Inhaled products that last the least amount of time

What Makes Canna Wellness different?

1. Canna Wellness products are sourced from only Certified Organic industrial hemp growers.

2. All products are tested by an independent third party to verify integrity. Each product at Canna Wellness has a QR code linked to the Certificate of Verification.

3. Christy and Richard insist that their staff be knowledgeable about the products and their benefits so they can confidently recommend the right products for their clients.

4. Canna Wellness focuses on the overall wellness needs of each client as they want everyone to receive pleasant, knowledgeable advice to have a great experience both in store and with the products.

What’s next for Canna Wellness?

Christy and Richard have lots of plans to make Canna Wellness a “wellness destination”, including incorporating some of their own custom products.

Right now, they focus on helping people learn about the benefits of CBD so more people can enjoy a healthy lifestyle and “experience the luxury of relaxation”.

Fast forward 100 years from the photo above… don’t you think Dr. and Mrs. McClaran would be proud? Give CBD a try at Canna Wellness. Info on page 8. northatlantafitlife.com ~ info@northatlantafitlife.com

Article and Photo by Tracie Morse

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Fit Events

January/February 2022

RUNNING BIG PEACH ALPHARETTA FREE RUN/WALK CLUB Mondays @6:30p Wednesdays @6:30p 5530 Windward Pkwy Alpharetta BIG PEACH SUWANEE FREE RUN/WALK CLUB Tuesday Group Run @6:30p Thursday Group Run @6:30p 320 Town Center Ave, Unit C-2 Suwanee FREAKIN’ FREEZIN’ 5K Saturday, January 8 @9:00a The Monroe 306 Colonial Homes Dr, NW Atlanta UGLY PAJAMA 5K RUN Sunday, January 9 @9:00a Newton Park 3150 Old Alabama Road Johns Creek CHILLY WILLY 5K/10K/HALF Saturday, January 15 @8:30a Sugar Hill City Hall 5039 W Broad Street Sugar Hill

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JAVA JOG 5K/10K Saturday, January 22 @8:00a Rock Creek Park 445 Martin Rd, Dawsonville

LET’S GLOW CRAZY 5K Sunday, February 20 @6:30p Rock Creek Park 445 Martin Rd, Dawsonville

SURF & SUN 5K Saturday, February 5 @8:30a West Bank Park 1050 Buford Dam Rd Cumming

8TH ANNUAL SUWANEE HALF MARATHON & OLD TOWN 5K Sunday, February 20 @7:30a Town Center Park, Suwanee

SUWANEE SWEETHEART SPRINT 5K Saturday, February 12 @9:00a Suwanee Town Center Suwanee

CASA SUPERHERO RUN 5K Saturday, February 26 @8:30a Academy Sports 320 Peachtree Pkwy Cumming

GREAT VALENTINE 5K/10K Tuesday, February 15 @8:30a Sugar Hill City Hall 5039 W Broad Street NE Sugar Hill

SPOOKY SPIRITS 5K (details TBA) Saturday, March 5

STOP THE HAZING… FLY HIGH MAX 5K FROSTY 5K Saturday, March 5 @8:00a Saturday, February 19 @8:00a Blessed Trinity High School Thrasher Park 11320 Woodstock Rd, Roswell 93 Park Drive, Norcross RUNNING FOR ENERGY 8TH ANNUAL KUPCAKES EFFICIENCY 5K AND KANDY 5K Saturday, March 5 @8:30a Saturday, February 19 @8:00a Anderby Brewing 4973 West Price Road 110 Technology Pkwy Suwanee Ste 200, Peachtree Corners

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Fit Events YOGA/FITNESS ENERGY YOGA Wednesdays @11:00a January 12 – June 29 Ocee Library 5090 Abbotts Bridge Rd Johns Creek FAMILY YOGA Wednesdays @4:30p January 12 – June 29 Ocee Library 5090 Abbotts Bridge Johns Creek

DIRTY SPOKES HERITAGE PARK RUN Saturday, February 12 @8:30a Heritage Park 2543 Macon Highway Watkinsville DIRTY SPOKES CHARLESTON PARK Saturday, March 5 @8:30a Charleston Park 5850 Charleston Park Rd Cumming

AVALON ON ICE Daily through January 17 12:00 - 7:00p Avalon Ice Rink 400 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta HARRY POTTER DAY Saturday, January 22 @12:30p Alpharetta Arts Center 238 Canton St, Alpharetta ALPHARETTA RESTAURANT WEEK Sunday, February 20 @11:00a Downtown Alpharetta

COMMUNITY EVENTS TRAIL RUNS/BIKING DIRTY SPOKES MAYHEM ON THE MOUNTAINS Saturday, January 8 @8:30a Sawnee Mountain 2505 Bettis Tribble Gap Road Cumming STAMPEDE IN THE PARK 5K (details TBA) Saturday February 5 ***ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CDC, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDELINES. ***

BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER Sunday, January 9 @9:00a Sims Lake Park 4600 Suwanee Dam Rd Suwanee SOUTH FORSYTH WINTER CORNHOLE LEAGUE Mondays January 10 – February 28 @6:30p Wednesdays January 12 – March 2 @6:30p Halcyon, Alpharetta

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FARMERS MARKETS SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET January 15 – April 23 Every other Saturday @9:00a Suwanee Town Center Suwanee ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET April 3 - November 27 Saturdays, 8:30a - 12:00p Alpharetta City Center

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Fit Beyond 55

Sponsored by 55 Fitness

A Legacy of Fitness and Inspiration n ney Lives O ther’s Jour How a Mo

Isn’t it amazing when

That was the moment that her son, Brendan, first shared with her his idea for what would

someone’s life journey leads to changes and new ideas that have a positive impact on the health, wellness and fitness of many people?

This is the legacy of Donna Skeen. Without her, the gym, and now the movement, to offer a workout

option

designed

for

people

55

become

55

Fitness,

a

gym

designed

specifically for adults 55 and over.

Donna

and Brendan saw their dream become reality in

2020

when

55

Fitness

opened

here

in

Alpharetta.

and

We all recognize the importance of physical

over, would not exist.

exercise for a long, healthy life. Working out In 2017, Donna was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her bones.

She was given no hope for survival beyond a few months. However, Donna was not the type to just accept that diagnosis. healthcare

field,

and

was

She was in the determined

that

cancer would be no match for her.

Her

treatment

protocol

called

with friends, or with those with whom you are comfortable, can have a positive and lasting impact on exercise habits. Regimens designed for mature adults will ensure that people in older

age

groups

have

a

comfortable

and

friendly environment to improve their overall health and wellness. The advice: find a gym

for

physical

with

customized

personal

training,

group

therapy, which helped immensely by improving

training and virtual classes which can all help

her mobility, lowering her blood pressure, AND

busy mature adults exercise in the way that is

she lost weight and had more energy.

right for their stage in life.

After two years of PT, her treatments were no

Donna Skeen was declared cancer free just

longer

doctor

weeks before she passed away unexpectedly

pleaded with her to continue exercising and

November 2021 from an unrelated cause. The

join

dream she shared with her son, Brendan, and

a

overall

covered

gym

by

citing

health.

insurance,

the

Donna

but

her

improvements knew

the

in

her

benefits

of

her legacy of fitness, lives on in 55 Fitness.

exercise were paramount to her health, both physically

and

mentally,

and

a

powerful

weapon to fight the disease, but she wasn't comfortable options

with

working

the out

existing next

to

fitness

center

“younger

and

healthier people”. She remembered hearing the same sentiments from her own patients.

“I hope that her story will be an inspiration for all of you to strive to be the best you in 2022. Her bravery and determination will inspire me for the rest of my life.”

By: Brendan Skeen, 55 Fitness

55 Fitness is a boutique fitness center in Alpharetta catering to Adults 55 and over. Our personal trainers are specially certified to accommodate the needs of mature adults. Learn how we can help you achieve your fitness goals. Together we can make 2021 the best year yet!

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Outdoor Space by Porche Home

Home Interior Trends for 2022 The business of home interiors, whether you are the homeowner or designer, is extremely exciting right now as living well has become such a focus in our homes.

The way we experience our homes every day is ever evolving. Even though our world is still struggling through this pandemic, we continue to notice a new found love for HOME! The trends for 2022 are still taking cues from the 2021 pandemic quarantine we all experienced by blending a new modern family mix.

BE BOLD…OR NOT Color is back…in a big way. Bold turquoise blues, bright yellows, orange and, of course, strong black and white palettes. However, we can’t seem to let

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go of the serene color spectrum of soft tone on tone hues of whites and linens with natural textures throughout.

SPREAD OUT Sectionals are the new family sofas and relaxing together is our new lifestyle! The entire family and their fur babies are cuddling up to watch their favorite Netflix shows with lots of space. Sectionals are showing up in most living areas in all shapes and sizes. Swivel chairs with ottoman options are in full demand. The modern family relaxes together instead of just “sitting” in uncomfortable pretty chairs. Lifestyle friendly fabrics are in high demand …such as Crypton and Sunbrella that offer beautiful luxe options way beyond the basic.

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FEET ON THE TABLE Large cocktail tables for feet up, family night, or pizza parties are offered in many sizes. A fresh palette of softer rich white oak finishes and rich wood tones are preferred over the traditional cherry or mahogany seen years ago.

LIGHT IT UP Lighting is the bling of the home with fabulous new modern mixes of metals, woven woods, and elegant LED lighting.

Brushed gold metals are a favorite choice for furniture hardware, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.

A VIRTUAL JOB We are constantly creating new office areas within the home. Since many families continue to work from home, a functional, comfortable, yet beautiful office is important. The focus is creating a pleasing desk background which is key for zoom calls and remote office meetings.

Furniture, lighting, artwork, and wall color are all very important for this space. These design choices are significant to our clients' ongoing business success. When you love your work space, not only are

you happy, but your performance level will also increase.

TEXTURE TEXTURE TEXTURE! From woven rattans to wooden free form bowls to soft driftwood accents…naturals and woven materials are seen in every part of home decor.

OUTDOOR LIVING The outdoor spaces and patios are just as beautiful and important as the interior areas. Now you can have beautiful fabric outdoor sofas and chairs that boast amazing technology to keep them clean… just spray off any dirt and grime. Bring on the sun, rain, snow, and kiddos!

No matter where you start, create the home you LOVE with Porche Home.

By: Cynthia Porche Porche Home Porche Home is a full scale Design, Build, Renovate company with a team equipped to handle any project. Owners, Cynthia and Kevin Porche (interior designer and custom home builder "dream team") bring over 50 years of combined experience to each project. That experience is the magic that creates beautiful, envied spaces, repeat clients and many referrals. Let them create the HOME that you LOVE.

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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!)

Eat the Frog Fitness Johns Creek 10945 State Bridge Rd Suite 402 Johns Creek 30022 770-743-4310

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

www.bodybarpilates.com/studios/al pharetta/

www.eatthefrogfitness.com

~ Learn More on Page 22 ~

HOTWORX - Alpharetta 869 N Main St Suite 205 Alpharetta 30009 470-567-9679 www.hotworx.net/studio/alpharett a-northmain

~ Learn More on Page 9 ~

RowHouse 425 Peachtree Parkway Suite 315 Cumming 30041 678-862-4804 www.therowhouse.com/location/c umming

55 Fitness Ellard Village 8470 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite 100 Alpharetta 30022 770-676-9211 www.55fitness.com

~ Learn More on Page 7~

Shred 415 5215 Windward Pkwy Alpharetta 30009 678-615-2370

www.shred415.com/locations/alph aretta

30 Minute HITJohns Creek 3105 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 104 Suwanee 30024 678-771-5224

www.30minutehit.com/johnscreek

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

www.hotworx.net/studio/johnscree k-alpharetta

~ Learn More on Page 9 ~

~ Learn More on Page 15 ~

Senergy Fitness 10595 Old Alabama Rd Conn Suite 21 Alpharetta 30022 470-282-5225 https://senergyfitness.com

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Lift Yoga & Body 501 South Main Street Suite 101 Alpharetta, GA 30009 470) 268-4362

https://liftyogastudio.com/

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How to Improve Your Financial Health in 2022 Your financial health is just as important as your physical and mental health. Money affects almost every aspect of your life and can be the determining factor in many of your day-to-day decisions. Being financially healthy isn't just about how much money you have in the bank. It also encompasses your financial capability and how you feel about money or how money makes you feel.

Start by doing a self-check to determine your financial health. Look at where your accounts currently stand, including the statuses and balances.

The balances in your accounts can be used to calculate your net worth, which is a numerical indicator of your overall financial health.

Also consider your feelings and relationship with money, including the emotions you experience when someone brings up topics involving money. Then determine if you are a saver or spender.

Understanding how you feel about your finances and why you have these feelings can help you improve your overall financial health.

Set Financial Goals Start by setting short-term, mid-term and long-term financial S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound) goals. S.M.A.R.T. goal setting can help you be more specific, provide a way to measure your progress, allow you to create a plan to make things more achievable, ensure your goals are in line with other objectives and provide deadlines, so your financial goals don't get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life.

Create a Money Plan A money plan is a guide that details how you want to use your income monthly. This plan should consider the money you want to save and the money you want to spend. As you add your list of expenses, use this opportunity to review where your money is going and if your spending is in line with the financial

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goals you've set. This is also an opportunity to look for ways to reduce or eliminate spending so your money can be used for things that are important to you, like saving for a down payment on a car or home, or purchasing an item from your wish list.

Expand Your Financial Knowledge Explore ways to become more comfortable with money and take control of your financial future.

Your relationship and history with money make up your money story. Money stories involve emotions, beliefs and experiences with money from childhood to adulthood. Start by spending 10-20 minutes each day exploring topics around money or personal finances to help build your knowledge base. You can do this by listening to podcasts, reading books, browsing reputable personal finance websites or exploring financial education resources provided by your financial institution.

If you need a more personalized approach to developing a better relationship with your finances, explore working with a financial coach. Your financial coach can work with you on a range of fundamental money management skills. For example, a financial coach can help you overcome financial anxiety or come up with a debt repayment strategy. The coach can help guide, teach, empower and challenge you to grow into a savvy money user.

When determining your financial health, remember personal finance is personal. The financial decisions you make today impact your overall financial health.

Determine what financial success looks like for you and incorporate mindfulness, resources and other financially beneficial strategies to help improve your relationship with your finances. Find additional advice and resources to help you manage your money at bekinly.com.

Family Features Source: kinly Photo: Getty Images

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Fit Fare

Sponsored by Cibo & VIno

Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Soup

Serves: 6

Ingredients: 1 pound beef stew meat (1-1/4-inch pieces) 3/4 pound potatoes (about 2 medium), cut into 3/4-inch cubes 2 cups frozen corn (about 10 ounces), thawed 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 cups beef stock 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained Optional: Sour cream and tortilla chips, or cornbread

Directions: In a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker, combine first 12 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 6-8 hours. If desired, serve with sour cream and chips, or cornbread.

www.tasteofhome.com

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Value: $145 22

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