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LIFESTYLE • HEALTH • FITNESS

Adventure Guide Inside!

Meet the Man Behind MOUNTAIN HIGH OUTFITTERS

MAY/JUNE 2021

ALPHARETTA|DULUTH JOHNS CREEK|SUWANEE PEACHTREE CORNERS

FitLife North Atlanta

Trails, Runs Events & and Food!

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Fit Beyond 55 LIFE IS BETTER IN MOTION! Keeping Older Americans Healthy & Fit

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is an annual health and wellness event for older adults, celebrated on last Wednesday of May, every year. 2021 marks the 28th anniversary of this nationwide event and this year’s theme is “Life is Better in Motion.”

Why Senior Health and Fitness Day? The common goal is to “help keep older Americans healthy and fit.” The objectives of National Senior Health & Fitness Day are to promote the importance of regular physical activity, and to showcase the efforts of local organizations to improve the health and wellness of mature adults in their communities. Due to health complications with aging, many senior adults dismiss the importance of physical exercise and the importance movement plays in their physical AND mental health.This day helps promote awareness and education so senior adults can continue to live full, healthy lives for as long as possible.

Organized by a public/private good health partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center (MMRC), National Senior Health & Fitness Day offers activities for nearly 1,000,000 mature adults at more than 1,000 locations across the United States and Canada. These locations include hospitals, park and recreation departments, senior centers, health clubs, retirement communities, houses of worship, health departments, and other community locations.

Celebrate at 55 Fitness 55 Fitness is proud to sponsor a National Senior Health & Fitness Day street fair at Ellard Village Shopping Center in Roswell. This year’s festivities will feature guest speakers, free fitness classes, food trucks, tours, and free giveaways. Join us to learn how a life is better in motion.

For more information on the event please contact 55 Fitness @ 770-676-9211.

Contributed by: Brendan Skeen, 55 Fitness For more information, please visit www.55fitness.com 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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Tracie Morse ~Owner/Publisher This issue focuses on adventure, getting outside and enjoying our fantastic Atlanta climate. We're excited to announce the newest addition to our FitLife offerings: digital media packages! Be sure to check out our new media kit on our website. We are continuing our Fit Chat series which premieres on Facebook and we have had wonderful success with our new business growth and networking Zoom event called BIZ Chat. Hope you will join us for both! We look forward to seeing you at events this spring and summer.

FIT BEYOND 55 on page 3 from 55 Fitness showcases Senior Health and Fitness Day. Mark your calendar to Join the festivities on May 26th.

We are happy to welcome The Joint and Total Body Therapy to the FitLife family!

Be sure to engage with us on social media! LIKE & FOLLOW @northatlantafitlife for more great content and GIVEAWAYS!

On the Cover: MOUNTAIN HIGH OUTFITTERS is perfect to grace the cover for our Adventure issue. Owner, Christopher Groom tells us how the MOVEMENT began on pages 14 & 15.

The FIT TIP by Eat the Frog Fitness, Johns Creek is the complete go-to guide for outdoor adventure this summer. For even more outdoor options, our Trail Guide is back on page 23. Refer often to the FIT EVENTS calendar! We're making plans to connect and be active. Hope to see you out and about!

LIVE WELL. BE INTENTIONAL. CHOOSE HAPPY!

SUPPORT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES 55 Fitness........................................................2 Body Bar........................................................22 Chazzy Couples Boutique...........................6 Eat the Frog Johns Creek.............................9 Elevate Fitness Studio................................11 Hidden Values..............................................22 HydralIVe Therapy.......................................11 Mtn High Outfitters.........Front/Back Cover North Atlanta Family Dentistry.................17

Restore Hyper Wellness.................................13 Stretch Zone........................................................7 Structural Based Therapy................................4 The Joint.............................................................10 The Suits Team/KW...........................................5 Total Body Therapy.........................................20 Vitality Bowls.......................................................7 Youthtopia MedSpa........................................16 Xquisite Marketing...........................................22

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Fit Tip

This philosophy requires an

extraordinary level of

intentional focus.

WHAT MOVES YOU?

Adventure Awaits! By: Devin Campbell, Eat the Frog Fitness Johns Creek

Keep Moving We are often asked, “What’s the best activity for getting in shape?” The answer to that is, “Whatever moves you.” When it comes to exercise there is not one solution for all. I often recommend that people start with activities that they enjoy and with summer approaching, there is no better time to rally a few friends or gather the family for an adventurous outdoor outing that also serves a healthy purpose. The idea is “keep moving” and North Georgia offers some of the most beautiful scenery and motivation to move your workout outside. 8

There are many factors to be considered when you decide to explore the activities available, most important being safety. Be sure to plan and have proper expectations of your surroundings. Make a list of all the supplies and safety equipment needed for your activity. It is always a good practice to keep water with you and this is even more important as we consider our average temperatures for our beautiful Georgia summers can be in the 90’s. Continued on Page 18

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Fit Events

May/June

Brooke Street Park Yoga Alpharetta

RUNNING ALPHARETTA FREE RUN CLUB REVENGE OF THE 6TH K Mondays @5:30p Thursday, May 6 @6p Saturdays @8a Your Galaxy, Virtual event Alpharetta Community Ctr SUPER MOM 5K/10K/VIRTUAL 175 Roswell St, Alpharetta HALF MARATHON BIG PEACH ALPHARETTA FREE Saturday, May 8 @8a RUN/WALK CLUB 5039 W. Broad St, Sugar Hill Mondays @6:30p RACE LIKE A MOTHER 5K/1K Wednesdays @6:30p Saturday, May 8 @8a 5530 Windward Pkwy 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd Alpharetta Cumming BIG PEACH SUWANEE FREE TRAILS AND ALES RUN/WALK CLUB May 13th, June 17, July 15, Monday Group Walk @6:30p August 19 Tuesday Group Run @6:30p Thursdays @5:30p Women’s Run/Walk/Jog Wednesdays @9a Jekyll Brewing Thursday Group Run @6:30p Alpharetta City Center Suwanee Town Center BUTTON DOWN DASH 5K STOP THE HAZING - FLY HIGH Saturday, May 22 @7:45a 5K Suwanee Town Center Saturday, May 1st @8a SHE RUNS FOR FUN 5K 11320 Woodstock Rd Saturday, May 22 @11a Roswell 110 Technology Parkway DOS DE MAYO BEER MILE Peachtree Corners Saturday, May 2 @11a WILDCAT 5K 6150 GA-400, Cumming Saturday, May 29 @8a MAY THE 4TH VIRTUAL MILER 3737 Brock Rd NW, Duluth Tuesday, May 4 @6p Your Galaxy, Virtual event

12TH ANNUAL RIVER RUN FOR HOPE 5K/10K Saturday, June 12 @7a 675 Riverside Rd, Roswell

RACE TO CURE SARCOMA 5K Saturday, June 12 @8a Suwanee Town Center THE NAVI-GATOR 5K (AJC PEACHTREE QUALIFIER) Saturday, June 12 @8a 410 Peachtree Pkwy Cumming POSSUM TROT 10K Saturday, June 19 @7:30a 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell MADE IN THE USA 5K/10K/HALF MARATHON Saturday, June 26 @7:30a 5039 W. Broad St Sugar Hill

SUWANEE KIWANIS SHAMROCK 5K Saturday, June 26 @8a 330 Town Center Ave Suwanee

YOGA/FITNESS AVALOM AT AVALON Wednesdays @6p April 7 - October 27 Avalon, Alpharetta

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Fit Events YOGA/FITNESS (cont) OBSTACLE FREE FITNESS ALPHARETTA COURSE/TRAIL RUNS Free Barre, Yoga, Fitness & Zumba classes Brooke Street Park, Alpharetta Check www.alpharetta.ga.us Click Fitness Programs for times FREE OUTDOOR FITNESS YOGA & BARRE Sundays @10a Mondays @ 6p Thursdays @10a Newtown Park, Johns Creek SUNDAY SWEAT SESSION May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15 Sundays @9:30a Alpharetta City Center

DIRTY SPOKES HAW CREEK 6.1/3.0 MILE TRAIL RUN Saturday, June 12 @8a 2205 Echols Rd, Cumming

FARMERS MARKETS & FOOD TRUCKS HALCYON FARMERS MARKET March 23 – December 21 Tuesdays, 4 -7p Halcyon, Alpharetta DULUTH FARMERS MARKET June 24, 4 - 8p Duluth Town Green

ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET April 3 - October 30 Saturdays, 8:30a - 12p Alpharetta City Center SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET May 1s– September 25 Saturdays, 8a-noon Suwanee Town Center

TRIATHLONS North Georgia Triathlon Saturday, May 22 @ 8a 186 Recreation Rd Dawsonville

***ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CDC, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDELINES. PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES AND PRACTICE PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING.***

SOUND IMMERSION MEDITATIVE SESSION Friday, May 28 @6p 223 Roswell St, Alpharetta

COMMUNITY EVENTS SAVOR THE BOULEVARD Sunday, June 6 @6:30 – 9p Tickets Online Avalon, Alpharetta FRIENDS & FAMILY CPR FREE One Day Workshop Saturday, May 15 @9:30a Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center 11565 Maxwell Rd, Alpharetta Senior Health & Fitness Day Wednesday, May 26 @10a - 5p 55 Fitness 8470 Holcomb Bridge Rd Roswell

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The Man Behind the Movement THE MOUNTAIN HIGH OUTFITTERS STORY

It’s amazing where life takes you, and true is the case with Christopher Groom, owner of Mountain High Outfitters. Chris is the embodiment of the word “entrepreneur”. His journey, inspired by his dreams, talents and experiences, as well as the mentoring from others, has culminated into a MOVEMENT with 15 locations in 4 states.

What’s your journey to now? I grew up in Northern Va outside of DC and ended up at the University of Alabama finishing with a finance degree and minor in nutrition. 14

Throughout my life, I had the entrepreneur spirit and told myself I would not wear a suit to work every day. I wanted to be selfemployed and had the dream, the desire to be in the health and fitness field.

From Finance to the Outdoors and Retail? How did that happen? After traveling in the US and abroad, I worked at an outdoor retail store in Jackson Hole, WY and fell further in love with outdoors as well as the business side. Upon returning South, I was a personal trainer and happened to meet the founders of Planet Smoothie in Atlanta. They were less than a year old and wanted to grow quickly, so they helped me open my first location in Birmingham, AL. After years and 7 locations with Planet Smoothie, the journey of Mountain High Outfitters began.

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What IS the MHO Movement?

Where can we find MHO?

The movement is a culmination of community, creating a resource for an active lifestyle, and a place where our guests are confident they will find the gift they are looking for, prepare for their next adventure, or build their wardrobe to help them look good and feel good.

You can visit an MHO in 4 Atlanta locations: Alpharetta City Center, Buckhead, Ponce City Market or Woodstock. If your adventures take you out of state, visit us at our locations in Birmingham, Montgomery, Auburn, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Nashville, and Destin, opening Mother’s Day weekend. You can find more on our website at www.mountainhighoutfitters.com

A boutique outdoor lifestyle experience is what you will find at Mtn. High Outfitters. We offer apparel, footwear, gear and accessories from many brands you know (Patagonia, North Face, Teva, ON, Chubbies, YETI) and many new to market and unique items. Whether you are a runner, biker, paddler, climber, walker, tailgater, skier or just living day to day, MHO can satisfy the needs of men, women, adults and kids.

Attitude is everything. Have a good one.

Join MHO in partnership with the City of Alpharetta and Jekyll Brewing for Trails & Ales. Dates & times listed in Fit Events on pages 12-13. Want a VAN LIFE adventure? Ask about MHO's Van rental! Christopher Groom’s vision continues to expand as the MHO Movement grows, and as he and his family live guided by his favorite quote, “Attitude is everything. Have a good one.”

A new addition is the rental of bikes, paddle boards, tents and camping/hiking accessories. If you are inclined to try a new activity, MHO would be a great source to help you get started and test the waters.

By Tracie Morse, North Atlanta FitLife Photos by Gem Munro & MHO

I love the COVER of this issue because it represents the outdoors, an active lifestyle, and family. Tell us about this photo. My wife, Anna, and I are very active and she took this photo of me and our now 10month old daughter, Selah, out on a hike. I am lucky that Anna owns retail boutiques so she understands the challenges of retail and owning your own business.

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Fit Tip

Continued from Page 8

Stay Safe Stay Hydrated Stay Active!

If you are adventuring alone, be sure to notify others of your plans and expected return time. Georgia’s climate and terrain offers many outdoor options: Walking Cycling Hiking Tennis Volleyball Swimming Kayaking

WALK

A fast-paced walk can improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system; reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; and help you maintain a healthy weight. Walking is also a low-impact exercise, so it's easy on the joints and muscles. Bonus: You burn an average of 170 calories during a 30-min walk. Where to Go: See our Trail Guide on Page 22 for walking trails at our local parks.

CYCLE Cycling is another low impact exercise and there are many trails and neighborhoods that offer amazing cardiovascular exercise. Cycling may even be good for your mental health, with some studies finding that cycling to work is linked with better wellbeing than driving to work. Riding for 30 minutes can burn between 400-600 calories! Where to Go: North Park Out and Back, Alpharetta - 3.54 miles Jones-Jones-Edgerton, Peachtree Corners - 3.59 miles Around JC & Duluth, Duluth - 6.2 miles 18

18 miles from home, Cumming Alpharetta loop - 8 miles More Routes: www.mapmyride.com/us/north-atlantaga

HIKE

Hiking not only gives you an aerobic workout, but it may also be good for your mental health. A number of studies suggest that spending time in nature reduces stress levels and negative thinking. More good news, according to a recent study, if you do not have time to work out during the week, a long hike or two on the weekend may offer health benefits similar to those seen in people who exercise more frequently. One can expect to burn about 250 calories on a 30-min trek. Where to Go: Rabun Bald Summit – Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald – 3 miles Sawnee Mtn Preserve, Indian Seats Trail @ Sawnee Mtn - 4 miles Sweetwater Creek State Park - 2-4 miles East Palisades Trail at the Chattahoochee River - 3.4 miles Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill - 3 miles

TENNIS What's not to "love" about tennis! Tennis helps improve reaction time and bone density. Sports are also great for taking your mind off of “exercising.” Before you know it, you will be burning 400+ calories in only 30 minutes.

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Fit Tip Where to Go: T2 Tennis, ALTA (Atlanta Lawn & Tennis Assn) and USTA all have tennis leagues. Find out more on their websites.

VOLLEYBALL Who doesn’t like a good game of Volleyball with friends? Volleyball is a favorite summer activity that has great health benefits as well. This is also a great option for improving reaction time and upper body strength. This game will keep you on the go and get you up in the air. While the amount of calories burned varies on different surface (concrete, grass, sand), you will likely burn 300+ calories easily with just 30 minutes of volleyball. Where to Go: Alpharetta Beach Volleyball Alpharetta A5 Volleyball Club, Roswell Some YMCA locations

Courts,

SWIM Swimming is probably the most muscle engaging, low impact exercise that you can do. Studies show swimming may be particularly good for older adults, as it may help strengthen core muscles and reduce

strengthen core muscles and reduce the risk of falls. In addition, swimming may help with arthritis by increasing the use of joints without worsening symptoms, the CDC says. This “go to” Georgia summer activity will melt about 400 calories during a 30minute session. Where to Go: Alpharetta Wills Park Pool Roswell Area Park Pool West Gwinnett Park & Aquatic Center in Norcross Many Neighborhoods and lakes

KAYAK If you are looking for a more scenic adventure, kayaking is a great option in Georgia. This activity helps improve upper body strength and is also easy on your joints. Don’t let the sitting down fool you. You can expect to burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes. Where to Go: SO many options for kayaking and canoeing on the Chattahoochee and in North Georgia and North Carolina! Google is your best bet here! Now you have lots of ideas to get out and stay healthy (in North) Georgia!

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Fit Fare

Ingredients:

Serves: 2

4 Slices Whole Grain Bread 1 avocado sliced or slightly mashed 1 tomato, tomatilla or green tomato, sliced 4 Mozzarella Cheese slices

Directions: Preheat oven to 425F

Spread Pesto on each of 02

two slices of bread. Place one slice of

mozzarella cheese on each slice of bread. Spread a layer of

avocado, then tomato slices, spinach and alfalfa

Baby Spinach

sprouts. Close sandwich.

Pesto

Line a baking sheet with

Alfalfa Sprouts

Enjoy! Add some fruit! Yum!

aluminum foil and spray with olive oil. Bake each sandwich 4-5

minutes on each side.

Recipe by: www.healthywaysfordays IG: @healthwaysfordays

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