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LIFESTYLE • HEALTH • FITNESS

INSIDE: The FIRST Body Difference

NEW Workout Guide

Holiday Giving Opportunities

NOV/DEC 2021

Please Take One!

ALPHARETTA|DULUTH JOHNS CREEK|SUWANEE PEACHTREE CORNERS

FitLife

FREE!

North Atlanta

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Tracie Morse ~Owner/Publisher

Give Back...Look Forward! Believe it or not, it is healthy to give! Although charities need our help year round, the holidays tend to magnify the needs of others. Ways to give, help and volunteer abound. This season offers the perfect opportunity to teach our children about giving back, so we can truly continue a legacy of giving from generation to generation. You might find just the right fit in our HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE on page 22! On the Cover: We welcome FIRST Body and Wellness to Milton and to the FitLife family! Your entire health and wellness is their FIRST priority so you can look and feel your best. Learn more about them on page 10. New Feature! We are lucky to have so many options to begin or continue our fitness regimen. But, we know it can be overwhelming to choose. 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 even more reasons to give back this season with our FIT TIP, Give a Little - Get a Lot. Check it out on page 5.

Last year the holidays looked a lot different in the middle of the pandemic. Wondering what the recommendations are for this season? FIT BEYOND 55, on page 9 spells out the CDC guidelines for our gatherings. Thank you, 55 Fitness! Have you been to Cibo & Vino yet? They share a few of their healthy fall recipes in FIT FARE on pages 16-17. Make these at home or stop by Cibo & Vino for these and other delicious prepared dishes for you and your family. We would love to hear what you think on social...be sure to tag @northatlantafitlife. Refer often to the FIT EVENTS calendar! It's full of fun holiday runs and events. We're making plans to connect and be active. Hope to see you out and about! Be sure to engage with us on social media! LIKE & FOLLOW @northatlantafitlife for more great content! LIVE WELL. BE INTENTIONAL. CHOOSE HAPPY!

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

SUPPORT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES 55 Fitness.........................................................9 Body Bar...........................................................6 Cibo and Vino................................................17 Eat the Frog Johns Creek..............................4 First Body and Wellness.........................1, 19 Hidden Values...............................................21 HydralIVe Therapy..........................................6 North Atlanta Family Dentistry.................23

Restore Hyper Wellness...............................21 Stretch Zone......................................................2 Structural Based Therapy............................15 The Joint............................................................24 Total Body Therapy..........................................7 Vitality Bowls....................................................19 WORKOUT Guide...........................................18 Youthtopia MedSpa.......................................14

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Sponsored by Eat The Frog Fitness, Johns Creek

Give a Little Get a Lot

Fit TIP

By: Devin Campbell, ETF Johns Creek

This time of year, “giving” is on

everyone’s mind. This season can also cause stress, causing us to miss out on the valued benefits that giving provides. We know that giving helps others through volunteering, supporting charities, or emotional support. But what about the amazing feeling that it also provides the giver? Through our generosity, we also provide ourselves with the ‘warm fuzzies’. So many variables pull at our emotional stability, it’s great to know there are scientific studies that show giving can enhance our mental AND our physical health.

Benefits of Giving: Lower Blood Pressure Increased Self-Esteem Less Depression Lower Stress Levels Longer Life Greater Happiness and Satisfaction Research shows that people who give social support have lower blood pressure than those who don’t. Studies also show that ‘givers’ with coronary events tend to recover faster.Giving your time and support to community leads to better self-esteem, lower rates of depression, better sleep, and lower stress levels. Helping someone in need is one of the best forms of therapy when one is feeling overwhelmed, depressed or at a personal impasse. Volunteering is highly recommended for those 55+. Research indicates those who volunteer at 2 or more organizations were 44% less likely to pass away over a 5-year period than those that did not. Other studies show similar numbers are present for elderly people who gave help to

friends, relatives, neighbors, and even their spouse, versus those that didn’t. There is actual science behind the ‘warm fuzzies’. A chemical connection occurs in our brains associated with giving. It’s why we feel excited giving gifts to others. Gift-giving is associated with chemicals found in our brain: dopamine (feel-good chemical); serotonin (mood mediating chemical); and oxytocin (compassion and bonding chemical). It turns out that giving releases endorphins and creates what has been commonly know as the “helper’s high”!

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi

In a world where we all can use some love, and support, make it a practice to seek opportunities, individuals and organizations that can benefit from your charity. Others in need are all around us. There are many organizations who need help and the best place to start is with something/someone that is important to you. Science has proven that doing good and feeling good have a direct correlation. People that practice various forms of giving tend to lead better, healthier and fuller lives. They sleep better, have less health concerns and are more social. Regardless of religious practice, lets be sure the “reason for the season” this year and every year is to be a true and sincere servant of others. While it is important to be cognizant of your personal stress levels during this time of year, remember that the best gifts come as true extensions of our hearts.

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Sponsored by 55 Fitness

Fit Beyond 55

A Safe

and Family Holiday Season The holidays have always been a time to gather with family and friends. However, last year, as the holiday season approached, we were forced to accept the fact that holiday gatherings might not the best idea especially for older adults or individuals with preexisting health conditions. We all hoped, and most of us believed, that by the 2021 holiday season things would have mostly returned to normal. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of conflicting information out there about COVID-19 leading to uncertainty and fear. In order for families and friends to see each other and enjoy the upcoming holiday season safely, on October 15th, the CDC released the following recommendations for the 2021 holiday season. Anyone eligible to get a vaccine to protect those not currently eligible for vaccination (such as children aged 12 and younger) by getting fully vaccinated.

Un-vaccinated individuals should wear well-fitting masks over their noses and mouths when in public indoor settings. People who are fully vaccinated should also wear masks in public indoor settings where there is a risk of high COVID-19 transmission. Those planning gatherings should note that outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings. Everyone should avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. People who feel sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 should avoid hosting or attending gatherings. People who have had symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone infected with the virus should get tested before attending any holiday events. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season, once again surrounded by friends and family as it should be.

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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T S R FI THI

NGS

FIRS

We knew from our first conversation...

...with Lucy Jimenez and Ashley Griffing that FIRST Body and Wellness is MORE than just a med spa. Lucy and her husband, Dr. Arnaldo Jimenez, have seen thousands of patients at his Gastroenterology practice over the last 23 years, and heard the stories of their health and wellness journeys. They asked themselves, “How can we do more for them and for our community?” It was their desire to dig deeper to help people, and a chance introduction that led them to open FIRST Body and Wellness Center. What makes FIRST Body and Wellness different?

Lucy: First, the priority at FIRST Body and Wellness is the focus on your entire health and wellness, not just how you look. We feel that if we can help patients feel like the best version of themselves inside and out, their confidence and happiness will increase. Second, Dr. Jimenez is actually involved in the practice, not just in name only. Third, we speak Spanish for those more comfortable speaking that language.

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What led you to open FIRST Body and Wellness? Lucy: Kismet, really! A chance meeting and conversation over dinner one evening led to an introduction to a representative from BTL, the manufacturer behind the revolutionary EMSCULPT technology. We offer the Emsculpt Neo, which melts fat and tones; Emsella, a treatment for incontinence and other issues; and Emtone for skin tightening. All of these products use cutting edge technology and produce amazing results. We knew we had to find a way to offer these technologies to our patients and community. How did you come by the name, FIRST Body and Wellness? Ashley: We wanted a name that described our practice and our patient-first mentality so we chose the acronym for FIRST: Firm, Invigorate, Rejuvenate, Sculpt, Tone. This perfectly describes what we do for our patients and the results speak for themselves. What services do you offer at FIRST Body and Wellness? Ashley: We offer EmSculpt Neo, Emsella, and Emtone as well as IV Therapy, PRP, and the Allergan suite of products: Botox, Juvaderm, and Kybella. Our injectable technician, Brianna Burns, is phenomenal and very well-trained. What else would you like our readers to know? Lucy: Our motto is Less is More! We seek to enhance your natural beauty so you look like yourself, not a frozen version of you. Our focus is to make you look better, feel better and be the best version of yourself so you are happy and confident.

Brianna Burns, RN

FIRST Body and Wellness (ad on page 18) is now open in Milton! Stop by to welcome them to the neighborhood and make an appointment. It will be the FIRST step to a better you!

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Fit Events

November/December 2021 FitLife EXPO Alpharetta City Center

RUNNING BIG PEACH ALPHARETTA FREE RUN/WALK CLUB Mondays @6:30p Wednesdays @6:30p 5530 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta

CUMMING MARATHON & 5K Sunday, November 7 @7:15a The Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road Cumming

BIG PEACH SUWANEE FREE RUN/WALK CLUB Monday Group Walk @6:30p Tuesday Group Run @6:30p Women’s Run/Walk/Jog Wednesdays @9a Thursday Group Run @6:30p 320 Town Center Ave, Suwanee

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S Saturday, November 13 @8:00a 330 Town Center Avenue Suwanee

FIVE STAR TURKEY TROT Thursday, November 25 @8:00a 3835 Johns Creek Pkwy Johns Creek

SHE RUNS FOR FUN 5K Saturday, November 13 @11a Anderby Brewery 110 Technology Pkwy, #200 Peachtree Corners

HAPPYFEAT’S RUN RUN RUDOLPH 5K Saturday, December 4 @8:00a 330 Town Center Avenue Suwanee

10TH ANNUAL RUN 4 A REASON 5K Saturday, November 13 @9:00a 1600 Executive Drive South Duluth

REINDEER RUN Saturday, December 11 @8:30a 415 Hwy 53, Dawsonville

DOGS ON THE RUN Saturday, November 6 @9:00a 3645 Coal Mountain Rd Cumming TRIPP-A-DOODLES TROT 5K/10K Saturday, November 6 @8:00a Tribble Mill Park 2125 Tribble Mill Pkwy Lawrenceville 38TH ANNUAL CHATTAHOOCHEE ROAD RACE 5K Saturday, November 6 @7:45a 5585 Sandy Springs Circle, NE Atlanta

EARLY BIRD TURKEY TROT Saturday, November 20 @8:00a 200 Chastain Meadows Ct, Kennesaw

GOBBLE WOBBLE Thursday, November 25 @7:15a Halcyon, Alpharetta

LOCOMOTIVE HALF MARATHON, 5K, & MARATHON CHALLENGE Sunday, December 12 @7:30a Barrett Business Center 2015 Vaughn Rd, Kennesaw

GET BASTED TURKEY TROT Sunday, November 21 @8:00a SAVE THE PENGUIN North Forsyth Middle School Friday, December 31 @12:00a 3645 Coal Mountain Drive Virtual Challenge Cumming

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Fit Events RUNNING (cont) STAMPEDE 2020 Friday, December 31 @12:00a Virtual Challenge NEW YEAR’S DAY 5K Saturday, January 1 @9:00a 3645 Coal Mountain Rd Cumming

GROUP HIKE RED TOP STATE PARK Thursdays starting November 11 @9:00a Iron Hill Trail Head 50 Lodge Rd SE, Acworth

UGLY PAJAMA 5K RUN Sunday, January 9 @9:00a Newtown Park, Johns Creek

DIRTY SPOKES MAYHEM ON THE MOUNTAINS Saturday, January 8 @8:30a Sawnee Mountain 2505 Bettis Tribble Gap Road, Cumming

YOGA/FITNESS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SIP + SWEAT AT THE HOTEL AVALON Thursday, November 18 @6:00p The Hotel Avalon 9000 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta

SPORTS ON THE SCREEN November 6, 13, 20, 27 & December 4, 11 Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd Peachtree Corners

AYURVEDA & EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING WITH VICTORIA TELYCHKO Friday, November 12 @6:30p Oya Yoga Studio 50 Canton St, Alpharetta

HALCYON HOEDOWN Friday, November 5 @7:00p Halcyon, Alpharetta

AMERICAN LEGION POST 210 ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CRUZ-IN Sunday, November 7 @11:00a TRAIL RUNS/BIKING American Legion Post 201 ALEXEI’S HIKE FOR HEARTS & 201 Wills Rd, Alpharetta HOTCAKES VETERANS DAY CEREMONY Saturday, November 6 @8:00a Thursday, November 11 North Gwinnett Church 4973 West Price Road, Suwanee @11:00a Town Green, Peachtree Corners TRAILS & ALES GREENWAY SANTA AT AVALON BIKE RIDE November 22 – December 24 Saturday, November 13 & Avalon, Alpharetta December 11 @11:00a Jekyll Brewery 2855 Marconi Dr, Alpharetta

***ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CDC, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDELINES. ***

FALL GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN Fridays & Saturdays thru December 4 @6:00p Halcyon, Alpharetta

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CINEMA AT THE RED CLAY CRUELLA: Thursday, November 11 @7:00p The GRINCH: Thursday, December 9 @7:00p The Red Clay Music Foundry 3116 Main St, Duluth AVALON ON ICE November 21 - January 17 @12:00p-7:00p Avalon Alpharetta THE LIGHTING OF AVALON Sunday, November 21 @1:00p Avalon Alpharetta SEASON OF CELEBRATION December 3, 10, & 17 @5:00p Town Green 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta JOLLY HOLLY DAY Friday, December 3 @6:30p Town Center Park 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee DECK THE HALL Saturday, December 4 @2:00p City Hall, 3167 Main St, Duluth NOON YEAR’S EVE Friday, December 31 @11:00a The Hotel at Avalon 9000 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta

FARMERS MARKETS HALCYON FARMERS MARKET March 23 – December 21 Tuesdays, 4:00 -7:00p Halcyon, Alpharetta ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET April 3 - November 27 Saturdays, 8:30a - 12:00p Alpharetta City Center

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Fit Fare

Sponsored by Cibo & Vino

Try these delicious Fall recipes. Or, order them TO-GO at Cibo & Vino!

Roasted Chicken Rollatini with Cranberry, Spinach and Goat Cheese with

Oven Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup Roasted Chicken Rollatini

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

3. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

2 large Chicken Breasts 1 cup Dried Cranberries 1 pound Spinach 1 cup Garlic, minced 1 cup Goat Cheese crumbles ¼ cup Good Olive Oil Salt and Pepper to taste

4. Take the 4 pieces of chicken and lay them upside down on your cutting board. In the center, place equal amounts of spinach, cranberry and goat cheese. Roll the chicken, keeping all the ingredients in the middle. Take toothpick and place it in the center. Make sure to go all the way through to the bottom so that the chicken does not unroll.

Directions:

1. In a medium sauté pan add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and sauté until aromatic. Do not burn. Reduce heat, add spinach. Stir frequently so the garlic does not burn. Once wilted, set aside.

5. Place all 4 pieces of chicken on a baking sheet. drizzle with olive oil, and place in hot oven.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees is reached.

2. Cut chicken breasts in half, length wise. Place chicken upside on your cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. With a meat mallet, pound the chicken thin and be careful the chicken does not tear. 16

7. Let rest for 5 minutes and enjoy!

Enjoy with Oven Roasted Butternut Squash!

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Fit Fare Oven Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 2 Butternut Squash 1 cup Maple Syrup

1/ 2 Cup Olive Oil Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions: 1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

5. Place the squash on a sheet pan. Coat generously with olive oil and season to taste.

2. Slice the top and bottom off your squash.

6. Roast at 375 for 35-40 minutes or until tender.

3. Cut squash in to quarters lengthwise.

4. Use a spoon to remove the seeds. (You can roast the seeds with a little chili powder for a great healthy snack with a little kick)

7. Remove squash and coat with maple syrup. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize.

Remove from oven and enjoy with Roasted Chicken Rollatini!

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

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

bodybarpilates.com/studios/al pharetta/ ~ Learn More on Page 6 ~

HOTWORX - Alpharetta 869 N Main St Suite #205 Alpharetta 30009 470-567-9679 hotworx.net/studio/alpharetta -northmain

RowHouse 425 Peachtree Parkway Suite #315 Cumming 30041 678-862-4804

eatthefrogfitness.com ~ Learn More on Page 4 ~

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

shred415.com/locations/alpha retta

30 Minute HITJohns Creek 3105 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 104 Suwanee 30024

678-771-5224 therowhouse.com/location/cu johnscreek@30minutehit.com mming

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

55fitness.com ~ Learn More on Page 8 ~

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

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

hotworx.net/studio/johnscreek -alpharetta

Fitness Studio 108 11030 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite #260 Johns Creek 30097 770-754-5999 fitnessstudio108.com

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Photo Gallery

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Thank You! THANK YOU for an amazing Inaugural 1st Annual FitLife EXPO! Our Presenting Sponsors, BODYARMOR and CocaCola Bottling United were instrumental in bringing the EXPO to fruition, as was our partner, the City of Alpharetta. We are already excited for the 2nd Annual FitLife EXPO, coming to you next fall. Stay tuned! Thanks again to these sponsors:

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Giving Back North Atlanta

HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE Families in our community need our help this year. Here are some ways we can share the holiday spirit and give back to our local communities and to the world this holiday season.

Toys for Tots - A program created by the U.S. Marines that collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to families who can't afford gifts. Drop off locations at many grocery stores, retailers and offices. Find a list of locations online.

CENTER FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS Sponsor Christmas for a foster child through the CCYA, located in North Atlanta, which provides a home for youth who have been abused, neglected, and/or abandoned by their caregivers. Gifts distributed December 5th. Call (770) 388-5843 for more info.

NORTH FULTON COMMUNITY CHARITIES Visit https://nfcchelp.org for more info on these programs

Senior Holiday Baskets – donate on December 10-11 and help create holiday baskets for seniors (ages 65 and over) and disabled adults. These beautiful baskets will be delivered on December 12th. Toyland Shop – Buy and donate a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy, gift or gift card (Preferable) for a family in need. Donations must be dropped off December 13-15. Thanksgiving Meals Donations accepted November 15-17. Check website for times. Purchase and donate non-perishable Thanksgiving food items $25 Kroger or Publix gift cards, or frozen turkeys. Volunteer Distribution Dates - November 18-21

NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES Merry Market – Share the JOY of Christmas with underserved families and children. Donations may be dropped off after November 1st at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church OR give from the online registries at Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s.

SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE Each year, the Atlanta community adopts thousands of “Angels”, children and seniors living at or below the federal index poverty level. Donate online Sunday, November 1 Friday, December 4th. More information at https://angeltreeatlanta.org/

Operation Christmas Child - Collection Week: November 15th - 22nd. From children to seniors, families pack shoebox gifts each year to bless children in need around the world. Many churches around Atlanta are drop off locations. USO Wishbook - The USO has made purchasing the perfect gift for a veteran incredibly simple, offering prepackaged services and items in a range of prices. From a “flight home comfort kit” for wounded troops, to resume and career support, to helping send a military child to camp, the USO ensures your gift goes to a good cause. Holidays for Heroes - Send holiday cards to military members through your local AMERICAN RED CROSS chapter that participates in the program. UNICEF Market - If you are looking for stocking stuffers and unique finds, shop unicefusa.org/HolidayMarket for a vast collection of handcrafted items made by artisans from around the world. These gifts help support the artisans and their families, keep traditional skills alive and give back to essential programs for children.

Give a Gift in Honor or Memory of Someone: Heifer International - Shop the gift catalog from to donate livestock and training to struggling communities in 21 countries around the world. Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog – Help families, children and the aging around the world. You can gift in many areas for almost any donation amount to drill a well, build or improve a hospital, or feed a hungry baby, just to name a few.

"Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about MAKING A DIFFERENCE"

By: Tracie Morse

Kathy Calvin, CEO & President of the United Nations Foundation

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