If you live in or around the Atlanta, Georgia, area and like to keep fit, you may want to consider joining an Atlanta walking club. Walking clubs typically have members who are fitness walkers, race walkers and hikers. Beginners and experienced walkers can all benefit from an Atlanta walking club.
Walking Club
The Walking Club of Georgia, formed in 1987, is a non-profit organization. USA Track and Field sanctions this club, which offers weekly walks around Atlanta and monthly hikes in the North Georgia mountains.
Form Your Own Club
The Walking Club of Georgia has groups that meet at Brookhaven or the Chattahoochee River each week. Other groups meet at various spots in midtown, Buckhead or Virginia-Highlands. If none of these areas is convenient for you, the Walking Club of Georgia will help you form a club that better suits you. If you contact the Walking Club of Georgia, the newsletter editor will put your contact information in the club's newsletter, so that you can connect with walking partners in your part of town.
Meetups
The Atlanta area has many "meetup" groups that focus on walking. These groups advertise what type of walking they do and where they walk. If you are interested, you can sign up for their next walk. Some meetup groups do balance walking, where they use walking poles and special shoes that engage your core muscles. Other meetups include regular walks in various parts of town. You can even find a dog walk through the meetups, where you can walk with your dog.
Getting Started
Before you start with a walking club, the Walking Club of Georgia recommends you take some precautions. You should check with your doctor before you begin any exercise program. Start at a slow pace and gradually increase your distance and speed. A good walking pace allows you to carry on a conversation while you are walking. If you are gasping for air, you should slow down. A good rule of thumb is that you should be breathing harder than usual and feel tired when you are done. Stretch for 10 minutes after your walk.
What to Bring
Carry identification when you walk. You need it in case of an emergency. Bring water with you when you walk, and drink several glasses after your walk is over. If you don't want to carry a water bottle, you can buy a fanny pack at a sporting goods store that holds a water bottle.
Places to Walk
The Silver Comet Trail, an old railroad trail that has been paved for cyclists, walkers and skaters, is almost perfectly level, so is good for race walking, according to The Walking Club of Georgia. The Silver Comet runs from Smyrna to the Alabama state line. You see wilderness, covered bridges, neighborhoods and tunnels, depending on which part of the trail you are walking.
Many people choose to power walk through one of Atlanta's many malls. You can do this early in the morning when the mall opens to avoid the crowds, or you can combine your errands with power walking.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park has 16 miles of trails. You can walk straight up to the top of the mountain, or you can choose flatter walks on marked paths throughout the park.
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