Fitness on
the BeltLine
Training for a marathon
reveals a wealth of BeltLine
exercise options to one runner
Sponsored by AT&T
The daunting task of marathon training, at least for me, requires dangling carrots — especially on longer runs. While preparing for my first marathon, every week for four months I would begin an extended jaunt in Decatur, my running shoes smacking on the pavement. Heading out toward the Eastside BeltLine served as an alluring goal. Call it fuel for the feet.
More than 5 miles into the run, I would pound my way down Krog Street, hang a left on Irwin and set foot on the BeltLine. There, I’d become embraced by bustling activity: cyclists zipping past, moms pushing strollers, and pockets of other runners gunning for their own goals.
Avoiding the crowds sometimes required the shucking and dodging of a NFL running back, but the renewed energy never failed to recharge my battery. The sights and action of the BeltLine helped distract me from my fatigue to help me reach my own personal fitness objective. And the general flatness of the trail provided some much-needed relief after huffing up and down hills.
Dabbing the sweat from my brow and gulping water, I’d notice how the BeltLine also serves as a conduit to other fitness opportunities.
“The point is that just building a beautiful network of parks, trails and transit wasn’t enough,” says Chuck Meadows, executive director of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. “We felt no one could have an excuse to not get out on the BeltLine and live a healthier life if we offered fitness classes for free.”
According to Meadows, the response continues to be huge. Yoga, bike riding classes for adults and kids, and running clubs draw big. And he says the Partnership continues to be pleased with the variety of complimentary classes and experiences they offer.
One of those opportunities is the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, which I would inevitably pass on my left during my Eastside BeltLine runs. The park has halfpipes, bowls, banks and ledges for every skill level, so I’d see fresh-faced newbies skate alongside seasoned teens. Old-school vets often proved they still had serious skills, while fans and family members would simply stand by and watch the skateboard spectacle.
It opened with great fanfare in spring 2011, when it became the city’s first public skatepark. Skating icon Tony Hawk, through the Tony Hawk Foundation, not only ponied up $25,000 toward construction, but shredded across the massive bowl, caught serious air and displayed his skateboard mastery at the grand opening.
During my runs, the skatepark’s liveliness attracted a little too much of my attention. The temptation to stop and watch the radical repertoire would only slow me down. I needed to keep both my feet and my head in the game.
Preparing for a marathon takes focus, and part of this focus includes off-road cross training. And the BeltLine brings that, too.
Lily Collins, who hosts evening pilates at Tanyard Creek Park in the spring, says the outdoor sessions located just along the Northside BeltLine Trail garner plenty of curious stares from passersby.
A diverse group of students sprawl on yoga mats and follow Collins as she suggests leg circles, push-ups, planks and other core-strengthening body weight exercises. Byproducts of the class include more than fit physiques: Classmates often become fitness buddies and explore other free BeltLine exercise offerings.
“There’s just something special about being outside on the BeltLine,” Collins says, “soaking up the energy of the city and working out next to likeminded people who are all there looking for the same thing.”
Some search for a more hardcore approach to fitness. FitWit, a popular boot camp program, takes place at various locations throughout Atlanta, including near the Westside Trail.
Its free weekly workouts take place Saturdays at D.H. Stanton Park in the Peoplestown neighborhood. Those with enough courage to brave full-body burpees, run some stairs and pop off some push-ups can try it out at no charge.
FitWit owner Josh Guerreri says the BeltLine session offers additional benefits besides raised heart rates. “We’ve been around for 10 years and have a big community,” Guerreri says. “So FitWit regulars will come out and explore a different part of the BeltLine that they didn’t know was there.”
Although I put in many miles on foot, the uninitiated can learn more about both the Eastside and Westside trails through BeltLine bicycle tours. The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition rode in concert to create the tours. Coalition member Cole Smith and others lead the excursions, which take place Saturdays on the Eastside Trail and Sundays on the Westside.
Not just a ride but an exercise in information, the tours provide both Atlanta and BeltLine history along the way. As the group ventures to six to 10 stops on each tour, the guide relates facts on BeltLine art, affordable area housing, the adjacent parks and more. It’s a mission Smith holds dear for a variety of reasons, including one biggie.
“I met my future wife on a bike ride on the Atlanta BeltLine,” Smith says. “That’s how much it means to me.”
While Smith will make a matrimonial splash thanks to the BeltLine, others can take a dive literally just a few steps off of the Westside Trail in West End. The Washington Park Natatorium, a sparkling indoor swimming facility, includes a 10-lane heated competition pool and a 25-by-10-yard therapy pool.
Leslie Pierce and her fellow instructors offer complimentary classes at the natatorium. Her beginner classes for kids and adults feature basic skills peppered with games and songs. She also teaches a more workout-oriented class for intermediate and advanced swimmers.
“I think [the natatorium] is a great compliment to the BeltLine,” Pierce says. “It’s a great facility, and there’s no other city-run pool facility like it on the BeltLine. … It’s one of the city’s hidden gems.”
Once the full 22-mile BeltLine loop gets finished, I may just have to give it a test run. Back in November of 2014, I cashed out my BeltLine training by crossing the finish line of Savannah Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon.
The BeltLine not only aided me in achieving a dream — I unlaced my shoes with a better understanding of the trails and their offerings. And the next time I need that dangling carrot while training, I know where to take a bite.
Insider tip
A calendar listing featuring BeltLine fitness classes can be found at beltline.org/events.
Stephen Smith
Personal trainer Stephen Smith’s Viva Fitness studio sits just a step from the Atlanta BeltLine on Ponce de Leon Place in Virginia-Highland. The veteran exercise guru of more than 20 years schools students individually and in groups, including men, women, seniors and beauty pageant competitors. Smith takes advantage of the BeltLine’s proximity to whip his clients into shape.
Living Intown: What’s it like having a fitness business on the BeltLine?
It’s great being there, because you can do things inside and outside. It’s a great tool to have — and a great source of revenue with all of the people walking by. I think it could be structured differently for walkers and runners, and people with strollers and that nature. But as far as people getting out and moving, I think it’s great.
How do you use the BeltLine with your clients?
I’ll have them do lunges on the BeltLine. I’ll mark off certain distances and have them do a quarter mile, a half mile and a mile. For my elderly clients, we use the BeltLine for walking warmups. We might move to the side and do some exercises, some step-ups and lift some stones. I utilize what’s out there. I’ll use a wall to do push-ups, or go over to the skatepark and do wall dips. We’ll go down to the park on Monroe and use the stairs. Whatever’s out there, I’ll just take advantage of. Everyone thinks they need to workout in a gym, but you don’t necessarily need one. You can move your body more, be creative [on the BeltLine] and not be restricted by a gym.
What’s your favorite part of the BeltLine?
My favorite part of the BeltLine is the undeveloped part just behind Park Tavern. There’s some great artwork back there and it’s real quiet, peaceful and never crowded. It’s a great place to run, and you can take it right into the park.
