Make Atlanta Your Own Gym

  
  

Atlanta is a city full of life— buzzing with culture, energy, and community spirit. But like many urban areas across the country, it faces a growing public health challenge: too many residents aren’t getting enough physical activity.
According to the CDC, only 23% of Americans meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. In Georgia, this reality is reflected in rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable conditions. Today, more than a third of Georgia’s adults are obese, and 1 in 5 children are already on the same path.

Physical inactivity isn’t just a health issue, it’s an economic one.The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that nearly $1 billion is spent each year on healthcare costs related to inactivity. For Atlanta, a vibrant and diverse city that thrives on its people, this is a crisis that touches every neighborhood, every family, and every generation.
But what if we didn’t need a fancy gym or expensive equipment to turn things around? What if the solution was already here—in the sidewalks beneath our feet, the trails we pass on our morning commute, the parks tucked between city blocks?

That’s the idea behind “Make Atlanta Your Own Gym.” This campaign invites every Atlantan to view their city as a place for movement, wellness, and community. Whether it’s yoga in Piedmont Park, biking along the Beltline, or simply walking to a MARTA station instead of driving—this initiative turns everyday spaces into opportunities for health.

A Campaign for Everyone
The strength of this campaign lies in its inclusivity. Atlanta is a patchwork of cultures, neighborhoods, and lived experiences. That’s why the campaign encourages residents to define fitness on their own terms. Some may enjoy traditional workouts; others may prefer dancing, walking their dog, or playing with their kids in the park. There is no “right” way to be active—just the encouragement to start, to move, and to feel supported in the journey.
By highlighting local fitness heroes—trainers, communityleaders, small gym owners, and influencers—the campaign reflects the spirit of Atlanta. It says: health belongs to all of us, no matter your zip code, background, or fitness level.

Community, Culture & Collaboration
At its heart, “Make Atlanta Your Own Gym” is about community. Research shows that people are more likely
to stick to healthy habits when they feel supported—and this campaign is designed to foster that support through
grassroots partnerships and accessible programming. By working with Atlanta Parks & Recreation, Atlanta
Beltline, Park Pride, Atlanta Public Schools, and local wellness organizations, the city can activate a powerful network of resources already embedded in the community. Free or low-cost fitness classes, walking clubs, youth sports leagues, and pop-up workout stations will help remove barriers and bring people together around a shared goal: moving more and feeling better. From the Beltline’s scenic trails to the more than 350 city parks offering open green spaces, Atlanta already has the physical infrastructure to support this movement. Now it’s about sparking awareness and participation.

Useful Links 

City of Atlanta Press Release
Atlanta Beltline Free Fitness Classes
NPU Step Challenge
Fulton County Board of Health