Time to get moving to improve fitness, maintain good health

By LaTINA EMERSON, Special to The Coweta Shopper

Each year, many people set goals to improve their health and get in better shape. However, as the months pass by, some find they’re falling short of their health and wellness ambitions.

To meet your fitness goals, it’s important to incorporate regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep into your daily routine. Going to the gym or walking around your neighborhood or local park are easy, low-cost options, but if those settings have become mundane, check out these fitness-related activities to add variety to your workout routine:

Fido Fest 5K and 1-mile Fun Run

The Fido Fest 5K and 1-mile Fun Run will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Ashley Park, 354 Newnan Crossing Bypass in Newnan. The event, presented by Ashley Park Newnan and Hearts ‘n Homes Rescue, will include several races, including the new Puppy Prance starting at 8 a.m., the 1-mile Fun Run (not timed) beginning at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K (chip timing provided) starting at 8:30 a.m., now a certified Peachtree Road Race Qualifying Event.

The Fido Fest, following the race from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature food trucks, vendors and entertainment. The event welcomes well-behaved and vaccinated dogs. No more than two dogs per human is preferred.

All proceeds from the Fido Fest 5K and 1-mile Fun Run support Hearts ‘n Homes Rescue, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to finding rescue, fosters or adopters for the dogs and puppies most at risk for euthanasia in Coweta County.

To register for the race, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Newnan/FidoFest5KandFunRun. Early race registration is encouraged to guarantee a race shirt. No registration is needed for the Puppy Prance. A school participation award will be given to the school with highest number of registrants, so list your school’s name when registering.

Oktober Fit

Oktober Fit, a 40-minute low-impact and strength workout with MAR Fit, followed by signature mocktails from Arey Bartending, will be held Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at First Avenue Park, 24 1st Avenue in Newnan.

The fitness event will blend 40 minutes of low-impact barre-inspired moves and strength training. All fitness levels are welcome. Attendees will receive swag bags and giveaways.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oktoberfit-tickets-1582729920799.

Piedmont Newnan Autumn Chase

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Fitness Center is hosting the 14th Annual Autumn Chase on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Newnan Utilities Carl Miller Park, 70 Sewell Road in Newnan. The Autumn Chase Trail Race will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

The event offers three different race options: a 10K Trail Race (6.2 miles) starting at 8:30 a.m., a 5K Trail Race (3.1 miles) beginning at 9 a.m., and a one-mile Fun Run starting at 9:45 a.m.

The Autumn Chase Trail Race supports the fitness center’s community fitness programs. Attendees who prefer not to participate in the races can enjoy the Kids’ Castle Park, sponsor giveaways and more.

To sign up for the race or sponsor the event, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Newnan/piedmontautumnchase.

LINC’d Up Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile

Kick off Thanksgiving morning with your family and friends by participating in the LINC’d Up Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile event, a community run organized by the Coweta Youth Running Club. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 8 a.m., starting at SummerGrove Town Hall, 333 SummerGrove Parkway in Newnan. Runners will follow a path through SummerGrove and along the scenic LINC path.

The LINC’d Up Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile event is open to runners and walkers of all ages. All proceeds will benefit Newnan Crossing Elementary and Welch Elementary schools. Children 14 and under will receive a $10 discount.

To sign up for the race, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2025/108368/lincd-up-turkey-trot.

Local Exercise, Yoga, Pickleball and Kickball Events

Each month, Coweta County residents can participate in fitness events at Newnan Carnegie Library, Greenville Street Park, House of Pickleball and more. These events include Exercise is Medicine, Gentle Yoga and Fitness in the Parks: Yoga on the Greens.

Visit the City of Newnan calendar to find fitness-related events: https://www.newnanga.gov/. Here are some events listed for September:

Exercise is Medicine: Work up a sweat with a trained instructor on Sept. 17, 22, 24 and 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Newnan Carnegie Library, 1 LaGrange St. in Newnan.

Gentle Yoga: The Gentle Yoga class stretches the body and relaxes the mind. Bring your own yoga mat and participate on Sept.  17 and 24 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Newnan Carnegie Library, 1 LaGrange St. in Newnan.

Fitness in the Parks: Yoga on the Greens: This class is tailored for all levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring a safe and personalized experience. Bring your own mat, towel and water and participate on Sept. 17 and 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Greenville Street Park, 51 Greenville St. S in Newnan. This free class will be offered on Wednesdays from September to November.

Adaptive Sports: Adaptive sports offer sports opportunities for differently abled persons over the age of 18. These sports are offered throughout the year, in partnership with organizations serving those who have mild to severe intellectual and/or physical disabilities or diagnosed developed disabilities.

Sports offered include basketball, wiffleball, swimming, pickleball and kickball. Activities take place at Lynch Park Facilities and the House of Pickleball.

Here are some upcoming events:

• Pickleball: Sept. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at House of Pickleball, 4 Joseph Hannah Blvd. in Newnan.

• Kickball: Oct. 8 and 22 and Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at Pickett Field in Newnan.