Getting in shape isn't cheap. The average gym membership is about $50 a month, and often you're required to sign a yearly contract. If you change your mind, you're stuck for a while.
But you can get your workout fix for free at a dozen local parks.
There's nothing sweeter than getting something for nothing. That's what outdoor workout zones offer -- a chance to get in shape without paying a dime. They're springing up in city parks all over Atlanta. The goal is to make exercise and health something all of us can afford.
Blessing Heard, 16, found one in Atlanta's Coan Park, near her grandmother's house.
"It looked new and fun, so I wanted to see what it was," said Heard.
Think of it as a playground for grownups who want to get in shape. Each fitness zone -- Atlanta has 12 of them now -- is packed with circuit training equipment that allows you to use your body weight as resistance.
Atlanta City Parks Director Doug Voss says this is the new face of public parks.
"The machines have just gotten that much better, you used to have a chin up bar, now you have machines out here that work every part of your body. And they're actually pretty easy to use," said Voss.
They're also free. The City of Atlanta Parks Department worked with neighborhood groups to raise money to buy the equipment. Each zone is designed for the people who live around it.
Voss says the idea is to put fitness within everybody's reach.
"But also, the cost of a gym membership is expensive. Our parks are wonderful. You've got so many different opportunities. And a lot of times we've seen that parents will come out, they've got a child on the playground, as long as there's good supervision there, they can come over and workout at the same time, then they've got a perfect opportunity to come work out," Voss said.
The fitness zones are part of a national trend to build healthier communities. If you don't live in Atlanta, but you want to find resources like this in your community, click here for more information.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
