2021 – Here We Come
***Guest Blog: Dan Knopp, Hyatt Area General Manager, Hyatt Place Atlanta/Buckhead and Livable Buckhead Board Member***
Every year, millions of us make New Year’s resolutions as a move towards positive change in our lives. And for most of us this will include a more active approach to health and fitness. Now, there have been countless studies on how and why people make resolutions and on how and why the keep or don’t keep them. Many different perspectives come out of these studies, but there are a few common themes:
- Somewhere between 40-50% of people will make New Year’s resolutions
- Somewhere around 50% of New Year’s resolutions will involve living healthier (exercise, weight control, eating habits, etc.)
- Somewhere less than 10% of people that make resolutions will be successful, which isn’t bad when less than 5% of non-resolvers are successful in achieving similar goals.
I would like to offer up some unsolicited advice and a practical step to help you resolve and succeed at a healthier lifestyle. There’s a popular meme out that says, “My goal this year was to lose 10 pounds and I’ve only got 15 pounds to go!” Funny, but so relatable. Maybe it’s obvious, but the best advice is to keep your resolution simple and reasonable. If you haven’t been on a regular exercise routine and now you resolve to exercise four days a week. That implies a lot of change to your lifestyle, your routines, and your schedules. It’s no wonder that Strava (a social network for exercisers) came up with January 19 as “Quitters Day,” the day most people were likely to give up their New Year’s resolutions.
So, what do I do if I really want to make a positive change for my health and well-being? There are probably many lessons we will take out of our 2020 experiences. But two of my key lessons have been: (1) my plans are subject to outside forces that make them constantly subject to change, and (2) I really need social interaction with others to be my best. To me, this is where Livable Buckhead comes in.
Of course we all know about the great outside exercise option afforded by Livable Buckhead’s PATH400. Bikers, runners, and walkers (including lots of dog walkers) are using this beautiful linear oasis in the heart of Buckhead on a daily basis. As you consider how to start up better health habits, PATH400 may be the perfect, nearby, free, outdoor option to help you reach your goals.
Plus, for the past couple of years Livable Buckhead has co-sponsored a Tuesday night Run Club. Whether you’re looking to start running, get back to running, just find some nice folks to run with, or just want to add a little more moving into your life, this little group outing may be just right for you. Back when we all first realized that this pandemic was going to change how we go about our daily lives, this club was put on hiatus to give us time to determine what we needed to do to keep everyone safe and healthy. Even though we all knew that fresh air, sunshine and exercise are good for us, we were certainly excited to learn that these were also good ways to keep our immune systems working well.
We’ve certainly added more emphasis on proper safety measures: distancing, masks, sanitizers, etc. It’s all about getting together as a group and helping each other feel welcome, safe, healthy and part of something special. Within any of our Tuesday meet-ups you will find a wide range of ages and fitness levels, as all are welcomed. And on any given outing there will be runners, walkers and the ever-popular running-walking combos. Distances and speed will always vary and are driven by what people need for their personal wellness and how we can support the needs of each other.
Whether your resolution involves your first 5K or just getting out and moving more, come check out Buckhead Run Crew. Once a week – easy on your schedule. No pressure on a particular distance or speed – it’s all about you being you. Hang out with supportive, positive people – friendships are born here!
Buckhead Run Crew
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
Meet at Hyatt Place Buckhead (3242 Peachtree Road NE)
Currently using well-lit Peachtree Road; will return to using PATH400 with Daylight Savings Time
Feel free to reach out to me with questions or suggestions.
Dan Knopp
678-362-7555
