North Atlanta Fit Life - Sept/Oct 2022 by Hidden Values

LIFESTYLE • HEALTH • FITNESS FREE! ALPHARETTA|DULUTH CREEK|SUWANEEJOHNS CORNERSPEACHTREE2022SEPT/OCT North Atlanta BodyyourRejuvenateMind,&Spirit...withSALT

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The 2nd Annual FitLife EXPO is Sunday, October 16th at Alpharetta City Center. We can't wait! Check out the EXPO Special Section with select vendors, info, and the BEST OF THE EXPO section on page 6 See you at the EXPO! ON THE COVER: Welcome The Salt Center! We share their amazing story on page 16. LOOK BELOW! They offer 15% off ALL SERVICES for FitLife readers! Let them help you find peace, balance and health. Highly Inrecommend!ourongoing series DISCOVER GEORGIA HIKING , we explore BRASSTOWN BALD with Georgia Hikes. Turn to page 10 to learn all about it! Be sure to post your hikes, wherever they are, and tag @northatlantafitlife and @_georgia_hikes_ Flip to page 20 for the delicious FRESH FARE recipes through our collab with the University of Georiga Extension and Live Healthy Gwinnett. Let us know what you think and share your photos on social. For the BEST PLACES TO WORK OUT in North Atlanta, see page 18! School's back in...time for some self care. Take your pick...they're all awesome1 Be sure to engage with us on social media! LIKE & FOLLOW @northatlantafitlife for more great content! Tracie Morse ~Owner/Publisher Join Us at the EXPO! Live Well. Be Intentional. Choose HAPPY! 3northatlantafitlife.com ~ info@northatlantafitlife.com

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SUNDAY, October 16 1 2ALPHARETTA5p CITY CENTER 5northatlantafitlife.com ~ info@northatlantafitlife.com See you at the EXPO! And many more...

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Is it just us or has this year been flying by?

Brasstown Bald Discover Georgia Hiking!

The Hike: Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, you catch the trail head off of the GA-180 Spur in Hiawassee. The parking lot for the Brasstown Bald Visitors center is large and features the visitors center, restrooms, and a shuttle for those who would prefer to ride to the top (but we totally recommend the hike if you’re feeling up to it!). Note that there is a $7 fee per person ages 16+ (not per carload) to visit Brasstown Bald. The fee includes entrance as well as access to the shuttle should you choose to ride to the top.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve finally made it to Fall – otherwise known as HIKING SEASON! We don’t mean to be dramatic, but there is no better time of year to get outside and hike! It’s the time of year when the temperatures start to cool, the leaves start to fall, and the crisp air almost begs us to get outside and enjoy nature! For a few weeks each Fall, the North Georgia mountains put on an absolute show with stunning displays of bright orange and vibrant red leaves. It’s something you absolutely must experience in person, and we know the perfect place to make the most of this incredible time of year! Brasstown Bald is known for being the highest point in Georgia and it offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the Appalachian Mountains. In fact, you can see 4 surrounding states from the peak of Brasstown Bald! It’s the perfect location for a hike that will let you soak in all the gorgeous colors of Fall!

WhatStargazingWe Love:See you on the trails! which teaches visitors about the history as well as local ecosystems of Brasstown Bald. There is also a small movie theater where you can catch a short movie about the area.

Distance: 1.2 Miles Out-and-Back Time: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Location:Dog-Friendly:ModerateYes:2941GA-180SpurHiawassee,GA

Asmountain.younear the summit, you will come to the access road. Cross the road to continue on the trail which will take you to the summit and visitors center. The visitors center features an observation deck where you can enjoy incredible views of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It also features a small museum

Begin your hike to the top by catching the Brasstown Bald Summit trailhead from the parking lot. The trailhead is clearly marked, and the entire trail is paved which makes it fantastic for accessibility, as well as a great hike for beginners! The trail also runs under a canopy of natural cover making it a pleasant experience even on warm, sunny days.

Short but Beautiful & Accessible Trail High Historical Value Incredible Visitors Center at the top Unbeatable

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There are several signs along the trail that provide historical information about the area.

Enjoy your time on top of the mountain and soak in as many of the views as possible before you begin your descent back to the parking lot. We are sure you will love this iconic Georgia hike!

Incredible 360° of Appalachian Mountains and 4 Surrounding States

For more beautiful trails to explore, give us a follow on Instagram at @_georgia_hikes_ or visit our website at gahikes.com and be sure to check out our awesome selection of Georgia Hikes t-shirts, hats, and more! Be sure to tag us and @northatlantafitlife and let us know if you check out Brasstown

One such sign is at the crossing of Wagon Train Trail, which was constructed in the 1950’s as part of Georgia’s Route 66. Wagon Train Trail is open to hikers, but to get to the Brasstown Summit continue straight on the paved trail. This trail is not long, but it is steep so be prepared for the climb and take your time as you ascend t he

BIG PEACH ALPHARETTA FREE RUN/WALK CLUB Monday Group Run @6:30p Wednesday Group Run @6:30p 5530 Windward Pkwy BIGAlpharettaPEACH SUWANEE FREE RUN/WALK CLUB Tuesday Group Run @6:30p Thursday Group Run @6:30p 320 Town Center Ave, Suwanee BIG PEACH CUMMING CHERRY STREET FREE RUN/WALK CLUB First & Last Tuesday @6:30p Cherry Street Brew Pub, Halcyon LABOR DAY DONUT DASH 5K/10K/MUNCHKIN RUN Monday, September 5 @7:30a Halcyon Forsyth CARE FOR COPS 5K Saturday, September 10 @8:00a Town Center Park 330 Town Center Avenue BREAKFASTSuwanee CLUB 5K Saturday, September 17 @8:00a North Gwinnett Church 4973 West Price Road, Suwanee TEAM MAGGIE’S DREAM 5K/10K Saturday, September 17 @7:45a King’s Court Chapel, Roswell September/October 2022 ***ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CDC, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDELINES. *** WALK Saturday,N’ROLLSeptember 24 & October 22 @11:00a Jekyll Brewing 2855 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta MAYOR’S Thursday,CHALLENGECORPORATE5KSeptember29 @4:30p Alpharetta City Hall 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta NO ONE WALKS ALONE VITRUAL 5K & FUN RUN October 9 - October 16, 2022 SPOOKY SPIRITS 5K Saturday, October 15 @11:00a Suwanee Town Center 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee TRICK OR TROT 5K (Peachtree Road Race Qualifier) Saturday, October 15 @8:00a Thrasher Park 93 Park Dr, Sandy6150UnitedSaturday,RoadLIGHTNINGNorcross5K/10K(PeachtreeRaceQualifier)October22@7:00aMethodistChurchSandySpringsCircleSprings LULULEMON 10K TOUR ATL Saturday, October 22 @8:00a State Farm Arena, State Farm Drive, Atlanta ALPHARETTA WOMEN’S HALF MARATHON & 5K Sunday, October 23 @7:30a Avalon BOO-N-BREWS BEER MILE Sunday, October 30 @8:00a Cherry Street Brewing 6640 Town Square, Alpharetta DOGS ON THE RUN Sunday, November 6 @9:00a 3645 Coal Mountain Rd Cumming WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S Saturday, November 12 @8:00a Town Center Park 330 Town Center Avenue Suwanee northatlantafitlife.com ~ info@northatlantafitlife.com12 RUNNING EventsFit FitLife EXPO Alpharetta City Center YOGA/FITNESS FREE OUTDOOR FITNESS Sundays, Yoga @10:00a Mondays, Yoga a@6:00p Tuesdays, H.I.I.T. @9:00a Wednesdays, Barre @10:15a Thursdays, Yoga @9:30a Thursdays, Zumba @6:00p Newtown Park 3150 Old Alabama Road Johns Creek

REVERSE Clarkesville120RubySaturday,TRIATHLONREVERSEOctober8@8:30aAlbrightAquaticsCenterPaulFranklinRd CHATTAHOOCHEE POINTE 6.2/3.1 MI TRAIL RUN Saturday, October 15 @8:00a Chattahoochee Pointe Park Suwanee PADDLE YOUR SADDLE Sunday,TRIATHLONOctober 16 @8:30a 4081 War Hill Park Rd War Hill Park, Dawsonville BATTLE AT BIG CREEK 5.5/10.3 MI TRAIL RUN Saturday, October 29 @8:00a Big Creek Trails, Roswell FARMERS MARKETS ALPHARETTA FARMER’S AprilMARKET3-November 26 Saturdays @8:30a - 12:00p Alpharetta City Center MILTON FARMER’S MARKET April –WednesdaysOctober@3:00 – 6:00p Milton City Hall Plaza 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton FARMERS & ARTISAN MARKET Second Sunday Each Month May 8 & June 11 @2:00p Duluth Town Green 3167 Main St, Duluth HALCYON FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays @4:00-7:00p 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET Saturdays @8:00a-12:00p May Thru September 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee YOGA/FITNESS (Cont) FORUM FIT - FREE Wednesdays @6:00p – 7:00p The Forum on Peachtree Pkwy 5155 Peachtree Pkwy Peachtree Corners AvalOM FREE Yoga Wednesdays @6:00-7:00p April thru October Avalon, Alpharetta FREE WORKOUTS AT THE YogaGREENon Tuesdays @8:00a Crossfit Thursdays @10:00a May Thru September Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd Peachtree Corners ENERGY MarchWednesdaysYOGA@11:00a19–December 21 Ocee Library 5090 Abbotts Bridge, Johns Creek YOGA MarchMondaysMEDITATION@6:30p14–December 19 Ocee Library 5090 Abbotts Bridge, Johns Creek Sunday,RUN-SUP-YOGASeptember 18 @8:30a Wills Park Pool 1815 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta RUNS/BIKINGTRIATHLON/TRAIL BOOTLEGGER TRIATHLON Sunday, September 11 @8:00a Veterans Memorial Park 186 Recreation Rd, Dawsonville DAWSON PEDIACTRIC PEACH KIDS Sunday,TRIATHLONSeptember 25 @7:30a Wills 11925ParkWills Rd, Alpharetta Saturday,TRADE July 9 @11:00a Saturday, August 13 @11:00a Saturday, Sept 10 @11:00a The 5155ForumP'tree Pkwy, P'tree Corners COMMUNITY EVENTS ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK FourthALLEY Thursdays @5:00 - 9:00p April Thru October 37 Old Roswell St, Alpharetta ALPHARETTA ART IN THE SeptemberPARK 24 - 25 Saturday @9:00a - 4:00p Sundays @12:00p - 4:00p Brooke Street Park 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta AVALON NIGHTS LIVE April Thru October Fridays @6:00p The Plaza at Avalon 400 Avalon Blvd, Avalon,AprilFirstPUNCHLINE2BrookeSaturday,SERIESHOMEForumEveryAugFRIDAYDowntownMayFridaysTRUCKSFRIDAYS-N-DULUTH:AlpharettaFOOD@6:00pThruSeptemberDuluthNIGHTLIVE2-Oct29Friday@5:30pDrive,PeachtreeCornersBYDARKCONCERTSeptember10@7:30pStreetParkParkPlaza,AlpharettaCOMEDYNIGHTMondays@7:30-9:00pThruOctoberAlpharetta northatlantafitlife.com ~ info@northatlantafitlife.com 13 EventsFit Continued on Page 15

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FITLIFE EXPO – 2ND ANNUAL Sunday, October 16 @12:00p Alpharetta City Center 2001 Commerce St, Alpharetta TRICK OR DRINK Friday, October 28 @6:00p DINNERAvalon AND A BOO-VIE Saturday, October 29 @2:00p Town Center Park 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee HOWL ON THE GREEN Saturday, October 29 @5:00p Duluth Town Green 3167 Main St, Duluth TRICK OR TREAT AT AVALON Saturday, October 29 @10:00a JOINAvalonPICKLEBALL FESTIVAL Saturday, November 5 @8:30a North Point Mall 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta SUWANEE WINE FEST Saturday, November 5 @2:00p Town Center Park 330 Town Center Avenue, NORTHSuwaneePOINT COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS TREE DecemberFESTIVAL 1–4 @6:00p Front Lawn North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta COMMUNITY EVENTS (Cont) FLICKS ON THE BRICKS: Friday, September 2 @8:00p Duluth Town Green 3167 Main St, Duluth OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL Friday, September 9 @4:30p Ameris Bank Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta EDDIE OWEN PRESENTS: THE SPIRIT OF RUSH Saturday, September 10 @8:00p Duluth Town DowntownSaturday,FESTALPHARETTASuwanee330TownSeptemberSUWANEEAvalonThursday,FASHIONNOONSuwanee330TownSaturday,SUWANEE’SGreenGOTTALENTSeptember10@4:00pCenterParkTownCenterAvenue,TONIGHT:FALLBENEFITSeptember15@6:00pFEST17&18@10:00aCenterParkTownCenterAvenue,BREWMOONSeptember24@6:30pAlpharetta DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL September 24 & 25 Duluth Town Center 3167 Main St, Duluth CRABAPPLE FEST Saturday, October 1 @10:00a Crabapple Road, Milton FLICKS ON THE GREEN: LEGO Saturday,BATMAN October 1 @7:00p Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd Peachtree OKTOBERFESTCornersAT AVALON Saturday, October 1 @5:00p ATLANTAAvalon CHILI COOK OFF 22 Saturday, October 1 @12 - 5p Brook Run Park - 4770 North Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody TASTE OF BBQ & MUSIC FEST Saturday, October 8 @10:00a Town Center Park 330 Town Center Avenue ASuwaneeMIDSUMMER NIGHT’S OctoberDREAM 14 - 22 @8:00p Brooke Street Park 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta BOO BASH AT WILLS PARK Saturday, October 22 @5:00p Grove at Alpharetta Comm Ctr 175 Roswell St, Alpharetta northatlantafitlife.com ~ info@northatlantafitlife.com 15 EventsFit

"Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do, is RELAX."

Add Salt to your Life

Melissa Vance is no stranger to stress. But unlike many, she has found a way to achieve a peace that calms her and helps her manage the stresses of everyday life, motherhood, and entrepreneurship.Her secret? Salt. 1100 pounds of it.

She started to experience night terrors. She realized she was "suppressing her own trauma from years ago." She thought she was being strong and brave to bury it and carry it, but she’ll be the first to tell you that "things have a way of catching up with you eventually."

The Melissa’sRemedytherapist recommended float therapy…said it would re-center her, let her body rest, and lower cortisol levels while tuning out the outside world. She hated it! She explains, “All I felt was agitation and uncomfortable being by myself, with myself.” The therapist had recommended at least 3 sessions, so she went back, a compliant, yet skeptical patient. At the end of the 2nd float, she felt a “little glimpse of peace”. After the 3rd float, she was hooked. “I was a new person, like I took a happy pill”

The MelissaJourneyhad a busy, high stress corporate tech sales career. When she married and had kids, she switched gears abruptly to become a full-time stay at home mom, which was "stressful in a different way," she says. With so many life changes, she began to experience pain, brain fog and depression. Her fast food diet with no exercise didn’t help. "I knew I needed a change." She shifted her mind set to include healthy food and exercise and felt so much better. Through her journey, she realized she could help others as well.

The EmbracingTrigger the power of a healthy lifestyle, Melissa became a certified health coach through the Institute of Integrated

A little glimpse of peace Nutrition. Then came the power of mind, body and breath, and 500 hours of training to become a yoga instructor. People wanted to learn from her and her clientele grew. In connecting with her clients, they shared their problems, their traumas, and their lives with h In true Melissa style, she took them on, each one. She internalized her clients’ stories...until something wasn’t right. watuofrsor.ndithms,her.on,nts’

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The primary services offered at the Salt Center are related to salt and its therapeutic benefits. "Dry salt therapy is like a toothbrush for your lungs," Melissa says. It’s a homeopathic remedy for allergies, and sinus infections, and has other benefits, too.

The NEW Salt Center float pod boasts 1100 pounds of Epsom salt in 10” of body temperature water. It removes all external stimuli as your body becomes one with the water. “Many clients say they don’t feel where the water stops and their body begins. Regular floating sessions of 60-90 minutes reboot your nervous system, get you to a calm state quicker than meditation alone, eliminate pain, and can lower cortisol levels by 80% in one hour”. Wow!

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Wellness Services

The Salt Center Imagined Float therapy changed Melissa’s life, and while meditating, she imagined offering a place where she could help others do the same. Her vision fell into place and The Salt Center opened in August 2020. She wondered why she felt led to open in the middle of a pandemic (good question) but soon realized she was SUPPOSED to because people were suffering and needed a calming outlet that focused on their mental, physical and spiritual health.

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Still have questions about salt or float therapy? Call Melissa at The Salt Center. She knows first hand the unique self care experience offered at The Salt Center to support your physical, mental and emotional well being. She would love to educate you on the benefits of float therapy, halotherapy (dry salt therapy), and how The Salt Center can help you incorporate more SALT in your life!

The Salt Center Experience: Float Therapy Dry Salt Room Infrared Sauna Massage Therapy Ion NormatecCleanseCompression

Praying is talking to God.

Meditation is taking the time to listen.

"Dry salt therapy is like a toothbrush for your lungs."

Pick up a copy of Melissa's book at the Salt Center or at Amazon. Learn how her depression led her toward uncovering the link between digestion and mood.

BODYBAR Pilates 210 South Main Street Suite AlpharettaE 678-336-028430009www.bodybarpilates.com/studios/alpharetta/ ~ Learn More on Page 9 ~ RowHouse 425 Peachtree Parkway Suite Cumming315 678-862-480430041www.therowhouse.com/location/cumming Senergy Fitness 10595 Old Alabama Rd Conn Suite Alpharetta21 https://senergyfitness.com470-282-522530022 30 Minute HITJohns Creek 3105 Peachtree www.30minutehit.com/johnscreekSuwaneeSuitePkwy10430024678-771-5224 Shred 415 5215 Windward Pkwy Alpharetta www.shred415.com/locations/alph678-615-237030009aretta HOTWORX - Alpharetta 869 N Main St Suite Alpharetta205 a-northmainwww.hotworx.net/studio/alpharett470-567-967930009 ~ Learn More on Page 4 ~ HOTWORX - Johns Creek 3005 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek www.hotworx.net/studio/johnscree678-691-497130022k-alpharetta ~ Learn More on Page 4 ~ northatlantafitlife.com ~ info@northatlantafitlife.com18 HOTWORX - Halcyon 1620 Oak Farm Drive Suite Alpharetta400 770-664-474730005www.hotworx.net/studio/alpharetta-halcyon Burn Boot Camp-JohnsCreek 10955 Jones Bridge Road Johns Creek https://burnbootcamp.com/locatio404-777-282230022ns/johns-creek-ga B E S T P L A C E S T OB E S T P L A C E S T OBEST PLACES TO Whether you are beginning your fitness journey, or looking for a new challenge, this is your guide to the best places to work out in North Atlanta! (Hours vary. Give them a call!) W O R K O U TW O R K O U TWORK OUT CycleBar 4794 Ashford Dunwoody Rd Dunwoody www.cyclebar.com/location/dunwo470-299-878230338ody.com

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Sleep &FeelBetter Why Is Sleep So Important?

Sleep is essential to maintain physical and mental health. Without sleep, we can be taking minutes and even hours off of our lives.

4 WEIGHT: Not getting the proper amount of sleep can increase body weight. A person is awake longer hours consuming calories more often. .

Sleep is critical for brain function. Lack of sleep can lead to being forgetful, tired, and irritable.

THE BRAIN:

2 THE HEART: By: Ines Beltran, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent University of Georgia Gwinnett Extension

To avoid screen time in bed. Not to eat too late so that you aren’t still digesting at bedtime and are at less risk of acid reflux. Avoid spicy and fatty foods late in the evening. Exercise before 2:00 pm. Create a dark, cool room. Earplug, background noise like a fan or ocean waves to encourage sleep. Do what is most relaxing for you.

The lack of sleep can cause the immune system to become weak increasing a person’s risk of becoming sick and having a longer duration of illnesses.

For more restful sleep, try:

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What we eat might also affect a good sleep. According to the Sleep Association, the Mediterranean Diet has been associated with heart health as well as with better sleep. The Mediterranean Diet includes whole fresh foods and plenty of fruits, vegetables, bread and other grains, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, olive oil as a primary fat source, and dairy products, eggs, fish, and poultry in low to moderate amounts. Red meat is limited and processed foods are avoided. Foods that are part of the Mediterranean diet are rich in melatonin, serotonin, and vitamin D, and may enhance sleep.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Go to bed at the same time every night, and have a bedtime routine.

Not to nap during the day. Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon and the evening when its stimulant effects can keep you up at night. Moderate alcohol consumption, it can throw off your sleep cycles even if it makes you sleepy at first.

Studies have shown that people who don’t get six or more continual sleep hours per night are 50% more likely to die of heart disease.

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1 cup chopped, peeled cucumber (1 medium cucumber)

This Simple classic tuna salad turns into a great Greek chef-style salad with the rich healthy flavors of the Mediterranean. The canned albacore tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids.