I [Exercise] In The Corridor

Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very fast.

-Thomas Jefferson

Hello everyone! It's summertime, it's hot and I hope people are hitting the pools and staying cool.  Some of us are trying to lose some pounds or gain some muscle before they bare their bodies at the local swimming pool, myself included in the bunch.  However, without a workout partner, I couldn't find any motivation to go to the gym.

Two weeks ago Residence Life at Mercer University created the AAA challenge, a competition between its employees that uses points to account for how much each person workouts.  Kids receive points for cardio, weight lifting, and even healthy eating habits.  Participants can even earn points for eating the food of the week; this week, it is broccoli.  Created by Residence Life intern Jamie Corcoran and Senior Resident Assistant Clem Bell III, the Awake and Alive Challenge sparked over a dozen adults on campus to work out.  Mercer University also offers two fitness classes each weekday free to faculty, students, and staff. Check out what classes might interest you by clicking here!

Kids and adults outside the University can also choose from a variety of public places to exercise in the Corridor.  If you are looking for a great running route in College Hill, just follow the Trail of Bears!  The trail, funded by the Knight Neighborhood Challenge and implemented by the Macon Arts Alliance, features six impeccably painted bear statues and is designed to help connect Mercer University to Downtown Macon by encouraging people to walk and recreate in the Corridor.

YogaMoga is a popular exercise facility downtown that offers a range of yoga classes for people of all ages.  Located on Second Street, I went in this summer for the Yoga Movement Class and had a blast!  Students receive 20% off their visits and classes are offered Monday through Saturday.  Visit their website to see what they else have to offer!

One of the most popular sports played amongst young men in the Corridor is basketball.  Rising junior Langston Hall, point guard of the championship winning Mercer basketball team, shared part of his workout routine with me.  His individual workout consists of basketball drills up and down the court.  These include a couple of dribbling exercises, passing drills, and a variety of different shots, such as pick and roll.  Then, he teams up for a game of two-on-two or three-on-three.  

There are so many great sports programs you can get involved with in Macon.  Whether it be soccer, basketball, or Tae Kwon Do, get out and be active!  Here's one last link that provides information on local programs for youth sports. 

Lastly, don't forget to stay hydrated and drink a lot of water!

-Morgan Robinson