Losing weight isn’t solely based on a number on the scale; it’s about creating a healthier lifestyle that works for you. Luckily for us in Huntsville, Alabama, we have everything available to make it easier (and more fun!) to get active and eat better. Whether you’ve been on your fitness journey for years, or are just starting today, you have plenty of local opportunities available to help you stay on track.
1. Get Moving Through Huntsville
Staying active doesn’t mean you need to spend hours in a gym, or lug around weights all over town. We have so many parks and trails to enjoy movement outside that getting exercise can be a fun outing.
– Monte Sano State Park: You can hike or bike on 20+ miles of trails, which is a great way to get your heart rate up! The elevation changes in this park will force your legs to get a workout and the scenery is breathtaking.
– Hays Nature Preserve: A quiet, family-friendly place to walk, jog, or bike. The Flint River Greenway trail runs through beautiful wetlands and forest (gorgeous morning cardio).
– Downtown Huntsville Greenway Network: Don’t mind running or biking in an urban environment? The ever increasing greenways in Huntsville are developing a connected route to get you into the city’s heart while you pedal or run.
Fitness Studios and Classes: If you’d rather not work out by yourself, give a class a try at places like Sweat Local (high intensity interval training) or Light On Yoga Fitness for strength and flexibility training. Lots of local studios have beginner sessions too—don’t be afraid to try something new!
2. Eat Well with Local Healthy Options
Healthy eating is about what’s available in your area, and Huntsville has a lot of great choices!
Greene Street Market: Open one day a week, from Spring through Fall, this downtown farmers market is a great source of local and organic produce! You can purchase food from local farmers, which guarantees you’re getting the freshest, in-season ingredients.
Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro: While they have gluten-free and allergy-friendly menu items, Mason Dixon Bistro also offers lean proteins, fresh salads, and nourishing sides that keep your meals tasty and healthy.
The Veggie: This small, quaint vegan eatery, located in the Lowe Mill area, is a great spot to explore plant-based eating. Whether you are a full-fledged vegan or simply looking to lighten your meals, The Veggie is a great introduction to vegan food!
Fresh Market and Sprouts: Both grocery stores offer plenty of options for organic and healthy foods, plus meal prep kits for those of us who are short on time.
3. Create habits that are easy to sustain
Healthy weight loss is as much a result of consistency as it is of getting everything right. Some ideas to help keep things moving in Huntsville:
Schedule It: Schedule a weekly hike at Monte Sano, or have a routine day to go grocery shopping at Greene Street Market. Make your health part of your routine.
Find A Buddy: Consider local fitness organizations such as Fleet Feet Huntsville for organized group runs or Rocket City Crossfit for a gym experience that promotes community engagement.
Try New Things: Don’t get stuck in a rut exploring the fitness opportunities and food options Huntsville has to offer. You may surprise yourself and see you enjoy it!
In Closing
The resources for healthy living in Huntsville are all around you—you just have to take the first step! Whether that is a walk on the greenway, a nutritious meal from a local cafe, or a yoga session downtown, those few small choices begin to build you momentum.
Start moving, eat well, and enjoy every step of the journey in the Rocket City!
