If tracking your progress and connecting to other community members motivates you, register for Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s free Fit 50 Challenge. The city-wide celebration of wellness motivates community members to walk, run, or roll a total of 50 miles between February 1-April 1.
Just 30 minutes of walking each day can increase cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) capacity, strengthen bones, improve balance, reduce body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, joint stiffness, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers. Unlike some other forms of exercise, walking is free, can be done any time of the day, doesn’t require any special equipment, and can happen at your own pace.
Want to go for more than 50 miles? Top finishers by total mileage receive prizes including a Fitbit fitness smartwatch and Beats Studio Buds.
With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, walking clubs, tracks at community centers, treadmills and other equipment at fitness centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 10 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city beyond motorized transportation.
For additional wellness opportunities, fitness classes, sports leagues and game clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, and special events, browse the current APR program guide.
APR created the Fit 50 Challenge as a way to harness community support and friendly competition to keep people active during colder months when it’s easier to curl up on the couch. Challengers can track progress using their phones, watches, or pedometers (available if needed) and share their journeys with the community by tagging APR on Facebook and Instagram and using #APRFit50.
Questions about the Fit 50 Challenge? Contact Chris Leamon at cleamon@ashevillenc.gov or 828-507-9503.