ATLANTA, August 8, 2011 — Hiking to the top of the Southeast’s tallest waterfall isn’t good just for your soul; it’s good for your health as well. That’s the basic message of the Georgia State Park system’s new “Tons of Fun Fitness Challenge” kicking off this summer. To help combat the growing obesity epidemic, officials are reminding citizens that nature holds the key to healthy lifestyles through exercise and nutrition, and that outdoor recreation can be a lot more fun than traditional exercise routines.

On Friday, Governor and Mrs. Deal announced the new statewide initiative at the Governor’s Mansion. Celebrity Chef Cat Cora joined the Mansion’s Executive Chef Holly Chute to celebrate and emphasize the link between healthy eating and active lifestyles.

All across Georgia, state parks and historic sites offer activities to help burn calories and build muscles. Hiking, biking and walking are guaranteed to get hearts racing. Many trails feature kid-friendly signage encouraging children to hop like a frog or sprint like a deer. At Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville, visitors can catch their breath after climbing to the top of an ancient earthen platform.

Most people would agree that hiking in a canyon is far more fun than running on a treadmill, making it easier to stick with an exercise program. At Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, volunteer Jack Fussell lost more than 100 pounds by climbing the 604-step staircase multiple times each week. Today, he’s a trim park supporter in great health.

The new Tons of Fun Fitness Challenge features a website – TonsofFun.org — where Georgians can create an online profile to plan activities, track calories burned and document weight lost. The state’s goal is for citizens to lose one million pounds, and the website even suggests ways to get the family dog involved. Trainers and nutritionists will be available to answer questions online and attend public programs.

The website also includes an event calendar with activities such as healthy cooking demonstrations, outdoor yoga classes and guided hikes. George T. Bagby State Park in Fort Gaines will host a day of outdoor activities and evening dance on Grandparents Day weekend. General Coffee State Park in Douglas is offering classes on organic gardening and a “Taste of the Farm” to enjoy summer and fall harvests. In November, Roosevelt’s Little White House in Warm Springs will host “The Roosevelt Games” with competitions for wheelchair athletes.

According to State Park Director Becky Kelley, “The Tons of Fun program is designed to target, engage and educate Georgians about making better choices about health and fitness. The program is unlike any other because the focus is on making exercise and nutrition fun. Events, activities and dedicated resources will be made available at more than 60 Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore – it’s literally a walk in the park.”

Tons of Fun is funded in part by a grant from the Georgia Department of Community Health and supported by Coca-Cola’s Live Positively initiative. To learn more about Tons of Fun and ways to get fit in Georgia’s great outdoors, visit TonsofFun.org or GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Main Websites:
TonsofFun.org
GeorgiaStateParks.org
Photography Available

Media Contacts:
Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator
404-657-9855
kimh@dnr.state.ga.us