2020 Start It, Stanly! Wellness Series

Saturdays | 9 a.m. to noon
Morrow Mountain State Park
49104 Morrow Mountain Road | Albemarle, NC 28001

Start the new year by exploring the trails of nearby Morrow Mountain State Park in a group setting. Hiking is a great cardio workout that can help lower your risk for heart disease, improve your blood pressure and strengthen your core.

• January 4 – Bridle: Short Loop Trail
  Meet at the Bridle Trail/Sugarloaf Mountain Trail/Horse Trailer parking area (half mile on the right after entering the park).
• January 11 – Hattaway Mountain Trail
  Meet at the parking/picnic area next to the swimming pool.
• January 18 – Fall Mountain Trail
  Meet at the parking area located next to the Lake Tillery boat launch and rental facility.
• January 25 – Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
  Meet at the Bridle Trail/Sugarloaf Mountain Trail/Horse Trailer parking area (half mile on the right after entering the park).
• February 1 – Hattaway Mountain Trail (counterclockwise)
  Meet at the parking/picnic area next to the swimming pool.
• February 8 – Park Office to the top of Morrow Mountain
  Meet at the park office/museum parking area.

The Plus Factor: Arrive at 8 a.m. at the week’s assigned trail head for a pre-hike activity. These workouts are geared toward intermediate/advanced participants and vary each week.

Sign up for Hike It!

Mondays | 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Locust Community Building
103 School Road | Locust, NC 28097

January 6, 13, 20, 27 | February 3, 10, 17, 24

Did you know that walking is considered weight-bearing exercise? Because you carry your own body weight, walking can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as improve your balance.

The Plus Factor: Walking is paired with calisthenic exercises along the walking route to help build strength and endurance.

Sign up for Walk It!

Thursdays | 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
City Lake Park
815 Concord Road | Albemarle, NC 28001

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Bored with your exercise routine? Ready to push yourself to a personal best? We have a challenge for you! Move from station to station to complete different cardio and strength-training activities, such as push-ups, wheelbarrow exercises and pulling a tire. All fitness levels are welcome and participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Plus Factor: Work with on-site trainers to set goals for times, additional circuits or weight.

Sign up for Train It!

Saturdays | 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Launch Site:
Morrow Mountain State Park – Boat House Parking Lot
49104 Morrow Mountain Road | Albemarle, NC 28001

May 2, 16, 30 | August 15, 29 | September 12, 26

The Wellness Series moves from the pavement and wooded trails to the water, offering beginning paddlers and seasoned experts alike the opportunity for a guided kayaking experience on scenic Lake Tillery.

Before you register, it is important to know:

• You must be able to swim.
• You must be 16 years of age or older to use provided kayaks.
• Maximum weight limit is 300 pounds.
• Safety equipment will be provided to participants.
• You may bring your own kayak, but we ask that you still register to attend. Please be sure to also bring your own paddle, approved life jacket and whistle.

The Plus Factor: Meet for a pre- or post-paddle land activity such as hiking or running.

Sign up for Paddle It!

October 10 | 8 a.m. to noon
Carolina Treetop Challenge
114 Rock Creek Park Drive | Albemarle, NC 28001

You’ve hiked, walked, trained and paddled, so challenge yourself on one final activity for the year and experience adventure climbing courses dozens of feet off the ground at the region’s newest aerial obstacle course.

The Plus Factor: Experience all five courses with a timing goal.

Sign up for Challenge It!