Lane Change: How Complete Streets is invigorating city life

Lane Change: How Complete Streets is invigorating city life

Ride at your own risk. That was the gist of the message Michigan’s roadways seemingly imparted to non-motorists brave enough to attempt to traverse its roadways prior to the passage of Michigan’s Complete Streets legislation in 2010. “Without dedicated lanes, it’s really easy for bikers and pedestrians to get squeezed off roadways by large and […]

Go Golf: Why disc golf is gaining popularity in Detroit

Go Golf: Why disc golf is gaining popularity in Detroit

“Disc golf involves the throwing of Frisbee-like discs into their targets, using the fewest attempts.” “Calhoun and his entire family, including a daughter who competed in the 2015 world competition, all enjoy the game.” “I’m confident that in the next 30 years when you hear someone say ‘golf,’ they’ll be talking about disc golf.” – […]

Hoop It Up: Why hula hooping is taking hold in Detroit

Hoop It Up: Why hula hooping is taking hold in Detroit

“Kids like it (hooping) because they can vary the routine and feel like circus performers with a little practice.” – Missy Cooke Pick one up and put it on. Go ahead and “swirl” girl. Hundreds are discovering – and in some cases, rediscovering – the joy of “hooping” at area parks, which represents a fun […]

Movement is Good Medicine

Movement is Good Medicine

Life as a couch potato just didn’t seem appealing to Carolyn Moore. It wasn’t that she lacked excuses for becoming less active: Diagnosed with arthritis and congestive heart failure, the Flint resident’s health outlook was bleak as she advanced into her 60’s. But no prognosis was going to hinder her daily zeal. “I wanted to […]

SNAP-Ed programs help change school culture from the inside out

SNAP-Ed programs help change school culture from the inside out

Can you change a school’s culture from the inside? More than 50 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) partners believe it is possible and are committed to providing comprehensive school-wide programs designed to teach kids healthy habits and address childhood obesity. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. The goal is to tailor resources with the individual needs […]

Fit Fusion teaches students that regular physical activity can be fun

Fit Fusion teaches students that regular physical activity can be fun

The classrooms at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology have emptied. Nine girls, different shades and sizes, march in single file down the hall, led by Zeina Carla Washington, AKA “Mama Zeina,” who power walks. Washington, who is the family service worker at the school, throws a comment over her shoulder if another teacher asks […]

Danialle Karmanos’ yoga program teaches kids to work it out peacefully, make healthy choices

Danialle Karmanos’ yoga program teaches kids to work it out peacefully, make healthy choices

Danialle Karmanos had goose bumps. She was watching Detroit elementary school kids work it out on yoga mats practicing alongside each other. “There was energy happening and swirling in the room,” she says. “It was giving children who often live in extremely stressful situations inner peace.” That’s the goal of Karmanos’ Work It Out yoga […]

Detroiter Garnett Mims transformative training programs are attracting a loyal following

Detroiter Garnett Mims transformative training programs are attracting a loyal following

“Suicide” conditioning drills, strength training and plenty of sweat tell just part of the story Garnett Mims envisions for a fitness and community center opening this fall in Detroit’s English Village. The renovated 12,000-square-foot building at 16246 East Warren will welcome anyone looking to shed pounds and tone up, but the other part of the […]