Duluth, GA Indoor Activities

After a career creating fitness programs for groups such as prenatal women, obese youth, and people with debilitating diseases, Althea Lawton-Thompson opened her own studio dedicated to helping people of every age and ability embrace wellness in a fun atmosphere. Along with her team Althea leads a bustling schedule of up to four classes a day. Classes range from Tribal Fusion, which combines African dance and jazz moves with toning exercises and light resistance, to Althea's own creation Yo-Chi-Lates, which she acknowledges sounds like a fruity drink, but is actually a blend of yoga, chi gong, and Pilates. Special programs include training for those with joint and muscle pain or immobility from lupus, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Camps for kids inspire the fitness and self-esteem youngins need to arm-wrestle college counselors and win admission.

Additionally, concern for the earth is literally built into the studio. The dance floor's natural bamboo floors are suspended over a pine subfloor to create a sustainable surface that lowers impact as students jump into Zumba's Latin-inspired moves. In the personal-training studio, the floor is made of recycled natural-cork material, and recycled carpet comprises the lobby floor's mosaic. Low-voltage fluorescent lights cast a glow inside, and most of the center is underground, keeping it cool in the summer and safe from low-flying reindeer in the winter. :m]]

Julie Schwartz's ultimate goal is for her clients to eventually no longer require her services. As a holistically minded dietitian and wellness coach, Julie guides her patients on a path toward autonomy in the maintenance of their own health. Using the The Coaching Weigh method, Julie crafts individualized plans for patients that eschew fad-diet techniques in favor of realistic lifestyle reform based on balanced nutrition and exercise goals.

Psychedelic lighting, clouds of fog, and thumping beats fill Laser Tag of Buford’s 7,000-square-foot, two-level arena. From behind rectangular obstacles and stacks of barrels, up to 28 players dodge incoming laser blasts while firing at foes during battles that commence every 20 minutes. Throughout each bout, computerized weapons and sound system¬–equipped vests help participants stay abreast of their score, while a large scoreboard updates sideline observers and astronauts watching from space. After their game, guests can explore the facility’s remaining 4,000 square feet, which house an arcade with more than 20 games and a concession stand stocked with snacks and drinks.