By 
January 7, 2026
Year after year, New Year’s resolutions are made. But alas, those resolutions are usually broken.
By February, home gym equipment begins to collect dust, gym memberships are paid yet unused while health and fitness priorities slip away as the springtime shuffle begins.
The second Friday in January is actually known as Quitter’s Day, for being the day that most people’s New Year’s resolutions are left abandoned.
But in 2026, Huntsville Parks & Recreation is here to help residents keep their resolutions to lose weight, be active or even just try something new.
Fitness Centers
Many Huntsville Parks & Recreation facilities include fitness rooms. Each fitness room is unique, and each one offers free ways to get moving and keep that resolution. The only requirements are that you sign up for Parks & Recreation’s online registration platform, sign in once you arrive at the center and follow facility rules.
You may wonder, what if I work close to one center and live closer to another? That is completely fine. Recreation and community centers are public amenities meant to be used. So stop by on your lunch break for a quick back and bicep day or pop in on a Saturday for a longer, full-body workout. View the full list of facilities and their amenities here.
Exclusions include the Dr. Robery Shurney Legacy Center, Max Luther Community Center and Challenger Gymnasium.
Center Programming
You may not be a gym person, though. You may want some guidance and peer camaraderie. Well, the good news is that Parks and Recreation has a variety of ways to get active. Each recreation or community center offers unique programs and classes, including walking groups, strength-and-movement classes like chair yoga or a full-body circuit, dance fitness and more. Not a fitness class fan? More good news: each center also offers a variety of gym court sports, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball and more. The even better news is that all programs are conveniently listed in Parks & Recreation’s quarterly program guide, and most are free. View the guide and find the right program for you.
Johnson Legacy Center
Johnson Legacy Center, 6000 Cecil Fain Dr., is a membership facility offering access to indoor rock climbing, three regulation volleyball courts, two regulation futsal courts, strength-training equipment, group exercise classes, individual and small-group training and locker rooms with sauna access. Learn about membership prices and more.
Unique Recreation
For some, the key to sticking to a New Year’s Resolution to stay active may be to add some variety to a routine. Parks & Recreation offers a few different ways to achieve variety.
Swimming is a great way to practice low-impact movement. The Huntsville Aquatics Center and the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center Pool are both indoor aquatic facilities that offer swim and group aquatic classes. Visit the Parks & Recreation aquatic page to learn more.
Another unique way to get active is to try out rock climbing at the Johnson Legacy Center. Climbing packages include private instruction and gear rental, perfect for anyone new to the rock-climbing scene.
Swimming and climbing aren’t exactly how you roll? Well, grab your wheels and head out to the Stoner Park Skating Rink to do some classic roller skating, drop in the bowl at Get-A-Way Skatepark to show off your best ollies, carves and kickflips or even master a new jump at the mountain bike trail in John Hunt Park. Skaters and bikers are encouraged to wear helmets and protective pads.
Fitness Courts
So you like the idea of a gym but want to be outside? Well, lucky for you, across the city are four outdoor fitness courts and thanks to a partnership with Arts Huntsville, each one has a unique art mural to admire while you work out.
Outdoor fitness court locations:
· Legacy Park, 6000 Cecil Fain Dr.
· Apollo Park, 901 Nunnuhsae Park Dr. NW
· John Hunt Park, just off Airport Road across from Get-A-Way Skatepark
· The Park at Hays Farm, 801 Haysland Rd. SW
Parks & Greenways
Another great way to stay active and stick to that New Year’s Resolution is to keep it simple. Community parks are a great way to get active. Taking a 10-minute walk close to home could become part of your daily routine, whether that’s a quick walk in the morning, at lunch or after dinner. Greenways and parks like Big Spring Park, Apollo Park, John Hunt Park and The Park at Hays Farm also offer longer paths for those looking to spend more time staying active. View a list of parks. View a list of greenways.
“The amenities offered by Parks & Recreation are great resources for residents to get active and support their health,” said Director James Gossett. “They provide reliable, welcoming spaces residents can build into their routines and use year-round.”
Stick to the plan
No matter what your goals are for the new year, Huntsville Parks & Recreation offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer working out at the gym, joining a fitness class, exploring unique activities or enjoying the outdoors, you’ll find accessible, affordable and enjoyable ways to stay active and make your resolution stick. This year, let Huntsville Parks & Recreation be your partner in building healthy habits and turning your resolutions into lasting results.
