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In a move that provides immediate salary cap relief and sets a clear timeline for the future, the Atlanta Falcons and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins have agreed to modify the final two years of his contract, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
The restructuring significantly reduces Cousins’ 2026 base salary from $35 million (non-guaranteed) to just $2.1 million, shifting the $32.9 million difference to increase his 2027 compensation.
Key Decision Looms by March 13 for Cousins, Falcons
This adjustment also adds a $67.9 million vesting guarantee for the 2027 season that activates on March 13—the third day of the 2026 NFL league year.
As a result, the Falcons must decide on Cousins’ future with the team well before that date, as it’s highly unlikely any organization (including Atlanta) would absorb such a massive guarantee.
This agreement offers upside for both parties. For the Falcons, the immediate drop in Cousins’ cap hit creates much-needed flexibility as the team navigates a major organizational overhaul following the recent departures of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
Atlanta now has more room to maneuver in free agency and the draft while searching for new leadership to guide the franchise forward.
For Cousins, the 37-year-old signal-caller, the modification clarifies his status: he is poised to become a free agent by March 13 at the latest.
This timeline gives him and the broader NFL market certainty, allowing potential suitors to plan accordingly without the overhang of an enormous 2027 commitment.
Importantly, the restructure does not impact any previously guaranteed money owed to Cousins, and it doesn’t preclude a return to Atlanta.
The veteran, who expressed after the Falcons’ season-ending win over the New Orleans Saints that he would “love” to stay in Atlanta, could still negotiate a new deal with the incoming regime if both sides align on vision and role.
High Hopes When Cousins Arrived in Atlanta
Cousins joined the Falcons ahead of the 2024 season on a four-year, $180 million contract, bringing veteran stability to the quarterback room. After a full season as starter in 2024, he transitioned to a backup role in 2025 behind first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
An injury to Penix opened the door for Cousins to start the final seven games, where he went 5-3 while throwing 10 touchdowns against five interceptions in 10 total appearances (eight starts).
With Penix expected to reclaim the starting job in 2026 (barring setbacks in his recovery from a season-ending knee injury), the Falcons appear positioned to move forward with the younger quarterback long-term.
A post-June 1 release designation remains a likely outcome if no extension materializes, allowing Atlanta to spread any remaining dead cap money across 2026 and 2027 while maximizing near-term flexibility.
As the Falcons embark on their search for a new general manager and head coach, this contract tweak provides a clean slate at the game’s most important position.
Whether Cousins finishes his career in Atlanta or begins a new chapter elsewhere, today’s agreement represents a pragmatic step forward for all involved.
Final Word
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for the latest updates on the Falcons’ offseason moves, coaching search, and what comes next for the quarterback position. #RiseUp
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One of the most striking landmarks in the Southeast is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a towering structure that combines modern materials like glass, steel, and concrete with dynamic shapes and open spaces.
From the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to pro football and soccer, this shining jewel of downtown Atlanta is used all around the year. Mercedes-Benz Stadium continues to draw crowds just to witness the sheer spectacle of it all. Not only was the venue the home of Super Bowl LIII, but it has hosted world-class events since it opened.
In this article, we will tell you everything to know about state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Everything You Need To Know About Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened on August 26, 2017 with a Falcons preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. When it opened, the venue was crazy cool, but the retractable roof system was inoperable at the time.
Everything you need to know about Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The stadium is run by AMB Group,a consortium that is under the tutelage of Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, the pro soccer club.Speaking of the NFL team, the stadium was built to replace the Georgia Dome, the Falcons’ home stadium from 1992 until 2016.
Here’s what to know about the coolest features at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
1. When Was Mercedes-Benz Stadium Built?
The stadium was conceptualized in 2014 when city officials and billionaire Arthur Blank agreed on plans for a new sports venue. The stadium began construction in 2017 and opened up a year later.
2. How Much Did Mercedes-Benz Stadium Cost?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium cost $1.6 billion to build. The price tag raised some brows not only around Atlanta, but across the country.
Even with its high cost, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is not the most expansive stadium in the United States. That distinction belongs to two Western structures. In California, Los Angeles Stadium costs $2.66 billion. No. 2 on the list is Las Vegas Raiders Stadium, which comes in at $2.4 billion.
3. Does Mercedes-Benz Stadium Have A Retractable Roof?
The retractable roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the venue’s most famous features. When the stadium opened to the public, the roof didn’t retract, but they have since fixed it.
The eight-panel retractable roof that resembled a pinwheel, but what few observers notice is that the eight triangular translucent panels create the illusion of a bird’s wings extended when it’s opened.
The stadium features a retractable roof with a unique “pinwheel” design. The roof is made of eight movable panels that open and close like the petals of a flower. This is a visually striking design and provides a cool, flexible experience for both outdoor and indoor events.
When it’s fully opened, the roof provides a wide-open view of the sky and the Atlanta skyline, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy features of the stadium.
4. Mercedes-Benz Stadium Has The Lowest Prices Of Any Major Sports Venue
When Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in fall 2017, one of the main selling points was the fact that its concessions prices were super low. Those low prices extend to all events at the stadium, from concerts to Atlanta United games, Falcons games and more.
In 2025, food prices at the stadium dropped even lower. Stadium brass also said that a low “domestically priced” craft beer would go on sale.
5. MercBenz Has The World’s Largest Video Board
The stadium has the claim to fame as having the largest video board in the world. This is the largest LED video display on Earth. It technological masterpiece was designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. There are also more than 82,500 square feet of video displays around the stadium.
Last Words
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become top gem in the sports world.
It’s a true architectural masterpiece and has been recognized for its innovation and beauty.Design flexibility allows the stadium to be easily adapted for different events, meaning that every game or concert feels unique in the way it’s experienced.
Since fall 2017, MercBenz has hosted several major sports events, including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, the SEC Championship Game and the College Football National Championship Game. This is the first Super Bowl, but not the last. The stadium is booked for events through the next few years, including concerts like Beyonce, Jay Z and more.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Atlanta
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If you’re looking for a pretty cool time in Atlanta after the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, there are plenty of things to do this weekend in Atlanta – and it all centers around what’s happening on the field.
The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers face off against the Oregon Ducks in this weekend’s Peach Bowl, which is being played in downtown Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Here’s what to do this Atlanta weekend, including everything you need to know.
Downtown Atlanta and establishments within walking distance of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be rocking with fans of both Texas and Arizona State.
Here are six things to know and do in Atlanta after the Peach Bowl:
1. Explore Fan Fest and Tailgating Around Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Head to the areas surrounding the stadium for pre-game festivities, fan zones, and tailgating. The energy from thousands of college football fans will make downtown electric!
2. Grab A Bite In Downtown Atlanta
The city’s downtown Atlanta area has several top-notch restaurants and bars that you can enjoy. Read our guide on downtown Atlanta restaurants.
From Margaritaville, The Vick sports bar and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, there’s so much to see and eat! And if you prefer newer eateries check out our New Atlanta Restaurant Guide.
3. Hit Ponce City Market
This vibrant food hall and shopping spot is ideal for meals, desserts, or coffee. Enjoy rooftop views and a lively vibe that’s perfect post-game.
Ponce City Market has a full slate for the winter, including skating and more.
4. Walk The Atlanta Beltline
Perhaps you’ve heard of Atlanta’s 20+ mile loop that connects some of its most storied neighborhoods. The weather is pretty agreeable, so hit the Beltline. Take a photo on the trails, enjoy the art, run, walk, go Beltlining!
5. Destiny’s Child Candlelight Tribute
Destiny’s Child: Iconic Reimagined Tribute showcases the top bops from 2000’s group Destiny’s Child. Enjoy a remarkable performance by a live string ensemble with an unforgettable string sound. Get tickets.
6. Trolley Ride Atlanta
Ride a classic trolley to discover Atlanta on a 90-minute tour. See all the iconic landmarks downtown like the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, MLK Jr. National Historical Park, Oakland Cemetery, and more . Get tickets.
7. Go To The College Football Hall of Fame
Photo credit: Youtube.com With it being a huge college football weekend, if you haven’t already, visit the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Atlanta has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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Want that head-turning, confident physique without waiting forever? Getting a bangin’ body is totally achievable quickly—if you do it smart and safe. “Fast” means noticeable changes in weeks to months, like dropping fat, building muscle tone, and boosting energy.
This article is going to show you some easy steps you can put in place to get in shape right now and get that hot body.
How To Get Back In Shape Fast: 7 Easy Steps
When it comes to fitness, the key is to start making better choices for your well being.
1. Challenge Yourself
The way to begin to make better choices is to challenge yourself that you can. Nobody knows you like you know yourself.
Make a pact with yourself that you’re going to change your habits and keep your word… to yourself if no one else.
2. Start Exercising
You don’t have to do crazy with it, but see if you can carve out 15-30 minutes a day. Working up a sweat is the #1 way you can lose weight by being active.
Start off working out twice a week, then ramp it up to three times a week in the second way. By the third week see if you can exercise five times a week.
Tip: Schedule your workouts in our Google calendar so they can pop up on your phone or laptop. That way, you’ll be more likely to see it as a priority you need to stick to.
3. Nail Your Nutrition
The Fat-Loss Foundation)Diet drives body composition. Create a moderate calorie deficit while prioritizing protein to preserve (and build) muscle.
- High-Protein Foods: Aim for 1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight daily. Think chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, and legumes. Protein keeps you full and supports muscle repair.
- Veggies and Fiber: Fill half your plate with greens, broccoli, spinach, etc. They add volume without calories.
- Smart Carbs and Fats: Choose whole grains, sweet potatoes, avocados, nuts. Cut processed junk and sugary drinks.
- Meal Prep for Success: Batch-cook to avoid temptations.
Now that you have an exercise regimen, you’ll need to change the way you eat. Consuming fewer calories is a great way to drop some pounds.
You’ll need some nutritional guidance on this one:
- Remember to eat vegetables (green ones, if possible)
- Limit your meats to lean pieces with very little fat.
- Stay away from sugar and processed foods altogether (I know, I know)
4. Get Some Sleep
Experts say healthy humans need around eight hours of sleep to properly function. Not only is this a sweet spot for clear thinking, but you’ll find that this gives you optimal metabolism.
If you get less than seven hours of sleep, consider going to bed earlier so that your body can have more time to heal itself when you finally do fall asleep.
5. Stay Motivated
One of the main things that stops people from transforming their lives is that they eventually lose interest. It could be because of an unexpected life event that sets them back, or just an inability to stay focused.
Whatever it may be, remember that you can stay motivated by joining groups of like-minded people. Go to the gym with friends, family or co-workers. Join Facebook groups with your same goals.
6. Track Your Progress
There’s no shortage of fitness apps and trackers to keep tabs on your weight loss. While these can be a good thing, it’s important to remember you don’t want to get too caught up in numbers.
No matter what the scale says, your main judge will be how you feel in the morning, noon and night. Your body will be the first to let you know if something’s not right — not the meter.
7. Splurge Once In A While
Because you’re not a robot, it’s OK to splurge once in a while. A scoop of ice cream is not going to destroy your life if you are determined to remain on track.
Treating yourself every now and then (I stress, every now and then) is actually healthy for your well being. It not only encourages you, but reinforces that rewards are part of your journey.
How Long Does It Take To Get In Shape?
If you’re watching your clock, you’re going to be disappointed. The length of time it takes to get in shape depends on several factors.
This time course is changeable but only if the person increases in either of three main areas, according to experts.
“The ‘time course’ of fitness changes depends on the training stimulus: intensity, duration and frequency,” Friederike Scharhag-Rosenberger, a researcher at the University of Potsdam in Germany who published a study on the topic, told the Globe & Mail.
Further research also indicates that as little as a single workout can trigger proteins in your muscles that can begin to effectively change your tissue for the better, but it takes more than that to “get in shape.”
Some people think six weeks is enough to see changes, but that’s not true for everybody. Each person is different. Each person’s body is even more different.
Final Word
The truth is that you shouldn’t focus on a time course. The reason why you begin working out or pick up weights is because you’re serious about a lifestyle change.
When it comes to time, after about two months of strength-training, eating healthy and getting plenty of rest, your body should look different from Day One. But again, it’s a process.
The shape your body’s in at the two-month mark may be a pit stop to where it will be in four months or six months. The bottom line is to keep going!
If you’re serious about your well being and nutrition, you might want to read up on the keto diet. It is a no-sugar regimen to help you live a healthy life.
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In his inauguration speech on Monday at Georgia State University’s Convocation Center, Mayor Andre Dickens officially began his second term as Atlanta’s 61st mayor.
The event followed a landslide reelection victory with 85% of the vote in November.
Dickens Begins Second Term as Mayor
Addressing thousands of attendees—including former mayors, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, and Ambassador Andrew Young—Dickens reflected on first-term achievements while outlining an ambitious vision for the next four years.
“When you first elected me mayor, I promised that I would set the vision, remove barriers, deliver resources, and work from ‘can’t see morning’ to ‘can’t see night.’ And today, I am proud of how this city responded,” he said.
The mayor emphasized that while Atlanta has made significant progress—such as finishing 2025 with fewer than 100 homicides, record-high graduation rates in Atlanta Public Schools, and strides in affordable housing—he remains unsatisfied as long as inequities persist, particularly in south and west Atlanta neighborhoods.
Mayor Dickens’ 5 Focal Points for Atlanta
Drawing from his remarks and administration priorities, here are 5 key takeaways from Mayor Dickens’ speech and second-term focus:
1. Affordability and Housing
Dickens highlighted expanding affordable housing as a top priority, building on first-term efforts that included over 13,000 units started or completed and a historic $60 million Homeless Opportunity Bond.
He championed proposals to extend tax allocation districts (TADs) to generate billions for affordability initiatives and vowed to address homelessness and rising living costs so every Atlantan can afford to stay in the city they love.
2. Public Safety
The mayor celebrated major reductions in violent crime, including one of the nation’s largest drops in homicides and a 56% decrease in youth-related crime through programs like Midnight Basketball.
He pledged to continue this momentum with community-focused policing, youth development, and initiatives like Light Up the Night to ensure safe neighborhoods for residents and visitors alike.
3. Neighborhood Infrastructure and Equity
Dickens committed to targeted investments in long-overlooked areas, especially south and west Atlanta, through the Moving Atlanta Forward package (with $240 million in active projects for roads, public spaces, and connectivity).
”We expanded access to parks, expanded the BeltLine, and connected to the Chattahoochee river, reclaiming public space for public good,” Dickens said.
He stressed addressing historical inequities to create stronger, more connected communities across the city.
4. Youth Opportunities and Education
Building on successes like the highest-ever APS graduation rates and youth crime reductions, the mayor plans to expand programs that empower young people, including summer employment, early childhood development grants, and positive outlets to foster upward mobility and keep Atlanta’s next generation thriving.
”Atlanta has been named the best city in the nation to live, start a business, start a career—and the most educated city in America,” he said.
5. Ethical, People-Centered Government
Dickens described Atlanta as a “group project” where residents and city employees work together toward one indivisible future.
He thanked the city’s workforce and promised an innovative, dependable administration focused on equity, service, and leaning in amid national challenges to deliver for all Atlantans.
“The group project is working. We are no longer guessing,” he said. “We are not debating whether this approach works. We have seen the results with our own eyes, and we’re ready to face Goliath head-on.”
Final Word
Mayor Dickens concluded by reaffirming his commitment to a brighter, more inclusive Atlanta ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “We are choosing to remain indivisible, committed to one city, to one future, and most importantly, to one another,” he said.
As the city continues its rise, residents can expect these priorities to shape policy and projects throughout the mayor’s second term. Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for ongoing coverage of City Hall developments.
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Are you trying to get in shape this year? If so, you know that the best way to do that is to join one of the best gyms in the Atlanta area: LA Fitness.
In this article, I’ll list the LA Fitness locations in Atlanta as well as how to cancel your membership.
In Atlanta, LA Fitness has taken over many of the Bally Fitness locations, thus giving it a huge advantage over other fitness centers where people get their exercise on.
Here Are LA Fitness Locations In Atlanta
- Ansley Mall: 1544 Piedmont Ave NE, Suite 115, Atlanta, GA 30324
- Akers Mill: 2995 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
- Atlanta-Peachtree Road: 3535 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30326
- Atlantic Station: 261 19th St., Suite 1140, Atlanta, GA 30363
- Lenox/Buckhead: 3232 Peachtree Road NW, #A, Atlanta, GA 30305
- Brookhaven: 755 Brookhaven Ave, Atlanta, GA 30319 (Note: This appears to be an alternate or former name for an existing club, but it’s not separately listed in current official results)
- Camp Creek: 3755 Carmia Dr. SW, Suite 700, Atlanta, GA 30331
- College Park: 6385 Old National Highway, Atlanta, GA 30349
- Midtown: 75 Fifth Street NW, Suite E, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Toco Hills: 2880 N. Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
How Much Does It Cost To Join LA Fitness In Atlanta?
The exact cost of membership at LA Fitness varies slightly depending on whether you have signed up under a special or not. I have a Multi-Club and multi-state membership that costs $29.99 a month.
The $29.99 membership allows you to go to multiple LA Fitnesses in your city and across the nation.
For $26.99 a month, you can get membership to a single LA Fitness.
I had to pay a $99 initiation fee for that though. For single club access, you can get a membership for about $25 a month.
History
The reason is because, if you’re like me, you need to know where you can workout, train or just play basketball around the city.
What would become LA Fitness was first named Rainbow Nautilus. It was founded by Chin Yi and Lisa Maria Novins in 1983. In Covina, just outside Los Angeles, California, the name change stuck and LA Fitness took off.
If you’re looking for a gym that has it all, LA Fitness is it!
How To Cancel An LA Fitness Membership
If you want to cancel your LA Fitness membership, it’s not as easy as it could be. There is no button on their website that allows you to cancel.
Instead, you have three ways you can cancel your LA Fitness membership:
- You have to write a cancellation letter to the corporate headquarters at PO Box 54170, Irvine, CA 92619-4170
- You can also call LA Fitness and tell their customer service representative that you would like to cance. The number is
- Finally, you can print a cancellation form online. from the LA Fitness site. Once you log on at My LA Fitness, click on Account Information tab and then click on the “Cancellation Form” option on the right side of the screen. Once you have the form, you can deliver the notice to the operations manager at your local LA Fitness facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pro tip: If you mail the notice by certified mail and keep a record for your files. Also, make sure your cancellation is postmarked at least five business days before your next billing date to avoid being billed.
Final Word
If you’re an LA Fitness nut like me, you know that one is never too far away no matter where you are in Atlanta. I wanted to show you where all the LA Fitness locations were in Atlanta.
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We’re not getting any younger. That means a big part of our personal health and wellness is physical fitness. And the good news is that you don’t have to be bulky to look fit.
Atlanta fitness guru Elle Ross has been helping people take better care of themselves by showing them workout routines and techniques. The Tacoma, Washington native says before she dedicated herself to self-transformation, she was once 40 lbs heavier, depressed and not feeling herself.
4 AWESOME Workout Routines For Beginners
“I took control of my life by making the conscious decision to improve my health holistically,” she tells AtlantaFi.com. “I created a solid routine. Fitness and weight training became my outlet and passion each morning.”
In the videos below, Ross shows us four workout routines that can change your life.
1. Work On Your Core
“Everyday is Abs Day. Get Summer Body Ready with these 10 Moves!
Core training targets the muscles in your abdomen, back, pelvis, and hips, creating a strong foundation for nearly every movement.
- Improved balance and stability: A strong core helps you stay steady, reducing fall risk.
- Better posture and reduced back pain: It supports the spine, alleviating lower back issues common in daily life.
- Enhanced everyday function: Makes bending, twisting, lifting, and standing easier.
- Injury prevention: Protects against strains during sports or activities by promoting efficient movement.
“I love what I do because each day I get to inspire others, specifically women, to improve their strength and self-esteem through fitness,”Ross says. “Body, Mind & Soul. Allowing them to gain greater confidence, develop SELF-LOVE and know that they are beautiful, powerful and strong!”
Buy Some Free Weights
You might want to think about investing in some free weights to build muscle and tone along with your workouts. Here are some free weight options from Amazon:
- Adjustable Dumbbells
- AmazonBasics 20 lb Adjustable Barbells
- Balance From BF 32 lb Barbells
- Adjustable Dumbbells
These tools excel at building serious strength and muscle, often overlapping with general strength training benefits.
- Maximal strength gains: Barbells allow heavier loads for compound lifts (e.g., squats, deadlifts, bench presses), ideal for power and muscle growth.
- Functional improvements: Dumbbells correct imbalances, enhance stability, and allow natural movement patterns.
- Bone and joint health: Builds density and resilience.
2. Cardio & Total Body:
“No Excuses. Get Up. Get Moving & GO ALL IN on YOU.”
Treadmill running delivers cardio benefits with added convenience and control.
- Cardiovascular endurance: Strengthens heart/lungs, lowers disease risk, and burns calories effectively.
- Convenience and consistency: Weather-proof, adjustable speed/incline for precise training (e.g., intervals or hills).Joint-friendly options: Cushioned surface reduces impact compared to pavement; great for beginners or recovery.
- Mental boost: Improves mood and stamina, with easy tracking for progress.
3. Upper Body Strength
“Get in tune with YOUr vision for life and invest in your health.”
This builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and supports long-term health.
- Increased muscle mass and strength: Counters age-related loss, improving daily tasks and independence.
- Stronger bones: Increases density, reducing osteoporosis risk.
- Better metabolic health: Helps manage weight, blood sugar, and chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Improved quality of life: Enhances joint protection, balance, and mood while reducing inflammation.
4. Boxing Conditioning
“The Time is N:OW! Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing!”
Buy A Punching Bag
If you want the convenience of working on your body in your own home, you might want to invest in a punching bag. Here are some good ones from Amazon:
Elle Ross: ‘My Mind, Body And Soul Transformed For The Better’
“What inspired me is my own personal life and self-transformation,” she says. “That transformation led to me writing my book “The Blueprint: The 90-Day Breakthrough to Shift Your Mindset & Transform Your Life.“
She says it also motivated her to start her personal brand and business: The Elle Ross LLC – B-FIT with Elle.
“Now each day I wake up I get to live out my passion and encourage others to SWEAT (Success With Every Action Taken) toward their dreams.”
Bottom Line
If you want to take your health seriously, exercising is a great way to improve your body and mind. You don’t have to be an athlete to lose weight and train your body. There are workout routines for beginners that can help.
Exercising is not about how you look on the outside, it’s about how you feel on the inside and even more importantly, how you view yourself. Never forget that it’s you who can transform you life. If you look better, you’ll feel better.
The sooner you take the necessary steps you need to feel whole, the easier it will be for you in the future. Relax, you got this!
If you need training or branding help with Ross, reach out to her via info@theelleross.com.
And if you’re determined to change your life through exercise and eating right, never give up.
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In a development that could signal the end of an era for the Atlanta Hawks, four-time All-Star guard Trae Young and his representatives are actively working with the franchise to explore trade options, sources told ESPN on Monday.
Young’s agents — Aaron Mintz, Drew Morrison, and Austin Brown of CAA — have engaged in positive and collaborative discussions with Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh over the past week, aiming to find a mutually agreeable resolution, according to the report from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Trae Young, Hawks in Talks Before Trade Deadline
The 27-year-old Young, drafted by Atlanta in 2018 after a draft-night trade with Dallas, has been the cornerstone of the franchise for nearly eight seasons.
He holds the Hawks’ all-time records for 3-pointers made and assists, and led the team to three postseason appearances, including a memorable run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
However, the relationship appears to have reached a turning point. The Hawks notably declined to offer Young a contract extension last summer, fueling speculation about his long-term future in Atlanta.
This season has added to the uncertainty: Young has been limited to just 10 games due to leg injuries, with the Hawks posting a 2-8 record in those contests compared to 15-12 without him. Opponents have scored nearly 10 fewer points per game when Young sits, per ESPN Research.
Emerging talents like forward Jalen Johnson — who is averaging impressive numbers this season — and recent additions such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker have shifted the team’s dynamics, prompting questions about whether Atlanta is ready to build around a new core.
While no specific trade destinations have been confirmed by the Hawks or Young’s camp, early rumors have linked potential suitors, including discussions involving teams like the Washington Wizards.
The NBA trade deadline is February 5, leaving just a month for negotiations to intensify.
Hawks fans have mixed emotions about the news, with Young’s electrifying playstyle — including his deep range and playmaking wizardry — making him a beloved figure at State Farm Arena.
Yet, the team’s struggles to build sustained contention around him have led many to wonder if a fresh start could benefit both sides.
The Hawks organization has not commented publicly on the report as of Monday evening. Stay tuned to Atlanta Sports Journal for updates as this story develops.
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Less than 24 hours after the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, Morris is already drawing interest from another NFL team.
According to ESPN’s Peter Schrager, the Tennessee Titans plan to interview the former Falcons coach for their vacant head coaching position later this week.
The news comes as the NFL’s coaching carousel spins into high gear following “Black Monday.”
The Falcons fired Morris on Sunday night despite the team closing the 2025 season with a four-game winning streak and an 8-9 record – matching the mark from his first season in 2024.
Over two years at the helm in Atlanta, Morris compiled a 16-18 record but failed to reach the playoffs, prompting owner Arthur Blank to seek new leadership.
Morris, 49, is no stranger to head coaching opportunities. He previously served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach from 2009-2011 and as the Falcons’ interim coach in 2020 (4-7 record).
His most notable success came as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, where he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
For Falcons fans, the quick interest in Morris from Tennessee may come as a mixed bag.
While his tenure here ended without postseason success, Morris was widely respected in the locker room for his player-friendly approach and ability to foster team unity.
Players Voiced Support for Morris
Players like Jessie Bates III and Bijan Robinson publicly supported him late in the season, crediting his leadership for the late surge.
Falcons Owner Sought a Change
On NFL.com, Kevin Patra noted the futility of the hot streak: “A four-game winning streak to end the season couldn’t save the jobs of Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.”
The Falcoholic’s Dave Choate cited insiders on the premeditated nature: “Per NFL insiders Ollie Connolly and Josina Anderson… Atlanta has ‘had feelers’ out to potential candidates for weeks now and were going to fire both Morris and Fontenot regardless of the season’s end result.”
The Titans, who fired Brian Callahan earlier in the 2025 season and finished with another disappointing campaign, are casting a wide net in their search.
Reports indicate they are also eyeing recently fired coaches like Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns) and several high-profile coordinators.
Morris is expected to draw interest from multiple teams for both head coaching and defensive coordinator roles, given his track record on defense and reputation as a strong communicator.
As the Falcons turn the page and begin their own search for a new head coach and GM – with names like Kevin Stefanski already linked – it’s clear Morris won’t be out of work for long.
We’ll keep you updated on any further developments involving former Falcons staff as the offseason unfolds.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for full coverage of the coaching search and all things Dirty Birds. Rise Up!
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Food lovers in the city have reason to celebrate as Ponce City Market announces two exciting additions to its bustling Central Food Hall this spring: NoriFish, a premium sushi concept sourcing ultra-fresh seafood directly from Tokyo’s legendary Toyosu Fish Market, and Okiboru, the beloved ramen and tsukemen spot already hailed as Atlanta’s go-to for authentic Japanese noodles.
Both concepts come from a powerhouse duo of local restaurateurs: Sean Park, a formally trained sushi chef with over 15 years of experience mastering traditional Japanese cuisine, and Justin Lim, the ramen-obsessed visionary behind some of the city’s most acclaimed Japanese eateries.
2 New Japanese Eateries Opening in Ponce City Market in Spring 2026
NoriFish will bring its signature omakase-style experience — where the chef curates a personalized progression of nigiri, sashimi, and creative small plates — to the heart of Ponce City Market.
Known for flying in the freshest fish weekly from Toyosu (the successor to the iconic Tsukiji market), NoriFish has already earned rave reviews at its Sandy Springs flagship and Buckhead location for impeccable quality, modern twists on classic preparations, and stunning presentations. Diners can expect standout bites like wild yellowtail with yuzu ponzu or chu-toro nigiri, all highlighting Park’s precise technique and deep respect for Japanese traditions.
Meanwhile, Okiboru will introduce its Michelin-recognized menu to the Old Fourth Ward crowd.
As the only ramen spot in Atlanta to earn a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide (originally for its California roots, now celebrated locally), Okiboru specializes in tsukemen — “dipping ramen” featuring thick, house-made noodles served alongside rich, concentrated broths for dipping — along with traditional ramen bowls.
Favorites include the signature Buta Paitan with gyokai elements, spicy tonkotsu options, and vegetarian broth varieties.
The restaurant’s commitment to on-site noodle production and authentic techniques has built a devoted following since its Atlanta debut.
Park and Lim’s partnership has already produced hits across the city, from NoriFish’s upscale sushi counters to Okiboru’s cozy ramen shops in Sandy Springs and beyond.
Their collaboration blends rigorous training in Japan with an understanding of Atlanta’s evolving food scene, delivering approachable yet elevated Japanese dining.
The Central Food Hall at Ponce City Market — already a hotspot for diverse global flavors — will gain even more prestige with these additions.
Spring 2026 can’t come soon enough for locals craving next-level sushi and slurp-worthy ramen under one iconic roof.
Stay tuned to Ponce City Market’s announcements for exact opening dates, menu previews, and more. In the meantime, mark your calendars — Atlanta’s Japanese food game is about to level up!
Final Word
Atlanta has some of the best Asian cuisine in the Southeast. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants.
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