Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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So, you didn’t quite get to see the purplish aurora illuminating across the Georgia night sky for past few nights. Do you still have time to see the northern lights in Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia? Yes.
Auroras illuminating the night skies across the United States are an ongoing festival for the eyes that will continue into May 13 and May 14, 2024, according to federal forecasters.
Apart from the U.S., there have been reports of sightings in Germany, Switzerland, China, England, and Spain. The timing is convenient for viewers, although those keen on spotting auroras may need to stay up late to catch the best views.
Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict that the geomagnetic storm activity that have given Georgians beautiful displays of northern lights will likely peak again on Monday and Tuesday, although there is a possibility of cloud cover on Monday night.
The latest updates from the center suggest that Earth may experience geomagnetic storm activity on Monday, potentially extending into Tuesday.
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“The two maps show the aurora and viewline tonight (Sunday, May 12) and tomorrow night (Monday, May 13). The brightness and location of the aurora is typically shown as a green oval centered on Earth’s magnetic pole. The green ovals turn red when the aurora is forecasted to be more intense. Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth from just after sunset or just before sunrise. The aurora is not visible during daylight hours. The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as a 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right,” the NOAA says.
How To See The Northern Lights Aurora In Atlanta, Georgia
It’s likely that you can’t see the northern lights with the naked eye in Georgia, but you can with your phone. Your cell phone does a much better job of capturing light, so video some footage of the night sky and take some photos and examine them.
Users on social media platform X showed off their northern lights photos all weekend. Here are a few faves:
Final Word
Lights are one thing, sights and sounds are another. Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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More people are starting to realize that the key to their futures lie in investing in their properties and starting farms to grow their own foods and crops. This article will go over everything you need to start your own urban farm.Here’s How To Start Your Own Urban Farm
When you think of urban farming, perhaps a person with denim overalls and a cowboy hat comes to mind, but that’s not reality. Urban farming is something that everyday people — teachers, doctors, tradesman and tradeswomen — engage in.
The reasons why you may be interested in urban farming include:
- An interest in sustainability
- A desire to eat organic foods
- A desire to support locally sourced fruits and vegetable producers
Whatever your reasons, urban farming has also become a social movement across many neighborhoods. That’s certainly true for Georgia’s largest city.This article will tell you the ins and outs of urban farming and whether it’s worth it. We’ll start with the basics and work our way to everything you need to know to start your first crop in your own yard.
What Is Urban Farming?
Urban farming refers to growing, tilling or working a small plot of land either for commercial gain, as a hobby or for agricultural or horticultural reasons. The “urban” part of urban farming doesn’t have to mean that you farm in the big city. You can do it anywhere.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold across America in March 2020, people have taken a renewed interest in urban agriculture. But which parts of farming are you truly interested in?
Urban farming basically covers two segments of agriculture:
- Gardens
- Farms
Let’s talk about both of these aspects of urban farming to get a better understanding.
Gardens
Across places like metro Atlanta, gardening has become one of the favorite pastimes in the pandemic.
Plant nurseries and home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have experienced a boom in sales as more people look to beautify their yards with blooms and shrubs.
There is also a movement to build and maintain community gardens throughout Atlanta. Here’s a list of some community gardens in Atlanta.
Top Community Gardens In Atlanta
- Cabbagetown Community Garden
- Blue Heron Nature Preserve
- Gilliam’s Community Garden
- Grove Park Community Garden
- Little Nancy Creek Park Community Garden
- Stone Mountain Community Garden
If you want to join a community garden, you can sign up by doing research on the organization that sponsors it. To find a community garden near you, visit CommunityGarden.org.
Farms
Community farming has also become a social movement across many neighborhoods. It used to be a rare sight for the neighbors to have chicken eggs or cow’s milk for sale, but that’s no longer the case!
Atlanta is the site of the nation’s largest food forest, which is largely maintained and serviced by volunteers.
Other private farms are looking to align with like-minded people to collaborate on food and soil projects.
“We are working hard to train more urban growers to help us produce an abundance of fresh food for the community during this time,” according to the website of Gilliam’s Community Farm. The Gilliams operate a three-acre farm on Atlanta’s west side.
Photo credit: Gilliam’s Community Garden Bobby L. Wilson is another business owner working In Southwest Atlanta to educate the masses about growing food.Wilson is CEO of Metro Atlanta Urban Farm. He co-founded the five-acre property in College Park, Georgia to teach local youth and families the benefits of sustainability.Here are some urban farms you need to know about in Atlanta:
How Much Do Farmers Make A Year?
The average urban farm brings in less than $54,000 a year, according to a survey from the British Food Journal.That figure includes Europe and North America.
For perspective, 75% of U.S. farms pull in less than $50,000 a year in sales, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
That may not be a lot of money for all the effort it will take, but we’ll talk about that later.
Is Urban Farming Expensive?
You may be wondering if urban farming is an expensive endeavor. When you add up the supplies you need to get started with a farm it can be very costly.
You could pay $500 to $800 for supplies, but spend up to $15,000 on land improvements, so it just depends.
Speaking of land, do you happen to have one to five acres of your own Georgia red clay, or do you need to buy it?
As you may know, unless you’ve inherited some heirs property, getting your hands on a viable piece of land could be difficult.
Still, don’t let that deter you. Georgia has plenty of cheap land you can use for your farm.
You also want to consider what natural features the land has. Does it have a creek or ravine trenching through it? Is there a pasture area? Is it hilly or in a flood zone? These are all questions you will need to know.
Places To Look For Cheap Land
Because of its climate, Georgia is an especially fertile place to grow fruits and vegetables.
Here are some online resources to research plots of land in Georgia.
Here’s what to know about buying land in Georgia. Once you’ve purchased your plot, it’s time to think about what you need to get growing.
How Do I Start An Urban Farm?
Before you even start to buy supplies for a farm, there are some expenses you will incur just to find out if you have adequate and productive land.
- You’ll need a soil test
- Also, you’ll need to test the site’s water quality
- A sizeable plot based on what you plan to grow
- Government resources for funding, etc. See pandemic resources here.
Here’s a helpful tool kit from the USDA.
Speaking of tools, here are some basic tools you may need when you’re just starting out.
5 Essential Tools For A Small Farm
Pickup Truck
You’re going to need to haul many things, including soil, feed or even more equipment. You can find a cheap truck on PickupTrucks.com for less than $3,000.
Garden Tools
You’ll also need a lot of tools. You can pick up some items that you can use around your farm at your local tools store or on Amazon:
Tractor
Yes, you may want to buy a tractor so that you can work your land as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can find tractors for sale online with prices going from $7,000 to $30,000.
Once you gauge whether you have what you need to start a farm (and applied for a federal grant) it’s time to choose what you want to grow.Decide What You Want To Plant
When it’s time to choose which crops to plant in your urban farm, remember to pick those that grow well in the region you live. Here’s what grows in Atlanta, Georgia.
You also need to know what crops need plenty of sun and which ones take shade. Plan accordingly. Here’s an example of some vegetables you may be able to plant in the city.
- Lettuces
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Leeks
- Squash
Do You Really Want To Be A Farmer?
Do you have a green thumb? What is it about urban farming that inspires you? These questions are important because you may find that what you really want to do is plant a few vegetables in a flower bed and call it a day.
Before you spend big money on farming supplies, it might be a good idea to micro-farm first to see if you enjoy it and have the fortitude for a bigger endeavor.
I started planting bell peppers and tomatoes on a small piece of land in my backyard. They came out good!
Here’s what to plant in Georgia depending on the time of year.
Final Word
Have you always dreamed of starting an urban farm? With today’s technology and tools, planting your own crops is as easy as ever — but it takes a lot of work.
So is starting an urban farm worth it? It depends on your goals and expectations. If you’re trying to grow a small crop to feed your family, it’s very likely that you will succeed.If you’re trying to feed a village, you may find that you don’t have the time, money or resources to achieve that.One thing that is essential in starting off with a small farm for hobby or other reasons is that you network with other farmers. Join farming groups on Facebook or Google “farmers” in your local community. They will be able to help you and encourage you when you need it.But learning about the soil and how it produces is one of the best things you can do. Not only is it educational, but in many ways gardening is therapeutic.
Anita Baker has a hit song called I Apologize. She’ll need to sing it in Atlanta. The songstress canceled her show at the last minute after fans waiting patiently outside State Farm Arena. With $20 and $40 parking around the facility, this didn’t go over well.
Anita Baker a No-Show at Atlanta Concert
There is still no word on why Baker was not able to go on with the show, but there has been some speculation online that she wasn’t even in Georgia.
Nonetheless, people outside the venue were pretty HOT.
AtlantaFi.com has reached out to Live Nation for a response as to why Baker was a no-show, but as of this writing, we have yet to hear back.
Will she do a makeup show in Atlanta? Inquiring minds want to know.
How To See Live Music in Atlanta
Fortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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The largest celebration of carnival in the Southeast is once again taking place in Atlanta. The Atlanta official Caribbean Carnival is taking place soon.
The event, now in its 37th year, will begin with a street parade and culminate at the festival village at Central Park in downtown Atlanta.
When Is The Atanta Caribbean Festival Taking Place?
The main festivities take place Saturday, May 25, 2924, in downtown Atlanta. That’s where you’ll be able to see dancers and floats as part of the annual parade.
The festivities will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Westside Park in Atlanta, Ga.
There will also be a Jouvert event on May 24 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at 1090 Donald Lee Howell Parkway, featuring performances by Pumpa and Motto with more surprise artists to be added.
2024 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival: Everything You Need To Know
There will be live music, food, arts and crafts and of course, a feast of the senses as it pertains to Caribbean heritage and culture. Musical artists from all over the world will be performing on the main state and more.
Where:
Saturday, May 25 · 10am – 10pm EDT
Where:
Westside Park, 1660 Johnson Road Northwest Atlanta, GA 30318
The Caribbean influence has been think in metro Atlanta and has exploded since the mid-1980s. Especially has the influx of Jamaicans been apparent in DeKalb County around Stone Mountain, Decatur, Lithonia and Snellville.
But the diaspora can be found in College Park, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth, Austell, Riverdale, Loganville, Marietta, Jonesboro, Stockbridge, Fayetteville and Fairburn, to name a few.
Where Is Westside Park?
Westside Park is located at 1660 Johnson Rd, NW Atlanta, Ga. 30318. Here’s a map to help you find it.
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. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
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Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame will host its Mother’s Day event built by The Home Depot on Sunday, May 12.
The Hall welcomes moms for a day of deserved pampering and relaxation, including free admission to the Hall of Fame with the purchase of any general admission ticket, thanks to the Hall’s partnership with The Home Depot.
Moms also will get a complimentary mimosa and mini-massage on the Playing Field between 11am and 3pm ET, helping mom relax and enjoy the rest of her special day. The first 100 mothers through the door will also receive a $25 gift card to The Home Depot.
College Football Hall of Fame To Host Moms
Time:
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location:
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, 250 Marietta St., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313
After the festivities, moms and guests are encouraged to explore the Hall of Fame’s 95,000 square feet of interactive space.
Guests can test out their kicking skills on the Playing Field or check out the newest specialty exhibit, Once Upon a Time in College Football, which illustrates the never-ending story of the game and explores the five elements of the storytelling tradition to inspire fans and highlight the value of the game.
Final Word
In addition to checking out the College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta has some great landmarks you should explore.
If you’re hungry, there are plenty of new Atlanta restaurants to dive into and don’t sleep on the city’s free and cheap things to do.
Although home sales have dipped a bit in recent months, home values in the metro area continue to hold firm, according to recent real estate data.
You may be curious to know how much an average Atlanta home costs in the current real estate market.
What Is The Average Price Of A Home In Atlanta?
According to recent figures from Zillow, the average value of a home in Atlanta is $399,005, which is up more than 7% compared to last year. Obviously, the state’s capital city would have the highest home values.
The average home in Atlanta consists of:
- 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- A one-quarter acre lot
- Central air and heating unit
In Georgia, the average home value is about $301,978, according to Zillow. The Peach State has experienced about a 23.7% increase in home values over the last 18 months.
Are Home Prices Dropping In Atlanta?
In Atlanta, home prices are starting to cool after a string of months that saw gains across all types of units. Even the cost of land is high in Georgia now.
Here are the average home prices across the top 10 metro areas, according to Realtor.com’s latest calculations.
April 2024 Housing Overview of the 50 Largest Metros
| Metro Area | Active Listing Count YoY | New Listing Count YoY | Median Days on Market | Median Days on Market Y-Y (Days) | Price– Reduced Share | Price- Reduced Share Y-Y (Percentage Points) |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Ga. | 42.7 % | 27.4 % | 39 | -4 | 17.7 % | 6.1 pp |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, Texas | 23.6 % | 36.1 % | 42 | -3 | 24.7 % | -2.5 pp |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, Md. | 15.3 % | 3.8 % | 36 | -1 | 12.0 % | 2.6 pp |
| Birmingham-Hoover, Ala. | 36.5 % | 23.6 % | 46 | 1 | 14.9 % | 2.6 pp |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Mass.-N.H. | 7.5 % | 4.5 % | 24 | -1 | 10.4 % | 1.2 pp |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, N.Y. | 5.1 % | 3.4 % | 34 | -6 | 5.3 % | -0.3 pp |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, N.C.-S.C. | 31.9 % | 20.3 % | 37 | -2 | 16.9 % | 5.7 pp |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Ill.-Ind.-Wis. | 0.1 % | 7.4 % | 34 | -4 | 8.5 % | 0.2 pp |
| Cincinnati, Ohio-Ky.-Ind. | 23.2 % | 9.4 % | 32 | 1 | 10.7 % | 3.3 pp |
| Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio | -2.4 % | 3.4 % | 39 | -3 | 11.1 % | 1.7 pp |
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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On February 14, American Express opened its largest Centurion Lounge inside Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. If you’re traveling through Atlanta, you should check it out.
The 26,000-square feet lounge allows premium passengers to dine, drink or rest before their travels.
The menu inside the lounge comes from Atlanta-based Chef Deborah VanTrece of Oreathea’s at the Point, La Pernada and Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours.
What’s On The Menu At The Centurion Lounge?
Drawing from her background as a former flight attendant, VanTrece indulges guests with a traditional family-oriented menu that leans into fresh, local ingredients, like Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri, and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette.
“Atlanta has become such an interesting melting pot of cultures and cuisines. I’m thrilled to partner with American Express to bring food that celebrates these traditions, along with the best southern ingredients, to the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” said Chef Deborah VanTrece. “Travel has inspired my approach as a chef and I feel blessed that, through this collaboration, I’ll be able to share my creative vision for food and hospitality with travelers from around the world.”
Additionally, there will be a dedicated food and beverage station with gluten free and vegan options, including protein bites, salads, smoothies, and immunity booster juice shots.
The space also features a bespoke whiskey bar serving signature cocktails designed by Jim Meehan, Centurion Mixologist, along with a selection of classic and new American whiskeys. Loungers can also relax amid outdoor terraces with views of the airfield, and The Reserve by American Express.
Where Is the Centurion Lounge Located in Atlanta?
The new Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse E near gate E11.
The lounge’s design is inspired by Atlanta’s reputation as “the city in the forest” and its abundance of trees as well as our Card Members’ passion for wellness. The main seating area features a 50-year-old olive tree and a 3,850 square foot custom light sculpture that represents a forest canopy, creating a relaxing space for Card Members to unwind before their flights. Additionally, visitors can enjoy multiple outdoor terraces, a first for the Centurion Lounge network. These meticulously landscaped seating areas are equipped with heaters and fans for use year-round.
The lounge showcases commissioned artwork from local artists including a new, textural interpretation of the quintessential American Express watch dog by Lucha Rodríguez and a large-scale multimedia piece by Michi Meko that draws inspiration from Georgia’s landscape. Additionally, a 60-foot mural of abstracted leaf-like shapes, painted by Evan Blackwell Helgeson, stretches from the interior dining area to the exterior terrace.
“The new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will serve travelers in one of the airports our Card Members visit most,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “It features amenities we know travelers enjoy, like outdoor terraces, and plenty of space to relax, along with local touches infused throughout the menus and design, that guests will remember long after their trip.”
f you’re thinking about traveling abroad, make sure you get your passport, as soon as you can.
To save money, look for the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale. To keep costs down, use these travel hacks to save money and time.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
Movie director Ryan Coogler is reportedly wanted by Marvel Studios for Black Panther 3, the third installment of the Uber-popular superhero film.
The first two Black Panther movies, both heavily provided in Atlanta, have grossed more than $2 billion at the box office.
Coogler is also rumor d to be in hot demand by Marvel to helm the new X-Men movie as well, although new timeline has been confirmed as of now.
Cooler currently is working on a horror movie in New Orleans. The film stars longtime collaborator and actor Michael B. Jordan.
Final Word
No matter what happens, we know that Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever will be an instant hit and bring even further spotlight to Atlanta as the new center of the moviemaking universe.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.
Subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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The Music Midtown festival has been canceled, its organizers announced on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
There was no definitive reason given for the event’s cancellation. On the festival website, it said the event was going “on hiatus.”
A statement on the festival’s website says:
“After producing legendary festivals over the last 3 decades that drew music fans from across the globe, we want to share that Music Midtown is going on hiatus this year. We encourage you to continue supporting live music in Atlanta and stay tuned here for future updates.”
This marks the second time in two years that Music Midtown has been canceled.
In 2022, in the culmination of a simmering battle over the Second Amendment in Georgia, Atlanta’s Music Midtown festival was been canceled. The festival’s longstanding policy to ban weapons was at odds with the state’s gun laws.
Canceled: Music Midtown 2024
If the festival were to continue, its anti-gun policy would have been superseded by Georgia law.
Back then, Live Nation, the festival’s organizer, announced that the festival was canceled, although it didn’t explicitly state a reason.
Calling it “circumstances beyond our control,” Live Nation said, “Music Midtown will no longer be taking place this year. We are looking forward to reuniting in September and hope we can get back to enjoying the festival together again soon.”
Many experts have pointed out that music artists typically have a “no weapons” clause in their riders, which they require the venue to agree to before they sign up to perform.
The festival routinely attracts from 20,000 to 50,000 a year. This year, it would have been held at Piedmont Park.
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is making moves — and not on the basketball court. While there has been a lot of speculation about Young’s future in Atlanta, especially with the emergence of DeJounte Murray.
Now that the Hawks have won the NBA draft lottery, things are about to get interesting.
Young has been with Klutch Sports agency since 2021. At a recent playoff game, Young was seen walking courtside with Klutch Sports owner Rich Paul, a considerable force in world of NBA agents.
Young recently posted on social media that the signing was “another day, another opportunity,” which his signature saying
Despite an injury-plagued season, Young still posted superstar numbers, including career highs:
- 25.7 PPG
- 10.8 APG (Career High)
- 1.3 SPG (Career High)
- 37% 3PT
- All-Star
Reports have been flying around that Young may end up with the Los Angeles Lakers, alongside LeBron, who is with Klutch Sports.
Klutch Sports Group is a sports agency founded by Paul in 2012. It represents a number of high-profile NBA players, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons, and John Wall, among others.
While we don’t know what was behind Young’s departure, we know that Klutch Sports is known for its representation of top basketball talent and its ability to negotiate lucrative contracts for its clients. Young obviously feels that he can get that elsewhere.
Enter, CAA: Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is a talent and sports agency based in Los Angeles, California, and is known to get its clients in movies, TV shows and the like.
AA represents a wide array of clients in various fields, including film, television, music, and sports. In the sports realm, CAA Sports represents athletes in contract negotiations, marketing opportunities, and other aspects of their professional careers. CAA is known for its significant presence and influence in the entertainment and sports industries.
Final Word
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.