Free Community Workouts Help Atlanta Residents Combat Health Issues

HILLS4ATL program draws hundreds to high-energy fitness sessions, leading to life-changing results.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A free community workout program called HILLS4ATL, founded by entrepreneur Alvin 'A.B.' Bailey, is helping hundreds of Atlanta residents improve their health and fitness. The program, which started as a small group of friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a viral movement with high-energy outdoor and indoor workout sessions that have drawn participants of all fitness levels. Many HILLS4ATL participants have seen significant improvements in their health, including lower blood pressure, more energy, and better sleep.

Why it matters

The HILLS4ATL program arrives at a critical time, as more than half of all Black adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, according to data from the CDC. The free community workouts provide an accessible way for Atlanta residents to improve their physical and mental health through exercise, while also building a supportive community.

The details

HILLS4ATL was founded by entrepreneur Alvin 'A.B.' Bailey, who started the program as a way to find community and fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high-energy workout sessions include hill workouts, sprints, bear crawls, and core exercises. Videos of the workouts have gone viral on social media, drawing hundreds of Atlantans to participate. Many HILLS4ATL members have reported life-changing results, including getting off medication for conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol. The program is now expanding beyond outdoor workouts, opening its first headquarters at 1200 Lee Street to host daily, year-round workouts.

  • HILLS4ATL was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The program has grown rapidly over the past few years, attracting hundreds of participants.

The players

Alvin 'A.B.' Bailey

The founder of HILLS4ATL, an entrepreneur who started the free community workout program as a way to find connection and fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chaz Davis

A regular HILLS4ATL participant who has seen significant improvements in his health, including lower blood pressure, more energy, and better sleep.

Alena Quaye

A HILLS4ATL participant who has gotten stronger and faster since joining the program, and values the sense of community.

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What they’re saying

“My blood pressure is down, my energy is up. I sleep better, I'm a little more flexible.”

— Chaz Davis, HILLS4ATL participant

“I like the community, I like the group. It helps.”

— Alena Quaye, HILLS4ATL participant

“When you come out here, you're not going to be the fastest, you're not going to be the slowest — but you're going to find someone who's on your journey with you, to root you on — and that's what's important.”

— Alvin 'A.B.' Bailey, Founder, HILLS4ATL

What’s next

HILLS4ATL is expanding by opening its first headquarters at 1200 Lee Street, where it will host daily, year-round workouts to reach more Atlanta residents.

The takeaway

The HILLS4ATL program demonstrates how free, community-based fitness initiatives can have a profound impact on public health, especially in underserved communities. By providing accessible, supportive workouts, the program is helping Atlanta residents improve their physical and mental well-being, while also building a strong sense of community.