[ijusluvit]

I've lived here for several years and just joined this network. I've long wondered about the activity priorities of the developers and the residents. It's great that the developers have spent millions on free or inexpensive recreational and sports venues which appeal to so many of us. And we love to have fun! Yes, there are some aerobic facilities like lap pools, softball diamonds, pickleball courts and an exercise trail. But workout centers with good equipment, are few in number and have a big membership fee. How ironic that the most effective way for the largest number of folks to keep or restore their health is the most expensive.
Then I took a look at the Health Forum. Not one entry mentioned the need for more affordable exercise centers. Am I the only person who mentioned this in the developer's survey? America's Friendliest Hometown, OK. How about America's Healthiest Hometown? Wouldn't you think the developer would love to brag about how many folks they coax to drink from the Fountain of Youth they built?

Pete

[PJ]

ijusluvit,

I agree with you completely, and have wondered myself why this is true here. Thanks for bringing this up. I wish the dev would offer us a complete workout facility that would be inexpensive to join.

[Shirleevee]

Great post...........

My husband and I were just discussing the same issue. He avails himself of most of the outdoor exercise facilities. I, on the other hand
cannot be in the sun and would like to see some free indoor alternatives.

Shirleevee

[ConeyIsBabe]

Yup, Yup, Yup Having already lived 40 years in tropical Miami, I had enuf sun 8)

If/WHEN I move to TV I will definitely join the Fitness Center with the indoor swimming pool regardless of the cost. It would, however, be a real asset if TV offered more facilities and activities in the shade or indoors because skin cancer is a reality of Florida life!

[Mermaid]

Ditto, ditto & ditto! I too was wondering the same thing. Would love to keep in shape sometimes in an indoor environment. Am almost a native of sunny FLA and one cannot be too careful of the ravages of the sun. I'm so glad that someone brought this up and that others are concerned too. What do we do next? I've thought of swimming in the dark --ha ha - but the Colony sports pool closes at dusk. Do they all?

[jojo]

Workout facilities are a weak spot in TV system. I had hoped that the new recreation center (Colony Cottage?) that we visited when we bought our house a couple weeks ago would have a decent set of equipment. They did not. We like Lifestyle Fitness here in Ohio but their corporate is in Tampa and they have lots of clubs in the Sarasota area. How can this issue best be made visible to the developer?

Some of my friends have gone to much smaller gated communties in Florida that have 4 times the indoor exercise equipment, indoor pools and senior exercise classes at all times of the day. They don't have to worry about the crowding and being turned away at the door because there is no room. I love some things about the Villages but for my health, I probably will have to move. My skin can't take the sun.

[sundermann]

I agree. When my husband and I came for our first visit in December, it was the one thing about TV that we did not like - as a matter of fact, it was almost a deal-breaker. Having a healthier lifestyle is one of the main reasons we want to move to TV. So, when we come back to househunt later this summer, we plan to explore every workout center around the area. My husband uses a local YMCA - how far would the nearest one be?

We noticed a few workout centers in malls - are they any cheaper? any good? I did notice one Curves for Women, which I have used for over 10 years and plan to transfer my membership. Is that a popular place with women in TV?

[Retired2]

My husband and I agree that TV aerobic exercise is expensive compared to other smaller communities that include facilities in the amenity fees. We compared the TV and Del Webb's new Ocala community Stone Creek. Stone Creek is a smaller gated community and has a beautiful outdoor pool area and an olympic size indoor lap pool. They also have state of the art gym equipment.

We will be coming to TV in 2 weeks and will compare facilities again. We like the TV's, but the bond and the exercise equipment are of a great concern.

[inda50]

Ditto, ditto & ditto! I must agree. I too was wondering the same thing. Would love to keep in shape sometimes in an indoor environment. The Wellness center is great, and I'm using it, but it is far from me and costly. I don't think golf is much of an excercise.

[nONIE]

It is if you walk the course and carry your clubs!!!!! LOL

[travelstiles]

Every rec center in TV should have some aerobic and resistance equipment. TV should also have an indoor pool that is free, or have shade tarps over the outdoor pools like other communities do.
We joined the fitness center and use the facility at Colony Cottage and are very pleased, with the exception of having to pay $700+ a couple for a year's membership. The equipment is well maintained and the people at the desk are helpful. We requested a scale, and within a few weeks it was there, so management was responsive to the suggestion.
We figure that for less than $1 a day it's worth it, but wish it were included in the amenities fee.

[fallingcow2]

what is the cost of the wellness center?

[rshoffer]

I was also troubled by the cost of a yearly membership at the fitness facilities in TV. I believe they are designated as "profit centers" which, I suspect they do quite well at.

I bought a Concept 2 rower and have it in our den along with my powerblock dumbells. I highly recommend the Concept 2. Check out www.concept2.com.