Interesting read today...
 

So many options around for activities etc. but the activity fee although lets you into the pools etc. and golf, but to use a workout facility that is a memberships that is needed? Is that correct? I like golf and all but the back hasn't allowed me to play but the plan is to try and play the free executive courses but some type of strength training is needed as we age. Just curious as to why that may be from those with experience in the decisions.

Again, not a complaint, just an observation I felt was interesting. Anyone with greater knowledge or is this not something a lot of Villagers use?

You are correct. The amenity fee gives you access to outdoor activities and inside recreation centers. However, the fitness clubs (the name for the workout facilities at some of the recreation centers) require a separate fee for their use. Many recreation centers have outdoor exercise machines that you can use without extra charge. They use your bodyweight to get you sweating. You could try them before giving a fitness center a try. Instructions are printed on the machines, but you can also ask recreation center staff how to use them.

I suspect it is "because they can"

I'm sure that if our amenity fees included a free gym membership that the cost to run and maintain the amount of facilities required would be quite significant.

Besides, there are multiple privately run gyms on TV commercial property that run at a profit. From what I can tell, the developer doesn't run competing businesses with their commercial tenants.

I have no clue, but they might be renting the exercise equipment like they do light poles? if so suffice cost involved why membership maybe required? Or someone said cause the can?

It was explained awhile back. Basically, the equipment is subject to wear and tear and is significantly more expensive than a basketball or shuffleboard disks. In addition, free weights and dumbbells, if not monitored, have a way of disappearing. And again - they're more expensive than basketballs and shuffleboard disks. The fitness centers also require an employee who will sanitize the entire room at least once every single day. That's not something done with other amenities, and costs more as a result.

Instead of passing these expenses on to every Villager, they charge a fee. The good news, is you don't have to commit to a whole year. You can get a 1-month membership for $45, or even just a day pass for $10. The longer the membership, the cheaper per day. A year is $363 - just under a dollar per day. If you plan on going every day it'd be worth it.

Many health insurance plans include fitness centers utilization and allows you to use the facilities at no charge. It would be wise to call your health insurance provider to see if you have that benefit.

Lake Miona Rec center has outdoor equipment for exercise as does Seabreeze Rec center....free to use. There may be others, but these two I know about.

Ezell has outdoor equipment as well!

In my opinion you honestly don't need a workout facility. There are a lot of exercises that you can do in your own home that require little or no equipment. My evening regiment consists of a mix of the following:

Body weight squats - 2 to 3 reps of 20 each
Planks - 2 to 3 reps of one minute each
Hollow body hold - 2 to 3 reps of 30 to 40 seconds each
Push-ups - 2 to 3 sets of 15 each

You don't have to start out with that, you can start out smaller and increase the reps as you get stronger.

The top three are all excellent for strengthening your core, which helps tremendously with your back and balance. You can find how to do them properly (which is really important) on YouTube. There are a ton of videos. I would especially consider the bodyweight squats, probably one of the best exercises you can do and requires zero equipment.

Swimming is another excellent exercise and there are a number of sports pools around for swimming laps.

But like I said, check with your doctor first and make sure that you find good videos on how to properly do the exercises and to find the right mix of exercises to achieve your goal.

Edit: add stretching to the mix too.

If you have Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance the two Genesis fitness centers are free to you.
If you have Silver Sneakers …Planet Fitness , Anytime Fitness and several others are no charge.
With all the freshair, sunshine, and exercises classes you can be moving every minute of every day….at no cost to you

Florida BCBS only covers IF your policy has the added benefit

There are outdoor workout facilities.

once again… excellent info and my appreciation!

Now to youtube a Hollow Body Hold… thanks for that @switter! Also, IMO you hit the nail on the head… Stretching is the absolute key and is possibly more important than actual strength training itself but is definitely needed with strength training! Lowera that injury risk and increases that flexibility.

Full disclosure, sometime in my 40’s my body started forming bone spurs lumbar and cervical… Spondylosis is the diagnosis. Not a complainer but when your neck and back “naturally” got fused by this arthritic pain in the backside it certainly made typical everyday movements a joy!

Best way is to do movement, swimming hurts a bit and the natural movement wrecks my spine but I love watching people that can do it. Give me a floaty and do some exercises in the pool that I can adjust to... I love it!

Anyone else battling this condition? what has your regimen been etc!

THANKS AGAIN!



FYI: Former college FB player, coach blah blah years ago so know my way around the weight room. Formerly ACE certified early 90’s as well, pretty sure I have forgotten more than i now remember. V02 max anyone.

I love when i can learn something new…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FANawJBt-6Y

Sweet nectar switter! Congrats on that. I will need a bench, a pillow, and i can hold it with everything other than my body trying to hold that position! ������������