[novelchick]

the gyms are getting very crowded. The Wellness Center is out because its so far away. We need another one on Sumter side. The Rec centers gyms are getting so crowded you stand around waiting for machines. The cost is high for these gyms. Just as expensive as NY so why do we have to stand around and wait for machines. Come on residents. We need to complain!! Let the Villages know what we want!!! more gyms are at the top of my list!!

[rshoffer]

completely!!!

[NJblue]

That was the one thing that took me by surprise about TV. After having looked at numerous other 55+ communities where a rec center was synonymous with having a fitness center that was available at no extra cost, I just assumed that every rec center in TV would have some fitness equipment. I was amazed when our sales rep said that only three of them were so equipped - and you had to pay extra for them. When we visited in mid-April it didn't seem too bad from a wait perspective, but I can imagine that during the snow-bird season things can be a problem. Given that the cost a fitness center must be a very small fraction of the cost of a golf course, it would seem that the proportionality of fitness centers to golf courses is a bit out of whack.

[Whalen]

Originally Posted by NJblue

That was the one thing that took me by surprise about TV. After having looked at numerous other 55+ communities where a rec center was synonymous with having a fitness center that was available at no extra cost, I just assumed that every rec center in TV would have some fitness equipment. I was amazed when our sales rep said that only three of them were so equipped - and you had to pay extra for them. When we visited in mid-April it didn't seem too bad from a wait perspective, but I can imagine that during the snow-bird season things can be a problem. Given that the cost a fitness center must be a very small fraction of the cost of a golf course, it would seem that the proportionality of fitness centers to golf courses is a bit out of whack.

Wholeheartedly agree.

[Talk Host]

I was a member of the Wellness Center for over a year. In the winter, it was so crowded that it was a real problem. When it came time for me to renew my membership, I commented to the sales rep that it was pretty crowded most of the time. Her answer was a curt "....get use to it." I didn't renew. I have been a member of "to your health" in Belleview for over two years now. Not a new gym, but lots of equipment, and I have some very good friends there now. I do weight training for an hour, then play raquette ball with my friends for an hour. Great workout.

JLK

[villager99]

only real advantages to the wellness center are golf cart accessibility and the indoor pool. periodically expansion plans service but then mysteriously get squashed.

[Cassie325]

Can anyone speak to the recreation center work out areas? I have heard there are two...at Lake Miona and Mulberry? Are there additional costs/fees etc? Are guests or visitors allowed to use them?

I am not trying to highjack....just wouldn't want to go or send anyone else to the Wellness Center if there are that kind of crowds.

[Best Mom]

Cassie,
Yes, there are fees. I think walk in for a day is a ten dollars.
I really don't know much about it. I know there are no locker rooms. I know the equipment is full most the time in this season.

novelchick- I so agree! Look at the thread about what people don't like in the Villages. People have been complaining for years.
At my exercise this AM they had to cut off the number of people at 72. People get there 45 minutes early because the room is so full. The instructor took down the names of those turned away...about 26. She is trying for a larger room.
However, my year around neighbors just exercise at home rather than try to get in.

Up North I exercise a ton and it is through Senior Citizens centers which are free and I pay 100 bucks for 3 months for use of a gym and large pool, hot tub and locker room with sauna and showers. Oh do I miss that. Guess where I lose weight !!!

[villager99]

fitness centers are located at regional recreational centers there are currentlythree fitness rooms: mulberry , laurel manor and colony cottage.

[uujudy]

Hahahaha! I'm sorry folks, I know you're all serious about this, but I have the most incredible fitness access at my house... we call it "the door." Outside that door I have a street, and since I'm in a villa, my street is a loop. I can walk or run just like I'm on a treadmill, but the beautiful scenery changes every few feet and I can wave at people.

Seriously, coming from the land of deep snow and from living on the side of a mountain, the fact that the weather here is nice enough to be outside in JANUARY and I can walk on a FLAT street is amazing to me. Why would you want to pay big bucks to do this inside when you can do it outside for free?

[Russ_Boston]

I think Judy makes a great point. How many of us up north belong to gyms that we go to a lot at first but then let it slide? The TV lifestyle brings all sorts of other options for fitness into play: walking, running, Pickleball, tennis, golf (especially if walking), biking etc. And let's not forget one of the best exercises SWIMMING which is abundant in TV.

I do know that there are also numerous other indoor activities such as yoga, Pilate's, line dance etc that are held inside but not at the 'gym' facilities.

In your own home you can buy simple items that allow you to do a full range of weight resistance exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, dumbbell lifts, sit-ups, resistance bands etc. etc. A whole set up like this takes up no space and costs less than $100 to get started.

Organized gyms are great if you get into the group motivational aspect but the lack of them is certainly no barrier to being in decent shape in TV.

[novelchick]

gyms for some of us are a neccessity and here is why. i don't do outside because since i've been here i've had four skin cancers on face. So getting outside swimming, and golfing is enough outdoor activity. i also must have a gym for the weights and machines. have to build muscle at our age and with osteoporosis its #1 priority. One member posted there is a gym in Lk Miona. There is no gym there. There are only three. Mulberry, Laurel Manor and Colony All are crowded and not cheap!! why should we pay that kind of money and have to stand around and wait for machines!! We are desperately in need of more gyms.With more and more people moving in, they better start building more gyms!!! And the cost is just as high as i paid in NY. only difference is that in NY the gyms were huge. More gyms are on my no 1 list of what we need here!! and most people don't have an extra room in their homes (they do make bedrooms small as is) to add on a gym room.

[chachacha]

my significant other is visiting for the winter and has been going to colony cottage but he agrees machines are always crowded and there are very few free weights. he says machines never give an accurate reading of what you are really lifting. anyone want to invest in a franchise for a gold's gym on
466A?

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by novelchick

i also must have a gym for the weights and machines. have to build muscle at our age and with osteoporosis its #1 priority.

That is why I mentioned the 'home' resistance items (dumbbells, resistance bands, push ups etc.). Yes, you can build (maintain) muscle tone at home without machines. I'm just saying that going to a center isn't the only way. I think some people are using it as an excuse why they don't go and that shouldn't be an issue.

You don't need a whole room dedicated to a gym. My equipment fits in the very corner of my den/office:

I have a pull up bar that attaches to the door (10 seconds to install when needed) which also serves as my push up device and roman chair sit-ups. $30

I have 5 levels of resistance bands that fold up into inches when not used. Less than $30. You know the type that they use at physical therapy.

Variable adjustment dumbbells that range from 5 to 40lbs. Somewhat expensive at $50-$75.

An exercise ball for balance exercises and stretches (you know the type) that is my largest item at 36-40 inches around. $25

I'm not insinuating that I'm in great shape but that is only due to my own laziness and lack of dedication to the pursuit. But I don't use not getting to a 'gym' as an excuse.

I do understand the skin cancer issue but are early morning/ late afternoon walks out of the question?

If those of us that could use something other than the gyms did this then there would be more room at the gyms for those that must use them due to age or other restictions.

With respect - Russ

[Matthew]

Why am I paying 1,920 dollars a year???. About 160 dollars a month...There are NO good walking trails!! I have lived in other developments... and this is a sin. Not what I was told while buying.