[ConeyIsBabe]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

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

However, I have all of those pieces of equipment also, the hand weights, the exercise bands, the ball........ but do I use them ????? Of course not; IMHO it takes so much more effort to work-out at home, alone, than getting in one's car/golf cart and going to the group facility. Maybe it's the social aspect of working-out in a group atmosphere Bad back & bad knees keep me away from golf, pickelball, etc.

When I ever get to be a TV resident, my main hangouts will be (1) Fitness Center (2) Rec Center Pool (3) restaurants (4) stores (5) clubs

So...... as a humble WANNABEE..... count me in as a TV-prospective buyer who would be greatly encouraged to know there is adequate Fitness Centers available without having to wait (that's really unacceptable)

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by 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.

CIB - I hear ya. There are many group sport activities in TV that don't require the gym. But many people do need the social aspect for motivation.


Matthew - Not sure who you are or where in TV you live but there are literally miles of sidewalks and miles of cart paths (although that could be dangerous) and miles of limited traffic neighborhoods to walk in. One glance around TV any morning and you'll see that hundreds (thousands maybe) of people already know this. Pure walking/run/bike trails would be a bonus but that should never stop you from a good walk workout in TV. When I was there last year I walked 2 miles up to LSL and then 2 miles back to Largo almost everyday. There is a sidewalk that goes up Canal St. for almost the whole length.

[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by 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?

There is a brand new Omni Fitness Center on 466A about a mile outside TV going toward 441/27. It looks awesome. The poor fella who owned it before (then called pulse fitness) died of an MI. As an avocation I'm a certified fitness trainer and I'm drawn to gyms like flys are to.... uh, watermelon. Anyway, I am used to weight lifting gyms rather than "fitness centers"....eg, here's a link to the gym I was a part owner of in Danville: www.muscle-fitnessfactory.com .... So far, the gyms in TV are not what I was used to so I a) convinced the Mrs to give me the den in our Camillia which I converted to a gym and b) walk, walk, walk and ride my bike OUTSIDE. Never made a lick of sense to me to take a golfcart 2 miles to a fitness center to walk 2 miles on a treadmill in this beautiful weather. On that note, I'm taking Bumpkus for a 5 mile walk.

[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by rshoffer

There is a brand new Omni Fitness Center on 466A about a mile outside TV going toward 441/27. It looks awesome. The poor fella who owned it before (then called pulse fitness) died of an MI. As an avocation I'm a certified fitness trainer and I'm drawn to gyms like flys are to.... uh, watermelon. Anyway, I am used to weight lifting gyms rather than "fitness centers"....eg, here's a link to the gym I was a part owner of in Danville: www.muscle-fitnessfactory.com .... So far, the gyms in TV are not what I was used to so I a) convinced the Mrs to give me the den in our Camillia which I converted to a gym and b) walk, walk, walk and ride my bike OUTSIDE. Never made a lick of sense to me to take a golfcart 2 miles to a fitness center to walk 2 miles on a treadmill in this beautiful weather. On that note, I'm taking Bumpkus for a 5 mile walk.

PS... I'm the guy doing the bicep curm machine in the one picture.

[ConeyIsBabe]

It is a full-featured, family-oriented athletic club and wellness center. Many services and programs are included with your membership; 75+ group exercise and aquatics classes, a 25-yard salt-water swimming pool, a warm pool, hot tub, saunas and steam rooms, a women's only workout center, three weight floors, racquetball, basketball, outdoor sand volleyball, tennis courts and so much more. Clubnw.com

My membership includes my friend, and we both pay $32 each, per month.

To TV-Management....... perhaps a similar facility located at a central area, would be a profitable asset to The Villages ?

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by rshoffer

PS... I'm the guy doing the bicep curm machine in the one picture.

Impressive!

Even when I ran a lot I could never seem to run on treadmills. Others seem to love running on them. Who knows!

[Whalen]

It's not really a debate about indoor activities or outdoor activities.
Considering the amount of money spent on bonds, amenities fees etc, many people expect at least some equipment in the recreation facilities which do not entail a fee.
As stated before, most 55+ communities have work out facilities available as part of the total package.
I have visited communities with as few as 500 homes which had gyms as big as the regional centers here.

[wilt2448]

I will be spending March in TV (first visit). The purpose of the trip is to determine whether I would like to live there. Hearing that there are no reasonably priced workout facilities is a BIG minus to me.

I've been working out three days a week (resistance training, walking, streching, balancing) as well as basketball for about 13 years. To not have that available would really make me think twice about moving there no matter what else I like about the area. I simply cannot get in to working out at home alone even if I had the eqpt.

The town I live in has a tax supported facility which costs resident seniors
(55+) $25 annually for unlimited usage. It is like a well equipped tax supported Y. VERY surprised that an active adult retirement community does not have anything like that. Seems like a big oversight to me.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Whalen

It's not really a debate about indoor activities or outdoor activities.
Considering the amount of money spent on bonds, amenities fees etc, many people expect at least some equipment in the recreation facilities which do not entail a fee.
As stated before, most 55+ communities have work out facilities available as part of the total package.
I have visited communities with as few as 500 homes which had gyms as big as the regional centers here.

and probably had a pool, a golf course, and a couple of card clubs. Its no different than the golfers paying to pay and not everyone supporting(paying) for golf. If you want the gym you pay.....not out of ammenities.

[Whalen]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

and probably had a pool, a golf course, and a couple of card clubs. Its no different than the golfers paying to pay and not everyone supporting(paying) for golf. If you want the gym you pay.....not out of ammenities.

But aren't executive courses free?

[NJblue]

If you want the gym you pay.....not out of ammenities.

This was the point that I was making above. The amenity fees are overwhelmingly skewed toward golf. TV could divert a very small percent of its amenity fees away from golf (such that it would likely not even be missed) yet the result could be a doubling of the fitness facilities. Yes, I understand that TV is built around golf, but not all people here are golfers yet their amenity fees are being used to subsidize the golfers.

[jojo]

NJ BLue, I agree. I think it's a small investment to expand fitness facilities. The demographics of the population that will be moving into the newer areas should point to the need for more fitness centers. It's been a part of their lifestyle. From my first visit to TV to being a resident I have always thought this was a weak area. We should however acknowledge the classes offered at the recreation centers. These help.

[Dynasty]

There is a nationwide facility called Anytime Fitness. They have over 2000 locations nationwide. This is a 24 hour, 7 days a week facility. They are located at 16770 S Hwy 441 in Summerfield. They also have a place in Leesburg. Membership is about $30/mo.(less than the price of one round of golf) They have one 3 miles from my house here. I plan to check out the Summerfield location when I'm down. Heck, I can even use a facility when I stay overnight on my drive down. Check it out.

I for one do not want anything added to my amenity fees because, the laundry list would just keep growing. If I did have to add anything my desire would be a wider, smoother, safer golf cart path along Buena Vista Blvd.

[Best Mom]

My point is the gyms are over crowded. I love this place and it beautiful but it needs more gyms for the size of the population. At this stage of our lives we all need to exercise. Many have arthritis and need to keep moving.

Let me compare The Villages to a beautiful house. The house needs more lights. With the lights the owners can live better. It is the same with The Villages, they need more gyms. With more gyms people can exercise easier and stay healthier. As the house is beautiful so is The Villages.

[Russ_Boston]

I guess this could be debated all day.

I think the bottom line, as Coach Belichick says, "it is what it is".

TV doesn't hide the fact that they put an emphasis on golf. Yes there are many who don't use the 'free' execs but they were told before they moved in about the amenities fee and what it covers. My sales agent, Carol, was very upfront about this and she showed us where the 'gyms' were and how many (few) there are.

It seems like there are full service fitness centers near TV as mentioned in this thread. I find it funny how most people want EVERYTHING on the campus.

The other point of emphasis by my agent was the swimming pools. Granted they are not indoor but it is surprising how almost no one mentions them in terms of exercise on this thread. Obviously TV has put money into these as well and I think there are almost 40 of them?

My point is that TV isn't making false promises in my opinion. I know pretty well what I'm getting and what I'm not when I decide to move.