[Newbeginnings]

I am a soon to be full time resident in Charlotte. I will be using the Colony Rec center since it is the closest for me to use. I want to use the workout room, so I understand you pay extra for the use of gym? How much is it per month? I am early bird for my workouts, what time do they open? What kind of equipment do they have and are there free weights, kettle bells, etc.? Has anyone joined the MVP fitness club?

[bkcunningham1]

If you do this virtual tour, you can see the workout room. Virtual Tour #2292749 - Colony Cottage Regional Recreation Center - THE VILLAGES, FL. There are free weights. Here is the telephone number to call and have all your questions answered: 352.750.1935.

It is a beautiful recreation center.

I have several friends that belong to the MVP. The love it. Don't ask me the fees, because I don't know the answer to that one.

[mickey100]

fyi - the rec center workout areas are very very busy during the high season - January - March. Tough to get on machines and often they limit your use on a treadmill or elliptical to 20 minutes or so. We used to belong, but because of that we quit because we just couldn't get a good workout without waiting in line for machines, at the times it was convenient for us to work out. It might be better late in the day or around meal times, but that didn't work for us. You might want to join for a month to see if you like it before you plunk down the $$ for an annual membership.

[wlou]

pay the daily drop in fee of $ 5.00 . That is what we do when there is rain and we really need a cardio workout. BUT be prepared to only get in 20 min during the high season. Too many people and not enough indoor workout centers here in TV...

[Mudder]

MVP is fabulous but costs almost twice what the Rec centers charge. If you live south of 466A it's a long haul over to MVP. But MVP has classes, spin, tons of machines, weights, etc...everything a person needs for a workout. It also is crowded in winter but worth the wait. If you can workout later in the day you usually wouldn't have a wait for anything.

[Swampy]

Hi All: I'm a golf nut so the cost of exercise machines at the rec centers is not an issue for me; but because my wife loves to exercise on treadmills and weight lifting machines and I don't want a divorce after retirement, this issue of the cost of the use of the equipment is important to me. We will be FROGS in August 2013, with the build of a new house, and we're debating what to do with our current exercise equipment when we arrive in TV. I would not be surprised if, in retirement, my wife would spend more than 45 minutes a day, five days a week, on the treadmill, and 3 to 4 days using weightlifting equipment. At $5.00 per day of use, that could easily be $1,500 a year for activity that right now, because we own the equipment, costs us nothing (I know, depreciation, etc. but forget that issue). That seems pricey. Do you mean to say that just to use a machine in the exercise room a fee must be paid? What about an annual or monthly flat charge? I know there is a very good Gym in Spanish Springs, but we'll be South of 466a and that is not convenient for us. Any clarifications as to cost or suggestions short of us adding an exercise room onto our house would be appreciated. Even that 20 minute limit on the treadmills that someone mentioned in an earlier post is discouraging.

Swampy

[Swampy]

Well, thanks to bkcunningham I was able to solve my own state of confusion. I called the exercise room at Colony (352-750-5282) and was advised the following: Use of the exercise room is $5.00 a day, but there are several flat fee plans for people that use it regularly. Some of them are: $20.00 a week; $388.93 per year for a single, or $760.00 a year for two (residents). That $388.93 takes a load off of my mind (and my savings account). There is a 20 minute limit on use of a treadmill but if not busy it is not strictly enforced; or a person can do two 20 minutes sets separated by some other exercise activity.

Swampy

[lovesports]

The 20 min rule on the most popular machines is already in effect from opening till about 3 in the afternoon.

[rubicon]

I am a mewmber of MVP and believe the cost per month is well within reason. in fact compared with the Fitness Center onced owned by the ?Developer it is a steal.

[MSG@TV]

Originally Posted by lovesports

The 20 min rule on the most popular machines is already in effect from opening till about 3 in the afternoon.

That really cuts into my present exercise regimen.I spend a total of 45 mins.-one hour on the treadmill. I walk for three minutes and run for two to get my heart rate elevated. At this age, I can no longer run the entire time, so that's why I spend more time walking to burn calories. Guess if limited to 20 mins. I might have to run the whole time.

These restrictions make me want to take my treadmill to TV, but the problem is where to put it. With no basements and I'm told the garages and the lanai are too hot, that leaves the bedrooms, and even with stretches, the model we plan to build has bedrooms on the small side. Guess I might have to consider those beds built in the wall to open up floor space. Or, I might have to walk outside, but then I can't watch TV to make the time go by faster.

[lovesports]

I think if you live here full time and are near an outer edge of the Villages, you should look into gyms outside ( without the crowded conditions.) There is a good one on 301 outside Wildwood. The treadmills have their own personal built in tvs and you can keep changing your channels to watch 3 football games while walking/running!
We also gave up our treadmill and really miss it here. Today, we could walk/run outside as the weather permits. I exercise more here in the winter because I can't take the sun and heat in the summer.
I agree that MVP is worth it but I find it too far away for me.
Doctors say a new villager gains between 10-30 lbs moving here. For me it is this lack of hard exercise I had up North and too many parties. I'm always moving but at less strenuous pace.
Yes, we need a ton more real gyms here. I think what we have in the Rec centers are great for the really older person or light exerciser. My friend who is a top baseball player is off campus all the time and calls the Rec exercise rooms, not even a good warm up.
But before I **** anybody off, I do love living here.

[MSG@TV]

Oh my gosh, I was hoping that I'd lost weight, not gain more than the freshman "15" when I got to TV. Between the stress of work, getting our home ready for sale in a down market, and inconsistency in my exercise routine, I put back the 15 pounds I had lost. Everything I own is tight!
I looked into MVP when I visited, but it seems too far from where I'll be living (south of 466A). After four skin cancers, I have to be careful in the sun. Living there, I might buy stock in sunscreen. I really appreciate, however, your suggestion of using gyms outside TV. It may cost more, but offer the better workout. Thanks again.

[Newbeginnings]

I think the offsite gym maybe worth investigating especially during the busy season, I like a good hard cardio workout at least 45 min-1 hour a day and free weights - 5 days a week. Thanks for the suggestions.

[lovesports]

Two more good things are the off campus work out places give anywhere from a couple days to a week free to just try it out for yourself.
The closest work out places on 441 and 301 give you a key and thus you can go anytime you want. Open 24/7 for members.

Ones inside the Rec centers close at 9 weekdays and 5 weekends.

[sueandskip]

Originally Posted by MSG@TV

That really cuts into my present exercise regimen.I spend a total of 45 mins.-one hour on the treadmill. I walk for three minutes and run for two to get my heart rate elevated. At this age, I can no longer run the entire time, so that's why I spend more time walking to burn calories. Guess if limited to 20 mins. I might have to run the whole time.

These restrictions make me want to take my treadmill to TV, but the problem is where to put it. With no basements and I'm told the garages and the lanai are too hot, that leaves the bedrooms, and even with stretches, the model we plan to build has bedrooms on the small side. Guess I might have to consider those beds built in the wall to open up floor space. Or, I might have to walk outside, but then I can't watch TV to make the time go by faster.

Outdoors is free ,,,,,