For many apartment owners in New York City the residential building gym is a perk that works better on paper than in real life. It turns out that “lack of convenience” isn’t the only barrier to exercise. There are plenty of excuses to choose from when you are looking for a way to avoid working out. But if you’re looking for good reasons to exercise, the gym in your building isn’t a bad place to start. It may not have the look and feel of an upscale gym, but most in-house gyms have everything you need to get a good workout.
On the plus side, residential fitness centers don’t cost nearly as much as an outside gym and you can reduce travel time to an elevator trip. (If you start and end your workout with a few flights of stairs that’s even better.) There also tends to be a friendly, low-key atmosphere and plenty of slow time if you want the place to yourself. If you have friends in the building then the buddy system may work extremely well to keep you both motivated.
The typical drawbacks of residential gyms are small spaces, limited equipment and a lack of privacy if you don’t want your neighbors to know your exercise habits. Newer buildings and renovated gyms have the most modern equipment and some even hire a company to staff the gym. Most have policies about safety and etiquette, as well as rules for bringing your trainer along.
If your do opt to use the residential gym you’re likely to find these standard items:
- cardio equipment (treadmill, bike, elliptical)
- resistance equipment
- stretching mats
Many gyms also include these additional fitness props:
- swiss balls
- medicine balls
- dumbbells
- free weights and benches
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End of the Day Refresher (low intensity)
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Fast Fwd Mix Up (moderate intensity)
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Power Half Hour (very high intensity)
I am of the school of thought that you don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment to get a good workout. Your bodyweight is a good force in and of itself, you just have to know certain exercises to do to work it and achieve your fitness goals.
Minimalist workouts are great and you don’t even have to leave your apartment (or house) to do them! Thanks for the comment.