5 Ways to Make the Most of Your On-Site Fitness Center

January is here and with a new year comes the opportunity to set new goals for the year ahead. Studies have found that 70% of all resolutions relate to improving physical health. This week we are helping you with any fitness goals you may have with 5 ways to make the most of your on-site fitness center. Having an on-site fitness center in your apartment community can be a great resource in helping you achieve your goals around your busy lifestyle. Here’s how you can make the most of it. 

Plan ahead knowing what equipment your on-site fitness center has. The first way to make the most of the resources available to you is to know what equipment is available to you. Scope out your fitness center, making note of different equipment. Does your fitness center have certain cardio equipment? Are there a wide range of weights, dumbbells, and kettle bells or perhaps there is limited mat space? Once you know what is available to you, you can begin to plan!

Once you have this information, you can begin to build a workout routine. Think about what activities you enjoy, as this will enable you to remain consistent. There are also a number of resources that can aid you in planning your workouts, such as free online workout plans. If you want a variation throughout your training you could do the push-pull variation, with some workouts focusing on push motions and some on pulls. Other variations include legs day, arms day, and cardio day. Alternatively, planning an all-body workout with the aim of completing three days a week could work well too. Remember, whatever your goals, you can work the plan around what you enjoy!

Once you have a plan in place, the key is consistency. Having an on-site fitness center means you have the luxury of convenience, being able to access the resources easily. Research shows that 23% of people quit their resolutions by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January. So what can you do to help you keep consistent? Plan your workouts into your week. This could be every morning. If you work from home, could you go on your lunch breaks? But planning ahead of time and making it non-negotiable will help keep you consistent. 

One of the key benefits of an on-site fitness center is the opportunity to build further community into your routine. Meet other residents and build bonds over a shared goal. Could you create a group who all attend together? This allows you to use this resource to make connections, share routines, and learn new things. 

Finally, perhaps the greatest thing to remember is that exercise and movement contribute to improved overall health. There are a number of studies that show the benefits of movement for one’s mental and physical health. Indeed, one study showed that there is a 20% to 30% lower risk of depression and dementia for adults participating in daily physical activity. So, whatever goals you may have set for 2025, remember that movement is great for your body, mind, and soul. The benefit of having an on-site fitness center means you can seamlessly plan this into your life.