If you happen to have a gym in your apartment, then you’re in luck. Staying in shape using the gym in your apartment is not only convenient, it can also save you a lot of money over the course of a year.
You can stay fit (or get fit) without paying for an expensive gym membership. Check out these tips to help you stay fit and save money by using your apartment gym.
1. Get to know your equipment
The first thing you should do when using a building’s gym is familiarizing yourself with the types of equipment. Make sure you know what you’re doing and the best ways to use each piece of equipment.
2. Start strong and take the stairs
As a rule of thumb, one of the quickest ways to get your body ready for your apartment gym workout is to take the stairs versus the elevator. This offsets some of the daily cardio that you will be doing and gets your heart pumping before you get to the fitness room.
3. Bring your own accessories
It’s a good idea to stock a small gym bag with some workout essentials. Consider bringing your own disinfectant cleaning wipes to clean the equipment before (and after) you use it.
It’s also a good idea to bring some headphones, a bottle of water, and a towel to wipe your brow with. While there are many advantages to using the apartment gym, unfortunately, towel service isn’t often one of them, so keep a towel stashed in your bag for when you need one.
4. Get to know your neighbours
Perhaps the best thing about using the apartment gym is that it is typically less crowded than a paid members-only gym. Plus, since the same people typically use the apartment gym, you can get to know some of your neighbours.
Because the space you share is more personal and there are usually fewer users, apartment gyms tend to be much friendlier. To that end, make sure to say hello to people inside the gym. Even if people are focused on their workouts, a friendly greeting or wishing them a good workout goes a long way to creating a gym environment everyone will enjoy.
5. Don’t use speakers
While it may seem like a good idea to bring down a portable wireless speaker to play music or podcasts in your apartment gym, don’t. Commandeering the space and treating it like it’s all yours sends the wrong message to others who may want to use the gym too. If you want to listen to music or watch TV, keep it personal and use your headphones.
6. Get workout ideas from magazines
Not sure where to start when it comes to a workout regimen? You won’t have access to a personal trainer at the apartment gym, but that also means you’re not paying top dollar for hours of consultation and coaching. Instead, pick up some fitness magazines and browse them to find simple, easy workout tips and routines. Tear the sheets out and stash them in your gym bag for easy reference, or scan them into an app like Trello scan or Evernote so they don’t get wrinkled or sweaty.
No gym or fitness facilities at your apartment building? Check out The Arch. Not only will you get membership-free gym access, you’ll find a nicer, better living environment. Located in Calgary’s vibrant Beltline neighbourhood , you’re instantly part of a very walkable (yes, more easy exercise!) infinitely liveable community.
