Radical change is sweeping the fitness industry as neighborhood developments, apartment complexes and workplaces have begun to invest in workout spaces, fitness equipment and exercise classes for residents and employees. No longer do you have to pay for an expensive gym membership and drive across town to get into shape. Now fitness training can come to you at community fitness centers where you live or work.
Fitness moves closer
Swimming pools have been an expected amenity at apartment complexes and subdivisions for decades. Over time other amenities, such as tennis and basketball courts, party rooms and outdoor kitchens, have been added.
Community fitness centers first began to appear in some large corporate office complexes as a perk for employees. Now the demand for easy access to such facilities has come home. Fitness centers first appeared at upscale apartment and condo developments and are now making inroads into single-family home communities.
Changes to the fitness industry
The move toward taking fitness directly to consumers in their neighborhoods and workplaces has challenged traditional commercial fitness centers. Consumers are finding it much more convenient to work out near home or work. Having a community fitness center available among your development’s amenities or at your workplace saves you the hassle of driving to a center across town.
Comprehensive fitness training at your home or office
Today these community fitness centers offer the following:
Pools. Already a fixture of housing communities, the offerings now include lap pools, children’s “splash pad” pools and hot tubs.
Resistance training. Weight rooms offer free weights such as dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells as well as machine training.
Cardio training. Choose from treadmills, stair-climbers, rowing and cardio dance classes.
Accessory training. Some centers provide heavy ropes and weighted medicine balls.
Relaxation. Yoga classes are often available. Your amenity center may even include soundproof seclusion booths where you can practice meditation.
Specialized equipment
People who are busy with work and family obligations often have difficulty committing to scheduled classes for dance aerobics, yoga or spinning. Enter the virtual trainer.
A personalized virtual trainer called Mirror mounts on a wall. A control panel allows the user to launch the kind of workout she wants. A virtual trainer video appears on the Mirror and takes the user through the routine. The user is able to see herself in the Mirror reflection, ensuring that her movements match the trainer’s.
Peloton bicycles offer a virtual spin class with a trainer urging users on to peak performance. The rider watches on a screen that is mounted on the handlebars.
Some community fitness centers even have golf simulators.
Residents can hire a personal trainer to come to the community fitness center for their workouts.
Priced into your HOA dues
Like any type of amenity in a residential neighborhood, fitness facilities are priced into the homeowner association dues to pay for equipment, maintenance and replacement, and management personnel. For the fitness enthusiast, this addition to HOA dues can be offset by eliminating the separate cost of a gym membership.
Related – 5 Tips for Getting in Shape at Home