Nowadays, it takes a lot more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away. With increased stresses from careers and commutes, our busy lives can get in the way of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Maybe you’re like me and you’ve already slipped up on keeping your New Year’s resolution to get in better shape. But February is American Heart Month and it’s the perfect time to start planning a daily exercise regimen that takes advantage of amenities and activities that might be available right in your community.
Community Pool
Did you know that swimming allows for something no other exercise offers? During this physical activity, you are able to both effectively work out your body while avoiding the strenuous impact on your skeletal system. Because the water is handling the majority of your body weight, you’re able to add a little more activity than you would on land. Whether you choose to swim in the privacy of your back yard or take a few neighbors along to the community pool, swimming is one of the easiest activities to schedule into your daily routine. The only things you’ll need are a swim suit, towel, and SPF!
Tennis Courts
According to Ralph Paffenbarger, a physician who studied 10,000 people over a period of 20 years, people who participate in tennis at least 3 hours per week cut their risk of death in half from any cause. This sport also burns more calories than aerobics, inline skating, or cycling according to several studies on caloric expenditures.
Playgrounds
Today, 1 in 3 American kids and teens is overweight or obese – nearly triple the rate in 1963. Think of this as a child’s fitness gym, from running to climbing, children can get their daily physical activity although they might ask for a little more than 30 minutes! You can even incorporate a small arm workout for yourself while pushing the kiddos on the swings.
Walking Trails
We’ve all heard the benefits of walking but it’s amazing how many of us actually avoid doing so. The convenience of driving is a lot more appealing especially after a long day of work, however regular walking has shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and some cancers while also keeping your blood pressure in check.
Golf Courses
Playing golf regularly has shown to reduce stress and cholesterol. Did you know that a single game of golf can burn up to 1,000 calories? This activity gets your blood flowing and increases your heart rate, which makes for an effective cardio-vascular exercise.
Fitness Center
While the above physical activities are done outdoors, community fitness centers offer convenience and most importantly, A/C! Your community’s fitness center may offer the latest in gym equipment without the twenty minute drive to the gym. Grab a few neighbors and walk down, you’ll feel better before you get started with the real workout!
Spa
Okay, so technically going to the spa isn’t really considered a physical activity. Spas do however offer treatments such as hydrotherapy and massage, which can regulate circulation and blood pressure. From a facial to a body scrub, spa treatments can help de-stress while improving your mental health.
As you can see, you don’t have to go far to get or stay in great shape. Most everything you need is available right under your nose.
Most of our communities contain some or all of the health inducing amenities listed above and more. Check out the amenities at some of our communities near you.