Health and Fitness

What are some ways I can include more activity in my apartment lifestyle?

There are many ways that apartment living can actually contribute to a healthy lifestyle. These simple things can be included in day to day activities to help you maximize the amount of exercise you get. Here are some great basic health and fitness tips for apartment living to help you make the most of what you've got:

• Even if you live in a building with an elevator, always take the stairs. Those trips to the grocery store or getting the garbage out can really add a little workout to your day.
• Make more trips whenever possible. If you are going to have to go and get a newspaper and do laundry, break it up into two separate tasks instead of combining them. You'll get more exercise.
• Walk to do errands whenever possible.
• Use a bicycle to go on longer errands or to go to work.
• Make a vigorous apartment cleaning part of your weekly schedule. Put on some music and really get to it!
• Rearrange furniture periodically. It will help keep the place looking fresh, and provide you with a little extra exercise.
• If you have a dog, walk it often. You'll both be happier and more fit.

It can be easy to amp up an apartment lifestyle to include a bit more activity if you keep in mind the things you do each day and just try to keep moving.

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What are some items that can help me get in a workout at my apartment?

If your days are packed and you are trying to get in some more exercise, investing in a few items you can use at the apartment can be a great idea. You don't have to join a health club to get a good fitness routine going. Try using some of these items to help boost your exercise routine:

• A pair of free weights. These are easy to stash and simple to use. You can get them at just about any health and fitness store. Use them to do some bicep curls while watching television in the evening or while you are on the phone. (Or, use canned goods as weights. A big can of tomatoes goes far.)
  
• Exercise bands. These can be great additions to an exercise program. They are very small, so they store easily, but pack a good punch in terms of staying in shape. You can use these bands to work on building or maintaining strength in your arms or your legs.
• Ankle weights. These usually wrap around your ankle and add a little weight for leg lifts. Also great to help anchor feet during crunches.
• Stability ball. These are not exactly small, but are superior workout tools. There are many exercises that can be done on them that are very effective. Plus, they help build the little muscles that are often overlooked by regular lifting.
• Workout videos. You'll find everything from yoga to kick-boxing.

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What are some ideas for exercise that I can do with a partner?

Exercising with a partner is one of the best things you can do to maintain a workout program. Living in an apartment may be a great opportunity to do this if you can find someone in the building who has similar health/exercise ideas and goals. If you see someone heading out for a daily run, why not ask if they want some company next time? Or, if you prefer, you can ask someone you have been getting to know if they would like to take a walk on a nice day. Posting a notice on an apartment board is also a great way to see if there is any interest.

Keep an eye out for things in the neighborhood that might be fun to do with a partner. Are there tennis courts nearby? What about a basketball court? If there are enough people interested in the building you live in, why not start a weekly pickup game? If you aren't finding someone around that wants to exercise, team up with someone from work, a friend or a family member and head out.

If you live close to a park, you can pair up for some Frisbee, or just throw a ball around for the afternoon. Exercise doesn't have to be drudgery. Partnering up can be a terrific way to make it fun and encourage you to do more of it!

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What features should I look for in apartments that have a gym?

If fitness is a priority in your life, you may want to consider looking at apartments with a gym on site. This can be a beneficial feature that adds convenience to your workout routine. It also can be a great way to save the money that you would otherwise be spending on a health club membership.

When you find a building with this kind of facility included, look for the types of equipment that will give you a variety of exercise options to choose from. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

• Cardiovascular equipment, such as treadmills and elliptical trainers. Make sure there are a few of these available in the workout area so that if it is crowded you won't spend time waiting for something to open up.
• Weight-training equipment. This can mean free weights and barbells or individual machines. Some facilities may even have both.
• Safety features. Make sure that the area or room isn't somewhere that the general public could access and that it feels comfortable to you.
• Cleanliness and maintenance. Ask how often the facility is cleaned and how they maintain the machines. You'll want to be sure things will be in working order and spotless.
• Extras. Amenities at some higher-end properties can include extras such as towel service, classes or even a pool. Certain places may even have things like massage service available.

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How can I learn to relax and manage stress?

Stress is a part of our lives, and learning how to manage it well is important. Carving out a little time and space to meditate or decompress can be the key to keeping it in check. Here are some healthful living strategies for doing just that:

• Set a time to relax. It may sound ridiculous, but it is tempting to skip if you don't schedule it at first. Try to keep it as open-ended as possible.
• Set up a place to unwind. It can be a little corner of the room with a comfortable chair or an entire room if you have the space.
• Set the stage. Dim lights and calming music can go a long way toward helping you meditate or decompress. You can also hang a piece of art you enjoy or a simple poster of somewhere peaceful to help get into the right mindset.
• Turn off and unplug. Kill the cell phone, the house phone and any other distractions before you start.
• Breathe. Take some deep breaths to start. Clear your mind and close your eyes. Take a few minutes to transition into a relaxed state.
• Practice. Keep at this simple routine and you'll find yourself more balanced and energized. It can really pay off if you practice relieving stress on a regular basis.

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