Boomer Fitness

Viewers who tuned in to the hit television program Dancing with the Stars over the past few seasons have seen icons like Jane Seymour, John O’Hurley, Leeza Gibbons, Billy Ray Cyrus and Marie Osmond looking sensational and performing with energy, passion and evident talent. These stars should be an inspiration to Boomers and active adults everywhere that may be harboring doubts or frustrations about their own ability to get in shape.

Not all of us can be garnering accolades by strutting their stuff on the airwaves, of course, but there are no restrictions on who can make lifestyle changes. As active adults discover the freedom and flexibility of a new residence and post-retirement living, there are frequently making fitness a new priority. All across the country Boomers are reinventing themselves and committing to a newly healthy and active lifestyle, and they are finding that the resources and lifestyle options available through condominium / townhome-style communities provide the ideal venue.

Maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities provide residents with the freedom to pursue their new way of life, and the facilities with which they can do so in comfort and convenience. Discovering, or perhaps rediscovering the pleasures and rewards of prioritizing health and fitness and incorporating exercise into a healthy lifestyle is one of the most exciting opportunities for many Boomers. Getting in shape and staying in shape is not just a great way to look and feel young, it is one of the keys to maintaining both physical and emotional well-being. As the fit, healthy and active Boomer Generation adults on Dancing with the Stars have demonstrated so gracefully, there are endless avenues to a healthier mind and body – and not all of them run through a health club or punishing fitness regimen. For many lucky Boomers, some of those avenues are right in their own backyard.

The growing popularity of low-impact activities and nontraditional ways to stay in shape means that you do not have to be a marathon runner any more to be in great health. The walking and biking trails available at many maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities provides an ideal exercise venue to engage in low-impact exercise with an attractive social aspect. Whether taking a brisk walk with family or friends, or enjoying a pleasant bike ride with a neighbor, the ability to walk out of your front door and often be just yards away from a great way to meet people and get the blood pumping makes these communities a particularly attractive choice for many active adults. Health clubs and crowded public gyms are no competition when it comes to scenery, either, as the experience of daily fresh air and exercise beats a stuffy half hour on a treadmill, any day.

High quality Condo/Townhome-style communities feature swimming pools, another on-site option that is not only tremendous exercise, but is also forgiving to beginners or those who may be dealing with chronic conditions. Many Boomers have come to rely on their daily swim at the heated community pool as an essential part of their daily regimen. Whether they are swimming laps, participating in a community-sponsored water aerobics program, or simply enjoying a leisurely dip, they end up in shape and feeling great – all just a stone’s throw from their own front door. In addition, virtually all maintenance-free communities provide a community gym and/or spa facility, so that residents who want to engage in more ambitious weight training and conditioning, or who are rehabilitating or training for a trip or an exercise goal, have the resources they need to do so successfully.

In addition to the low cost – most of these activities require little or no specialized gear more advanced than a swimsuit or walking shoes, and facilities are generally free of charge to residents – it is the community aspect of this that is attractive to so many active adult residents. Some communities sponsor golf outings or walking clubs, others get creative with special fitness stations positioned along an exercise trail, and others have mechanisms in place to encourage residents to interact and take advantage of each other’s company and expertise. You never know, your next door neighbor might turn out to be a Pilates or yoga instructor!

Combined with the convenience and accessibility, it is easy to see why so many Boomers and active adults are not only committing themselves to making a lifestyle change, but choosing maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities in which to do so. Because while we can’t all dance well enough to be on TV, we can certainly look and feel just as good as our Hollywood idols.

Consider total costs for new home or condo

As people are moving back into the real estate marketplace, they should consider the total cost of ownership of their new home, condominium, or townhome. For many, the search for a new home also means a shift in the type of residence often from a single family home to some form of multi-family home. As I’ve moved from a long career in single family construction to a new emphasis on condos and townhomes, I’ve realized how much buyers focus on the sale price and not the total cost of ownership.
For many buyers, it is more important to think like a business and consider total operating costs. When comparing the costs of various options, they should try to calculate the expenses including lawn and landscape care, exterior maintenance, painting, roof replacement, taxes, and insurance for a single family home versus Home Owner’s Association fees for a condo or townhome to arrive at an apples to apples comparison. Often I see buyers consider association fees as an expense they don’t have at their current residence but they soon recognize they have all of the same expenses that are paid by writing numerous checks to various parties. Also, most association fees include a reserve fund for future expenses, a savings account if you will, that can eliminate the shock to an owner’s budget for unexpected repairs. So, when you are weighing your options in buying a new home, condominium, or townhome, be sure to consider the total cost of ownership.

Breakfast with the Builder

Join us for breakfast with Gary Turnbull, the builder of The Fairways, to ask any questions about the construction of the homes. Enjoy pancakes and sausage or just a cup of coffee while you learn about the quality that goes into every home. Saturday April 18th 9:00 – 12:00.

Final Four Party

Join us in the Clubhouse for the Final Four Party!