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Getting your heart rate up a few times every week can do wonders for your health. Not only does regular physical activity increase levels of endorphins – the happy hormone, but it also reduces cortisol – the stress hormone, which we could all do with less of.
Here are some ways that you can ensure residents stay motivated and ready to go.
Ready, set, club
One of the biggest benefits of estate living is that residents automatically become part of an extended community, but the responsibility of harnessing and promoting this community lies with estate management. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to foster a community ethos is to use communal areas like a clubhouse. for example, to host fun activities like yoga, pilates and Zumba classes.
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If you are not sure where to start, stick with what you already have. If there is a swimming pool and tennis courts onsite, create a swimming club or tennis tournament for adults and children.
The aim is to give residents the opportunity to make friends while keeping fit, so have a variety of options that are suitable to different ages and fitness levels. Consider for example, splitting half of a track so less active resident can use it for walking or jogging, and allocate the other half to a more strenuous sport like mountain biking.
Install an outdoor gym
An increasing number of estates have installed attractive outdoor gyms during the Covid lockdown, and they have quickly become the physical, emotional and social centre of an estate.
Frolicking outdoors on funky gym equipment while listening to chirping birds, enjoying a stunning view and taking in plenty of fresh air is fun for the all the family, regardless of age and stamina, and residents can use the equipment all day (and night) too.
Installation is easy and cost-effective – especially in comparison to a dedicated indoor gym as you can tailor the outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) to your space and budget. Specifically designed for the outdoors, the equipment works in all conditions, is inherently rugged and maintenance free.
Bring in the experts
Varying a fitness routine can really help maintain motivation throughout the year. Think about how you can distribute the activities between the summer and winter so residents have different options as the season change.
If you have a swimming pool onsite then consider other activities you can do, other than just swimming. Perhaps call in an instructor to provide water aerobics, aqua yoga or paddle boarding during the week to add something different.
If your estate is near to a few others with a tennis court, then why not consider hosting a tournament with residents from each. The more fun and exciting the activity, the better.
Keep residents regularly informed through your newsletter or other forms of communication that you use to maintain the momentum and get the competition going. If there’s money left over in the estate’s budget, why not throw in some prize money, medals, or trophies? If it’s well organised, it can turn into a regular annual event.
