Condo Pro: Condos Fit The Fitness Lifestyle
By on May 25, 2012
If fitness is part of your lifestyle, a condominium is a great choice for your home. When you live in a condo, keeping active, energetic and relaxed can easily become part of your daily experience. The fact that condominiums are situated close to amenities means that residents can walk to local shops and services rather than having to drive. Walking is really the first level of fitness, and we could all use more of this activity. Plus, with the City of Toronto requiring each new condo to have a certain number of bicycle parking spots for residents as well as visitors, suite owners can burn off calories using pedal power to get where they want.
What’s even more appealing is the fact that owners can work out without leaving home. How many people have bought memberships at gyms, gone a few times, then let their memberships lapse because of the hassle of having to drive to a facility, park, change, shower and drive home again? Today’s condominium fitness areas have change rooms and often saunas and/or steam rooms and whirlpools as well, for relaxing after workouts. And these areas are usually adjacent to a plunge pool or swimming pool for water-lovers. Unlike the apartment buildings and condominiums of the past, pools are not relegated to dank basements. Today, you’ll find them at high levels, or even on rooftops to make the most of stunning views.
As people become more fitness conscious, they also tend to pay more attention to healthy eating – and nowadays, eating “close to home” is the goal as much as possible. Some condominiums provide residents with gardening plots so they can grow their own herbs, vegetables and even flowers. Gardening is one of North America’s favourite pastimes. If you are an avid cook you know that there is nothing like fresh herbs and veggies to liven up a meal. And if you take part in the glorious hobby of gardening, you know that it is also a form of vigorous exercise. Talk about a win-win situation!
Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com