When you have a quality fitness center in your apartment complex, it’s often easier to fit workouts into your schedule. Whether you’re just starting a fitness plan or are a seasoned athlete, it’s important to remember a few tips to maximize your efforts. Here, the staff at The Reserve at Merrick shares a few pointers to help make the most of their fitness center in Lexington, KY.

3 Tips for Using the Fitness Center at Your Apartment

1. Come Prepared

Bring a bottle of water and workout towel with you to the fitness center. As you sweat, you’ll need to replenish lost water by staying hydrated — it will help your muscles heal properly after the workout and give you fuel to work harder during your workout. Put the towel down on the equipment you’re using and wipe down the equipment after you use it; this is a nice courtesy to others, so you don’t leave a sweaty machine behind when you’re done.

2. Mix It Up

No matter what your fitness goals are, your workout plan should include both strength and cardiovascular training. Weight training strengthens your muscles, which gives you a more toned look and boosts your metabolism. Meanwhile, cardiovascular training encourages heart health and blasts fat. Take advantage of all the equipment available to you in the center for a balanced workout.

3. Post-Workout Care

Schedule some time at the end of your workout for your post-exercise care. Stretch the muscles that you used that day. At least five minutes of stretching is important while your muscles are still warm, and it will help prevent injuries. Give yourself a snack high in protein as well within 30 minutes of finishing your workout, such as eggs or a protein shake, to help muscles heal.

If you’re looking for a new apartment with a convenient fitness center, consider The Reserve at Merrick. The community offers affordable apartments complete with luxurious amenities you can enjoy every day. Residents love the fitness center, clubhouse, pool area, and pet friendliness of the community. Visit their website to learn more about their available apartments for rent, and call them at (859) 266-8811 to schedule a tour! You can also find them on Facebook.