With winter weather driving everyone indoors, runners and walkers may be looking for a new way to get their heart rate up. Even gym-goers often want to stay closer to home in the chilly months. One of the biggest advantages of living in apartments in Charlotte, NC, is easy access to an onsite fitness center. But how do you make the most of the space to get the best workout? Here are a few tips and tricks for using your apartment's fitness center for an effective winter workout.

Keep Cardio Interesting

Bringing your running routine indoors to a treadmill or elliptical machine can be less exciting than your outdoor route. To keep your mind and body engaged, mix things up by alternating the pace and incline of your run. Before you head to the gym, create a playlist of songs with various beats per minute. Alternate fast and slow songs and move at the speed of the music. By continually making little adjustments, you will work different muscles and prevent your brain from slipping into a workout trance. 

Bring a Workout Buddy

The best way to keep up your motivation during long workouts is to bring your cheering section. Invite your spouse, roommate or neighbor to exercise with you so that you can hold each other accountable for getting to the fitness center. Working out with neighbors is a great way to meet people and make friends within the community. Plus, exercising with a buddy means that you will both have a spotter when using weights. 

Complete a Circuit

Fitness centers are perfect for circuit training, which combines cardio with strength training for a workout that burns fat and builds muscle. Best of all, circuit training is flexible, so you can design the workout that meets your fitness goals, keeps you engaged and works in the environment. Combine one upper-body move, a lower-body exercise, a compound exercise, and cardio activity. For a basic circuit routine, try the following combination:

• 10 dumbbell curl and presses
• 10 squats (add dumbbells to increase the intensity for a more advanced workout)
• 10 mountain climbers
• 1-minute treadmill sprint
• 1-minute rest
• Repeat three times 

Are you looking for apartments in Charlotte, NC, with a well-equipped fitness center, excellent floor plans, and a resort-style pool? Give Ashford Green Luxury Apartments a call today to schedule a showing.