Text Us
Show of hands: Who has a home gym? Bigger question: Who uses their home gym on a regular basis? The truth is that many folks who have invested in home gym equipment do so for the right reasons but ultimately they are done in by that “convenience.” Too often the home treadmill or exercise equipment tucked into the basement or garage becomes a clothes rack simply because of boredom. If you’re not motivated to use that equipment you won’t use it no matter how close it is. That’s why if you’re serious about getting into shape you should consider (or reconsider!) joining a gym.
There are many benefits of joining a gym. Top among them is the fact that you can’t really get too bored especially if your gym has a variety of workout equipment. In fact, most trainers will recommend that you switch up your cardio routines to target different muscle groups. Beyond the treadmill there is the reclining cycle, stationary bike and rowing machine that are all part of the average gym. And don’t discount a good old fashion aerobics class.
Speaking of classes, most gyms offer all kinds of classes as part of the monthly dues. This is another great reason for joining the gym: the new friends you can make. There is nothing like sharing the “pain” of a spin cycle class to bring folks together. Many lasting friendships and even a few romances have been forged at the gym.
If you think that gyms are too expensive then you’re not shopping around enough. Today many gyms offer very affordable packages that allow you to pay a low monthly fee and enjoy all the benefits of the club. When you break it down it’s just a couple of dollars a visit to get access to all that equipment and maybe even a swimming pool! That’s a bargain.
Of course, the biggest plus for joining a gym will be all the health benefits you’ll be getting. If you can get into a normal routine of 3 or 4 visits a week you’ll be doing remarkable things for your body. Even if its’ just 30 minutes of intense cardio workouts you’ll be getting your money’s worth. There’s also that sense that if you’re paying for something you want to use it.
So what to do with that old gym equipment? Technically if you’re not going to use it then it’s really junk at this point. You could try selling it on Craigslist but “used gym equipment” is not much of a bargain for anyone. You’re best option would be to hire Junk King Chattanooga to take away that stuff and give you back your room. The Chattanooga Junk King branch is standing by to remove any bulky items you want getting rid up. Can’t you think of a better use of that space? If so, call Junk King today at 1-800-995-JUNK and get to the gym!
What is 100 years old and happy to still be in business? That would be the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors. They recently gathered or a celebration marking their hundred anniversary and there was much cause to pop champagne corks. Although the National Association of realtors showed a slight dip in home sales during June, here in Chattanooga 11% more homes were sold last month than they did in April and 22.8% more residential units then they did a year ago.
The idea of downsizing is gaining in popularity all across the country, including in Chattanooga, for a variety of reasons. Top among them is the idea that moving into a smaller home or apartment is more affordable. But there is also the quality of life issue to consider. As we get older, taking care of a large home becomes a bit more burdensome. This is especially true if all the kids have moved on and you’re left alone in a big empty house. In that case, downsizing makes perfect sense.
Removing junk from your home is a lot like starting a diet: At some point, you decide enough is enough and decide to take action. On the diet side of things, you could be advised by your doctor to shed those extra pounds. Perhaps you’ve got a big reunion or wedding coming up when you want to look your best. The key factor is motivation. Most personal trainers will tell you that without motivation even the best thought out diet plans will fail. Despite what you might see on “The Biggest Loser” the best way to lose weight to take it off is slowly. Two pounds a week is a very obtainable goal that can be achieved with a sensible diet and exercise.
Paul Smith, the manager of the Chattanooga Market, recently told the Times Free Press in an interview that Chattanooga has always been a town with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Smith went on to say that “in 2008 when the economy went down the Chattanooga market really thrive because you had all these talented people who really needed a way to make extra income.” Part of that extra income was generated by the many crafters who turned trash into treasure.
Yes, it’s true: you can grow bananas in Chattanooga! A recent contributor to the Chattanooga Times Free Press website offered up her tips for growing ornamental banana trees in a Chattanooga garden. Among the benefits of this type of leafy plant is that you don’t need fertilizer; just water and sunlight. These trees also grows extremely fast. In fact one banana tree plant that starts out 15 inches high could grow as full as 15 feet high with a little TLC. These types of banana trees are also resistant to pests which mean you don’t have to worry about spraying them with pesticides. When new leaves form the old ones will die sometimes even overnight. It’s best to remove the old leaves to make way for the new sprouts. When the winter comes you don’t have to dig up the plant. You could cut the tree down to its base and spread mulch around the exposed trunk. By the time spring rolls around you’ll have a new batch of flourishing banana tree leaves.
Spring cleaning isn’t just a time for homeowners to get their house in order. Over at the Chattanooga national military Park there are several large monuments that are getting their own thorough cleaning thanks to the efforts of the Historic Preservation Training Center which sent a team down from Frederick Maryland to handle this task. The HPTC doesn’t just clean and restore these monuments but also uses the occasion as a teaching moment by involving local schools and community’s in several history packed seminars.