Break Out the Bribery

It’s wrong to try to bribe someone else, but you can do it to yourself all you want, especially if it gets you moving. Nothing beats the power of the reward system — whether it’s a night out with friends, your favorite dessert on the weekend or a new outfit. Mix and match your bribes based on your mood. Give yourself one reward every week if you stick to your workout schedule with no unscheduled breaks. 

Make a Party Out of It

Assemble your fitness crew and work out together. Maybe you can meet at your Dallas, Texas apartment or go there afterward to celebrate your success. When you opt to work out with friends, you set up an accountability system that will help keep you honest about your exercise program. 

Keep Track of It

"It" can be a lot of different things. You could keep a calendar in your kitchen and mark off the days you hit the gym. The visual reminder will give you a boost when you get to mark a day, and it will apply a little appropriate pressure when you see those empty days. 

You should also track your progress, especially if weight loss is your goal. Don’t worry so much about weighing yourself. Instead, take your measurements every couple of weeks to see the effect of your workouts.

Change Things Up

Boredom is often the reason people stop exercising. They get tired of the same old same old each day and start making excuses to avoid working out. 

The way to avoid boredom is to change things up throughout the week. If you went to the gym yesterday, go for a swim today. Maybe make Wednesday and Saturday your bike riding days. 

Don’t forget about strength training. Schedule a weekly yoga class to add more variation into your workout strategy. 

Finally, look for a Dallas, Texas apartment home that has a 24-hour fitness center. Give our office a call today to schedule a tour, or contact us online. 

The post Getting Motivated to Work Out appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.

Fiber is found in many different foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes. Its job is to keep humans’ digestive tracts working properly so nothing gets stuck in the gut. It’s a vitally important part of the food pyramid, but many people don’t get enough fiber in their diets because they simply don’t know-how. Let’s take a look at a few creative ways you can boost your fiber intake.

1. Pears

Pears are an excellent source of fiber, and because they’re naturally sweet and juicy, you won’t feel like you’re punishing yourself just because you’re trying to add more fiber to your diet. If you don’t want to eat them all by themselves, add them atop salads, poach them with wine sauce or pair them with a nice pork tenderloin.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries are nature’s answer to junk food. With their incredibly delicious flavor, they work well in hundreds of different dishes. Start your day with a strawberry smoothie or grab a handful of raw berries when the mid-afternoon hunger pangs begin to knock on your belly. As an added bonus, smoothies made with yogurt will give you an extra-special boost of belly-friendly bacteria.

3. Artichokes

Who doesn’t love a grilled artichoke on a hot summer day? These fiber-packed plants are actually so fibrous that the tips of the leaves can’t be eaten. However, when you get to the fleshy, sweet part of the leaf that begs for you to play with your food, the wait for the perfect artichoke becomes well-worth it. Instead of eating popcorn or chips while you’re binging on Netflix, reach for an artichoke or two ‒ it will keep you occupied for several episodes.

If you’re looking for an apartment community that believes in doing the best by its residents, you’ve come to the right place! With a 24-hour health and fitness center, Gramercy on the Park Apartments is proud to contribute to the health and wellness of our residents. Check out our other outstanding amenities!

The post How to Get More Fiber In Your Diet appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.

1. Plank

The plank is a relatively new exercise. It’s the perfect core strengthening exercise, and you can do it in your apartment home with no added equipment necessary. It will warm up all the muscles in your body simultaneously, leaving you ready to do the rest of the exercises listed here if you wish to. To do it, lie on the floor face-down. Position your palms on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Position your toes on the floor behind you. Face downward and lift yourself up with your hands and feet. Hold the position for a minute at a time.

2. Air Twister

This is a deceptively passive exercise that will work your waist and your thighs. To do it, sit on the floor. Bend your knees so that your heels are about 12 inches away from your torso. Lean back and lift your feet up off the floor. While maintaining this position, stick out your arms in front of you. Hold your hands together like you’re shaking hands. Now slowly rotate your torso first to the left, then to the middle, then to the right. Keep your feet lifted the entire time. Rest and then repeat.

3. Wall Sit

All you need to do this exercise is a blank wall. For this one, you’ll be pretending to be sitting in a chair. Stand against the wall, facing outward. Slowly slide down, bending your knees, until your thighs are perpendicular to the floor. To make this exercise even more challenging, practice contracting your abdominal muscles as you hold the wall sit position.

These are 3 workouts you can do in your apartment home that are perfect for fast exercise when you don’t have a huge block of time or when you’d just rather stay in. To see just how much space there is available for floor workouts in our apartments in Dallas, please contact us today!

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Have an Assortment of Pillows

Your pillow has a big impact on how you sleep. And the fact is that some nights you might be more comfortable with a firm pillow; other nights, you may prefer a soft pillow. If your pillow heats up during the night, it’s also helpful if you can replace it with a cool pillow you haven’t used that night. These are all the reasons why you should have an assortment of pillows available on your bed. If you wake up in discomfort, you can easily switch out your pillow with another one without even getting out of bed.

Make Your Bed With Layers

Dallas nighttime temperatures can be unpredictable. To ensure your body temperature is optimal for sleep, make your bed with layers. Include a light sheet, a light blanket, a heavier blanket and a comforter. With all these layers to choose from in the middle of the night, you’ll be able to effortlessly cover yourself with just the right one.

Use Light-Blocking Shades

Dallas city lights are beautiful, but they won’t help you get to sleep at night. Hang light-blocking shades on your Dallas apartment windows to ensure a good night’s rest.

Use an Oil Burner

Use an oil burner in your bedroom to improve sleep. Essential oils like vetiver and lavender have both been shown to promote sleep. Organic compounds in vetiver help calm the brain so it glides into sleep mode. Lavender relaxes the entire body, so fulfilling sleep comes much easier. If you dislike those scents, experiment with others you find more pleasant.

Enjoy Walnuts Before Bedtime

Walnuts are high in melatonin, which is what your body produces to help you fall asleep. Keep a small jar of walnuts on your nightstand, so you can snack on a handful before bedtime to help you doze off fast.

These easy bedroom hacks are sure to help you get to sleep and stay asleep all night long. To see how cozy and comfortable our Dallas apartments are, please contact us.

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