Did you know that even as little as 10 minutes of physical activity a week can make you feel happier? Now imagine choosing a retirement that surrounds you with unlimited opportunities for staying fit—sightseeing, exploring, exercising, stretching, bicycling, shopping, beachcombing, and lots more—that’s retirement in the Tampa Bay area. And that’s a lot of happy!
How Being Fit Boosts Your Mood
When you do something that requires movement, whether it’s a full-blown cardio workout, a quiet stroll through a lovely park, or yoga movements while seated, you’re automatically turning up your happiness meter. That’s because any type of exercise increases the production of serotonin (our “happy” hormone), decreases stress hormones, and can extend your lifespan. You’re more likely to eat a healthy diet. You sleep better. You have a spring in your step and you feel better about yourself.
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Now imagine being able to get all these benefits in a beautiful, relaxing, comfort-driven setting with sandy beaches just a few miles away and good friends ready to join you at a moment’s notice…you’ve discovered retirement in The Tampa Bay area, Florida. The perfect setting for a healthy retirement. And as a resident of St. Mark Village, everything you need to stay fit is right where you are.
Retirement in The Tampa Bay Area Makes It Easy to Stay Fit
Fitness & Swimming. Get in shape at Physique Fitness which offers a range of exercise options as well as yoga classes or Esporta Fitness which also has an indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool. For swimmers, the City of Seminole Aquatic Center has adult swim and open swim hours as well as chair yoga or check out Wendy Fit for yoga and Pilates or Pure Yoga and Fitness for different types of yoga.
Walking Trails. Palm Harbor’s climate allows for outdoor activity most of the year and there are plenty of walking trails to enjoy in the area. A great place to begin is John Chestnut, Sr. Park Boardwalk and Nature Trail or enjoy nature on the many trails at Brooker Creek Nature Preserve featuring four loops and a Bird Path with interpretive trail guides. Those who love to walk by the water can try Courtney Campbell Causeway Scenic Highway & Trail which is open to both walkers and bikers and connects to recreational trails on both sides of Tampa Bay.
Bicycling. The Pinellas Trail is a lengthy 50 mile multipurpose path which travels through a number of Pinellas County communities. Palm Harbor is an excellent starting point as it’s easy to find parking here and never overly crowded. The path is wonderfully maintained, mostly flat, and pretty much uninterrupted along the way. Not surprisingly, the trail rates as one of the top in the country and attracts many avid bicyclists to enjoy retirement in Palm Harbor.
Exploring. There is always something going on in the Palm Harbor area, be it festivals, art shows, farmers markets, holiday events, festivals, and more. Exploring the downtown area is a great way to get in some exercise while having fun with friends and family. Invite the family for a day of beach time at nearby Clearwater Beach. See what’s on the calendar in Dunedin. Elevate your golf game at Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort, nestled on 900 acres of rolling hills and 70 acres of lakes. Beatles fan? Don’t miss the Penny Lane Beatles Museum for a glimpse at rare mementos.
Who knew staying fit could be so much fun? When you choose retirement in Palm Harbor, it’s all that and more…especially if you’re a lucky resident of St. Mark Village.
Staying Fit & Happy Is Easy at St. Mark Village
When you consider retirement in the Tampa Bay area, you are going to find that St. Mark Village is at the top of the list. That’s because everything you need to stay fit and healthy is right here, with every opportunity to embrace your independence as well as seamless access to future care options.
Our fully equipped fitness center is just the beginning. Right here, just steps from your apartment, you have access to classes and instruction in Pilates, stretching, Sittercise, balance, aqua aerobics and both chair and mat yoga. You might want to join our renowned line dancing group for some hearty exercise. Or, have the grandkids join you for a bit of Wii bowling. Maybe perfecting your skills at a friendly corn hole competition is more your style. For sure, you’ll want to check out the special outings offered each month by St. Mark Village to area destinations.
However you like to move and stay active, you can find multiple ways to do it with gusto at St. Mark Village and in the surrounding Palm Harbor area. We invite you to see how happy a retirement in Palm Harbor can be!
There’s even more reasons to love retirement in Palm Harbor. Download our free guide, A Guide to Living Well During Retirement in Palm Harbor, Florida. Or contact us today.