10 Perks of Having a Fitness Center at Your Apartment Community

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Updated January 13, 2026
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A row of dumbbells in a fitness center

Finding the right place to call home often goes beyond square footage and price — it’s about lifestyle. In today’s rental market, amenities play a major role in where people choose to live. Among the most sought-after features? A fitness center. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone looking to kickstart healthier habits, having fitness options right where you live can make all the difference. Let’s explore 10 major perks of living in a community with a fitness center — and spotlight our Lowertown properties in St. Paul – where our residents enjoy unparalleled access to Skyrec, one of the most exciting resident amenities in Minnesota. 

What Makes a Fitness Center So Valuable?

Incorporating a fitness center into an apartment community brings convenience, lifestyle benefits, and added value for residents. Modern renters increasingly prioritize health, wellness, and convenience — and properties that deliver on these expectations stand out in a crowded marketplace. In fact, properties with high-quality fitness amenities are proven to attract more residents and improve overall tenant satisfaction.

At Bigos Management’s Lowertown communities — including Kellogg Square, Lowertown Lofts, Galtier Towers, Mears Park Place, and The Cosmopolitan — residents receive complimentary access to Skyrec — a skyway-accessible recreation center featuring a pool, courts, gyms, and more — at no extra charge. 

A picture of wallyball courts and a net
Bigos Management | Galtier Towers – Skyrec172 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101

1. Ultimate Convenience: Work Out Without Leaving Home

One of the biggest perks of having a fitness center in your apartment community is the convenience factor. Instead of packing a gym bag, commuting across town, and paying monthly gym fees, you can walk or take the skyway directly to your fitness space. This ease of access eliminates excuses and helps make staying active a seamless part of your daily routine.

At Skyrec, Bigos residents can reserve full gym spaces — meaning cardio, strength training, and more are just steps from home. 

a picture of a large gymnasium with basketball hoops and an indoor track above
Bigos Management | Galtier Towers – Skyrec172 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101

2. All-Inclusive Health and Wellness Benefits

Whether you’re swimming laps in a half Olympic-size pool or shooting hoops on a court, regular physical activity can boost your mood, manage stress, and support cardiovascular health. When your community provides fitness options, it encourages you to integrate wellness into your lifestyle.

Skyrec’s variety of amenities — from reservable gym spaces to courts — supports a wide range of activities and helps keep workouts fresh and engaging.

3. Save Money Over Traditional Gym Memberships

Gym fees add up — often hundreds of dollars annually. In contrast, residents of Bigos Management’s Lowertown communities enjoy complimentary access to Skyrec just by living in one of the participating properties, like Lowertown Lofts or Mears Park Place. 

This not only reduces monthly expenses but also adds significant value to your rental experience without increasing your cost of living.

Two women working out. One is assisting the other with crunches.

4. Motivation Through Community and Social Connections

Fitness centers in apartment communities build a sense of camaraderie. When you see neighbors in the gym or at the pool, it’s easier to stay motivated and committed to your goals. Over time, these shared experiences foster community — turning casual acquaintances into workout buddies.

Skyrec is a hub where neighbors connect over sport, fitness, and recreation, helping to build a stronger community culture.

A picture of the indoor pool at The Lowertown Skyrec
Bigos Management | Galtier Towers – Skyrec172 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101

5. Diverse Workout Options All in One Place

A true fitness center should offer more than a couple of treadmills. At Skyrec, residents get access to full gym spaces, reservable courts (including pickleball and basketball), a swimming pool, table games, and more. 

This diversity keeps workouts fun, dynamic, and multi-functional — perfect for fitness lovers with varied interests.

6. No Time Wasted on Commutes

Time is precious, and commuting to an off-site gym erodes hours from your day. With fitness amenities right in your community — or accessible through a connected skyway — you can squeeze in workouts between errands, before work, or after dinner without sacrificing valuable free time.

7. Increased Rental Value and Resident Satisfaction

Communities that offer robust fitness amenities often see higher resident retention and overall satisfaction — and that’s good for everyone in the building, maintaining a vibrant, active resident base and enhancing the value of your home long-term.

A picture of a woman using a bench to perform a dumbbell row

8. Encourages a Holistic and Active Lifestyle

A fitness center isn’t just about exercise — it’s about reinforcing healthy habits. Easy access to quality facilities encourages residents to prioritize fitness, which can positively affect everything from energy levels to sleep quality and mental well-being.

Skyrec’s variety of spaces supports this holistic view of wellness, offering something for residents of all fitness levels. 

9. Ideal for All Ages and Interests

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or someone seeking gentle activities, a well-appointed fitness center in your community is valuable for everyone. From lap swimming to basketball or creative recreation spaces, these shared amenities support diverse interests across age groups.

a man performing a deadlift on a black rubber tile floor

10. Enhances the Overall Living Experience

Ultimately, a fitness center apartment community enriches your lifestyle and gives you more reasons to love where you live. With convenient health amenities, engaging social environments, and exciting facilities like Skyrec, Bigos Management’s Lowertown properties redefine what it means to live well in downtown St. Paul.

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