Our goal is to help our members be better users of the space. Some of this may seem like common sense, but you might be surprised that for about each topic listed below, we’ve had complaints and even had to warn users they could lose their membership – in one case, after multiple warnings a membership was suspended and a fine issued.
Don’t hesitate to share any questions or concerns anytime at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.
AND, if you see something, say something. When anyone observes bad behavior or misuse of the space or equipment, for immediate assistance it should be brought to the attendant on duty. During non-attendant hours, report to security or another member of the staff. The front desk can be reached at 773-769-3083, and they can dispatch staff to help intervene. They can address it, identify the member, and provide a report to management so we can follow up with any warnings or a notice of violation where appropriate.
It is also helpful to follow up in writing to us, as you have here. If you document the date and time of a specific event, our team can look into this and confirm the situation via surveillance and address it with the member directly.
For more about being a good Health Club Member, see or previous posts below.
SUGGESTION – Please say something about personal hygiene!
The ‘Interwebs’ were very helpful in explaining the reasons why good hygiene is critical:
QUESTION – Should members confront each other over violations or equipment abuse.
ANSWER – NO! That is not recommended. Avoid confrontations and let us do the policing. If you observe a problem, report it to the staff and/or management. Our staff can respond in real time. However, if you report it after the fact, make sure you report the date and time so that we can investigate and review surveillance and fob records without chasing our tails.
Our goal is to help our members be better users of the space. Some of this may seem like common sense, but you might be surprised that for about each point listed, we’ve had complaints and even had to warn users they could lose their membership.
And, don’t hesitate to share your suggestions if you have any points or important policies we don’t cover here. (E-mail us at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.)
Please remember to clean equipment after use.
We have had complaints and even had to send warnings to members for not wiping down cardio equipment or benches after use. DON’T BE GROSS!! BE COURTEOUS, and wipe down equipment after exercising. This makes for a better and more comfortable work out experience for all users.
If the lights are on when you enter a space, and other members are present, they must be left on.
Lighting is not just about comfort, for some users it is necessary. Be mindful! If you prefer the lights to be off, ask all other members present if they agree to have them turned off. If anyone says no, please understand lights being on is the priority setting.
Health Club liaison and Board Vice President Monique Fouant admitted we can’t please everyone, but “If someone wants the lights on, then they should be able to turn on the lights.” She is exactly right. For some it could be for safety, impaired vision or even other disabilities.
AVOID UNNECESSARY NOISE!
1. Please limit real time phone conversations. If you have a phone call, step outside the gym. A well managed and coordinated workout requires concentration. Puncturing that experience with personal phone conversation is unwelcome and some would argue very rude.
2. Use headphones! We know you love that podcast, or that EDM station – trust us, everyone else doesn’t. YOU MUST WEAR HEADPHONES when listening to anything; music, news, podcasts, that phone call (see above). Don’t be rude. Wear your headphones.
Just like with those rogue phone calls, puncturing other members exercise experience with noise is unwelcome and some would argue very rude.
3. Don’t be too loud! Avoid unnecessarily loud grunting, breathing, and machine and weights use. Is it really necessary to drop those 50 pound weights 4 feet onto the floor? NO! It’s annoying, distracting and can even reverberate throughout other locations in the building. But, lest we sound like a broken record, other members have the right to concentrate on their efforts without excessive distraction.
Avoid equipment hogging.
Do Not Loiter On Equipment. Do Not Sit There Scrolling On Your Phone – particularly if others are waiting. Keep your workout moving right along, avoid lengthy rest periods…and why purposefully annoy other members who have somewhere else to be too! Don’t sit there browsing the internet on your cell phone. MOVE!
Take photos (or videos) privately and respectfully
It is important to mention here, if you do take photos you should avoid anyone else being in them unknowingly. It’s ok to document your progress, but try to do it at home. Otherwise, away from others to avoid distraction and discomfort.
Please remember to be appropriately clothed while exercising.
Shirts and shoes are REQUIRED. You might be proud of your progress, but taking shirtless pics in front of the mirror in the weight room is not welcome or appropriate. And really? We have to say you can’t work out barefoot? Again, another warning we’ve had to issue recently. Gross! Socks and shoes please. Proper attire is required at all times in the Health Club.
Please remember that wearing your swimsuit and bathrobe is not allowed in the front passenger elevators.
Please use the service elevators. And regardless, please be appropriately clothed to avoid the discomfort of other passengers.
Please remember to shower before you enter the pool.
The purpose of showering with soap before getting in the pool is to remove matter off of the body so that it does not enter the pool. Perspiration, body lotion, oils, make-up, and traces of feces and urine contaminate a swimming pool. When these organic compounds mix with the chlorinated pool water, a reaction occurs. The result is a less healthy pool that will take on a much stronger smell of chlorine. When a pool is well-managed and swimmers shower before getting in, the water doesn’t have a strong chemical smell.
AND FINALLY, Communicate – With other members AND with us!
While it is key to avoid being distracting, it is ok to encourage and support others. “Read the room” though and keep any conversation brief and positive. Engaging with others in a limited, supportive and non-disruptive way can enhance your workout and theirs. If they are mid-set though, it is probably not a good moment to engage.
And, if you have any questions or observe a problem, or if you don’t know how to handle a situation, don’t hesitate to contact the Management Office. parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com
Thank you.
