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Not everyone wants to go to the gym or workout room these days. The solution: Bring fitness equipment into your home. However, you don't have to include a bulky treadmill or expensive multi-purpose exercise machine. An exercise ball is a simple, unobtrusive tool for strengthening your legs and core. Here are some tips for using exercise balls in your Flagstaff apartment.
Choose the Right Exercise Ball
When you sit on an exercise ball, your knees should bend at a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. If you order online and you can't check it out, choose the size based on your height:
under 5’1” = 45 centimeter ball
5’1” to 5’7” = 55 cm
5’8” to 6’1” = 65 cm
over 6’1” = 75 cm
For beginners, sitting on the unstable surface of a ball can take some getting used to. If you slightly underinflate your ball, you’ll get the hang of it quicker. Pump it up to be more firm as you gain experience.
Sample Exercises
There are dozens of exercise-ball routines to work your abs and legs, but here are two to get started. Most balls include an instruction book with many more.
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Leg Lifts/Extensions. Sit on the ball and lift one leg. Tighten your abdominal muscles to keep the ball from moving. Hold your leg lifted for five seconds. Raise the opposite arm as you lift. To make it harder, extend your leg directly in front.
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Prone Stretches. Lie with your abdomen resting on the ball. Extend one arm and the opposite leg, and hold the position for five seconds. To make it harder, extend the same arm and leg. Or extend both arms and one leg.
How about a new apartment to go along with your new approach to fitness? University Square offers spacious Flagstaff apartments perfect for home workouts that are conveniently close to colleges, dining, and shopping. Call us to learn more today!
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Many people look forward to decorating their homes during the holiday season and take particular delight in making them look as festive as possible. Unfortunately, some of those fun and interesting decorations can pose a danger to curious pets. The following is a short list that includes some of the items that could injure or harm your pet.
Trees
Most pets, especially cats, are drawn to trees. They love to check out the pretty ornaments or walk under the tree for a better look. Some dog owners will fence off their trees, so their canines can't knock it over or mark their territory on it. But that won't work for cats. A feisty feline can usually jump over a fence and onto the tree with ease. One solution? Try treating a few pine cones with apple cider vinegar, then placing them on and around your tree. Cats typically dislike the smell, and so will hopefully avoid the tree. As for fragile ornaments, try to move them high up the tree where your pets will be less likely to knock them off.
Mistletoe
If you have pets, you may want to skip decorating with mistletoe. If a dog or a cat ingests this toxic plant, it could develop low blood pressure and a slowed heart rate.
Candles
The soft glow of a candle can really add a festive touch to a holiday party or a Thanksgiving gathering. But if you have pets, you may want to think twice about adding them to your decor. A curious cat may bat one off of a shelf or the fast-wagging tail of a happy dog could accidentally knock a candle over and start a fire.
Have you been searching for a pet-friendly apartment? Then please check out our pet-friendly apartments in Flagstaff. We offer studio, one-, and two-bedroom homes with full kitchens and either a patio or a balcony. Contact us today to learn more!
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Staying mentally active over the next few months may be more important than ever. While cabin fever is always a seasonal problem for many residents of our Flagstaff apartments, social distancing is forcing us to spend even more time inside. Fortunately, there are some websites that can help us avoid too much boredom.
4 Websites To Help You Avoid Cabin Fever This Fall
Learn Some Basics At Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit dedicated to providing great classroom educations anywhere in the world. Whether you want to take an Algebra reminder or learn something new, this is a great place to start. Topics include math, science, finance, engineering, and more.
PBS Kids
If you have young people in your household, you might enjoy PBS Kids. The website is full of games to challenge kids of all ages and skill levels. There are also enough videos to keep young minds entertained.
Learn To Code
If you have always wanted to learn how to code computer software, Code.org can help you get started. The project is supported by a number of technology companies that realize learning to code is a critical skill for the future. Right now the website has specific resources for remote learning pupils.
Explore Space Travel From Home
Nasa.gov has a wide variety of games, videos, reading material, and pictures regarding space travel. It is a great place to view high-definition images of other worlds or learn about the history of space travel. For those seeking a more active experience, test your driving experience with the Mars rover, or play fun puzzles with the space motif.
Keep Your Mind Active in Our Flagstaff Apartments
An active mind is the best way to avoid cabin fever as we all social distance. Hopefully, these websites can get you started. If you need more space for an office or study area, contact us to set up a tour and explore our spacious apartments in Flagstaff.
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It is never too late to get your home looking the way you've imagined it! Because the living room is perhaps the most important reflection of your entire apartment, it is always great to give an equally fantastic impression all the time. It's where you have your movie nights, solo TV dinners, weekend naps, and other cool experiences. Keep your living room as organized as possible with these tips.
5 Quick Tips to Achieve An Organized Living Room
Have a wastebasket
One of the first things you can do is get rid of clutter, of course. Regardless of how much we try to maintain cleanliness, we cannot always do away with trash entirely. It's best to purchase a wastebasket to put right in the living room, so you'll be more likely to get rid of the odds and ends lying around that are no longer needed, such as old receipts and magazines.
Create a children’s play space
If there are children that live in your home, their toys and other belongings could be the reason your living room is always cluttered. To counter that, designate them a playing space. The corners of the room are especially good for this so that their toys are always slightly out of the way. A bookcase or basket where you can store these items can also save space significantly.
Limit your collections
Sometimes when you have too many collectibles, organizing them becomes hectic. So, only keep what adds value to your living room.
Be keen on décor color blending
When shopping for your home décor, plan out what colors will blend perfectly with the items you already have. This will create a sleek and unified look that makes your space seem more organized.
Take advantage of the space behind the sofa
Perhaps you have never thought of this, but using the extra space behind your sofa is a great way to minimize clutter as well. Consider storing items in a crate or basket there that you rarely use but still need around, such as candles, pillows, and extra blankets.
It all begins with a great apartment
A fabulous apartment motivates you to keep everything organized. So if you are looking for an apartment in Flagstaff, you'll be just a step closer to the best home when you call us to schedule a visit of University Square.
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Are you feeling a bit stressed out these days? Then, it may be time to create a special spot in your home where you can meditate and let your anxieties melt away. This area does not have to be a whole room. It can, in fact, just be a small corner of your living room or bedroom. The following are 4 suggestions to help you create a relaxing meditation retreat in your home.
Declutter Your Meditation Retreat
Make sure to rid your meditation space of unnecessary clutter, such as stacks of paper and unfolded laundry. It's hard to relax if you're constantly viewing reminders of chores you'll need to take care of later.
Add Natural Touches
Nature is very healing to the soul. So, consider inviting Mother Nature into your meditation space. You can start by adding plants, perhaps a beautiful fern, to your special retreat. A table water fountain is another good addition to a meditation spot, as the sound of water splashing or flowing over rocks can be very soothing to a weary soul.
Make It Comfortable
Add a couple of comfortable pillows that you can sit on or a nice yoga mat that you can lie on while you meditate.
Look for the Right Lighting
If possible, try to choose a spot with at least some natural lighting, perhaps near a window. Natural lighting is more soothing than harsh artificial lights. If you prefer to meditate at night, consider lighting up your area with the soft glow of candles.
Sometimes, when you're feeling stressed, it helps to start fresh in a new place. If you've been searching for a new home, we would love for you to check out our beautiful apartments in Flagstaff. Our community offers several amenities that we believe will alleviate some of the stress in your life, including package receiving, on-site laundry facilities, and 24/7 emergency maintenance.
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In this time of social distancing and closed theaters, watching movies at home with your loved ones is a good way to pass the time. But how do you make a normal Netflix session feel a little more exciting? Here are four ways to make an at-home movie night extra special.
#1: Choose a Movie Theme
If you’re planning on making it a night with more than one movie, choose a theme. For example, watch all movies about dogs or romantic comedies involving weddings. Serve food and snacks around that same idea for an extra special treat.
#2: Snack It Up
Speaking of snacks, don’t be afraid to create a fun snack bar. Choose each member of your household’s favorite candy or salty snack. Arrange them on a table in fun jars or even make homemade popcorn with an air popper. Or purchase premade popcorn flavorings to toss on your own mini-bag. The possibilities are nearly endless!
#3: Get Comfortable
Of course, you’ll need proper attire for this at-home movie night. Purchase new pajamas or matching tees for each movie viewer. This is a great way to really make just a normal night of watching television a lot more of an event, which is important during times where getting out and enjoying a night on the town isn’t as easy as it once was.
#4: Make It a Weekly Event
Another tip is to make it a weekly event. If everyone in your apartment home knows it is happening, they can start looking forward to movie night. While you might not be able to go to all of the trouble of buying new outfits or setting up a smorgasbord of snacks each week, the time together is what is most important.
Are you ready to find your new Flagstaff apartment? Please contact our University Square team today to learn about our available floor plans and amenities.
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Getting some exercise on a daily basis is a good way to make sure you’re healthy. If it’s too hot to head outdoors for physical activity, you can exercise indoors instead. The following are exercises that you can do in your apartment without disturbing your neighbors.
Push-Ups
Push-ups help you build your upper body strength, especially in your arms and shoulders. You can do these by lying on your stomach with your legs straight and your palms flat on the floor on either side of you. Slowly push up off the floor with your arms. The tips of your toes should be touching the floor while you do this with your heels reaching back rather than up. After raising your body up, slowly lower it back down, and repeat this about ten times or as many times as you feel comfortable doing. Make sure you keep your body straight while doing push-ups.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups are a great way to build your abdominal muscles. You can do sit-ups by lying down on your back while bending your knees with your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should form a 45-degree angle. Place your hands behind your head, then slowly raise your upper body off the floor into a sitting position using your ab muscles. Lower your body back down, then repeat these movements. If you’re uncomfortable doing sit-ups with your hands behind your head, you can cross your arms over your chest instead while sitting up. It's important to remember not to crunch your neck, so look up and back with plenty of room between your chin and chest instead of straining your head forward.
Leg Stretches
Stretching your leg muscles helps improve your flexibility, which can lower your risk of injuries. There are several leg stretches you can do in your apartment, including quad stretches, which involve bending your leg and lifting your foot toward your hand. Hold your leg in this position for about 30 seconds, then repeat with the other leg. You can also do lunges for an extra challenge.
The living rooms in our apartments offer plenty of space for doing stretches and other indoor exercises. Contact us for more details on our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ!
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Electronics always look so shiny and new out of the box, but sooner or later they're going to get dirty. Dust collects on, and in, your computer. Grime builds up around those keyboard keys and controller buttons, and that shiny new gadget can start to look a little junky. Here are some tips to get the electronics in your Flagstaff apartment looking like new:
Cleaning Your Electronics
- Never apply a liquid cleaner directly to an electronic. Put the cleaner on the cloth or cotton swab, and then get to swabbing.
- Always unplug and turn off anything you're going to clean. If it has an accessible battery pack, you'll want to take that out, too. The risk of electric shock is relatively minor, but not non-existent.
- Don't use window cleaner, paper towels, or sponges on your TV or other screens. A tiny bit of water on a microfiber cloth will do the trick, but you probably won't need the water, just the cloth.
- Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab for things like game controllers, computer mice, and other handheld input devices. The trick here is that rubbing alcohol will dry out before it has a chance to damage any circuitry.
- A computer duster will help to clear out the interiors of laptops, gaming consoles, keyboards, and other electronics. If the problem is bad enough that you need to open the device up, you'll need to check your warranty to see if that's allowed and watch or read some tutorials on your specific make and model.
These tips should get you started, but any time you're not sure how to approach the problem, look up specifically what you need to do. Chances are, there's are directions for it!
If you're looking for an apartment in Flagstaff, AZ to house all those electronics, get in touch with University Square to learn about our available floor plans.
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As much as we don't mean to, sometimes it's easy to take our pets for granted. As a result, we can sometimes miss the signs if our furry friends begin to feel a little down in the dumps. (Of course, this applies to all animals, not just those with fur.) If you live in a Flagstaff apartment and want to do something nice for your pal, here are a few tips.
1. Hide Their Treats
It's true for humans and it's true for animals too: Sometimes things are just better when you have to work for them. There are plenty of toys where you can tightly pack in a doggie treat to make it a little more satisfying when they can dig it out. Or get a small ball that will dispense cat treats as your cat rolls it around. You can even just hide treats around the apartment (just make sure that your pet finds them all before you call it a day).
2. Spend More Time with Them
Even if your cat seems entirely indifferent to you, they still want the attention. The more time you play with them, brush their coat, and hang out with them, the better they'll feel. Your pet doesn't necessarily need all that much, but when they start coming over to you for some affection, just make sure you make some time if possible.
3. Turn on the Radio
If you have to be apart from your pet for an extended amount of time, classical music can be soothing to them—especially to dogs. There's no way to entirely mitigate the loneliness for them (unless you want to get them a friend), but this can help.
If you're looking for an apartment in Flagstaff that will welcome your pet, University Square may just be the right place for you. Give us a call today to learn more about our pet policies and availability.
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The indoor dog you have in your Flagstaff apartment does an excellent job of keeping you company and even slips you a wet kiss on occasion. But you spend so much time fighting with dog hair that owning a dog is gradually getting to be more frustrating than that precious reward. Thankfully, there are some pretty easy tips you can use on a daily basis to keep problems with pet hair at bay.
1. Keep dryer sheets on-hand for quick furniture rubdowns.
Dryer sheets are the best-kept secret for people with dogs. These things are amazing for picking up loose hair on your clothing and your furniture; the hair sticks to the sheet so you can toss it. Keep a box handy that you can retrieve whenever needed and do a quick furniture rubdown. Soft and hard furniture surfaces can be de-haired using a dryer-sheet rubdown. As an added bonus, you get that nice clean laundry smell all around your Arizona apartment.
2. Dry your clothes before you wash them.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but if you have major problems with dog hair on your clothing, give them a quick run through the dryer before you toss them in the washer. The secret? Use the tumble setting only. The hair will shake loose from your clothing and get caught in the lint trap.
3. Invest in a rubber squeegee for your floors.
Rubber squeegees tend to get used in commercial settings, but they can work just as well for clearing your floors of pet hair. With a wide-sweeping area and a rubber attachment, the hair will not be swept up into the air or clogging your vacuum cleaner. Loose strands will stick to the rubber, and you can easily use the squeegee across your carpet flooring as well.
You love your dog, but hair can be really annoying. Thankfully, your dog is always welcome in our pet-friendly Flagstaff apartments at University Square—in spite of the hair! Contact us to find out about availability.
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