Medicine balls look like padded, heavier versions of your typical playground kickball, but they offer so much more in terms of exercise. With the right positioning and movement, you can really transform routine exercises into power ones. Just check out the following list of our favorite beginner medicine ball exercises:

3 Medicine Ball Exercises for Beginners

• Medicine Ball Lunge with Twist. For this exercise, you'll begin by standing with the medicine ball held close to your chest. Then, step forward in a lunge with your left foot and press the ball forward. Once in the lunge position, twist to the left for thirty seconds. Repeat with the right foot forward. For best effects, complete three sets with each leg. 
• Medicine Ball Squats. Like the previous exercise, you'll begin in a standing position with the medicine ball close to your chest. Then, as you squat down, engage your core muscles and push the ball to the front in that extended position. Hold for thirty seconds, follow with a thirty-second rest, and aim to repeat for three positions.
• Medicine Ball Balance. Begin in the standing position with the medicine ball close to the chest in both hands. Then slowly bend your left knee and lift your foot from the ground while holding the ball above your head for thirty seconds. Then, still balancing on the right leg, move the ball to just your right hand and hold for another thirty seconds. Move it back to the center and hold with just your left hand for thirty seconds. Then slowly return to a standing position, rest for thirty seconds before repeating it on the opposite leg. 

Read Up and Take Your Exercises Slow

Before starting any new exercise routine, it's always a good idea to do research, including watching videos to be sure you are using the correct form. And if you have other questions about using the exercise equipment room in the fitness center at our Chicago area apartments, don't hesitate to contact our front staff. 

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Create the Illusion of Rooms

By using furnishings and accessories to divide the large common space that comprises the bulk of most studio apartments’ square footage, one can create the illusion of distinct ‘rooms.’ For example, placing a bed in one corner of the studio with a folding partition around it can distinguish the ‘bedroom’ from the living area.

Foldable partitions are an easy and stylish way to enjoy greater privacy without any need for structural changes. Other ideas include using seating or strategically placed bookshelves to separate the kitchen from the living room while serving a secondary purpose for storage or displaying personal items.

Think Upward for Function and Form

Those bookshelves we just discussed are an ideal way to go upward to make the most of vertical space while maximizing the use of functional furnishings. However, any type of taller storage system can be helpful in a studio apartment, especially furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as storage on top with a workspace on the bottom.

Another area that often needs a boost upward are closets, where open shelving or pre-fabricated closet setups can be invaluable in keeping things organized. Smaller shelving units used within the kitchen pantry or above the toilet in the bathroom are also great ways to make your studio apartment in Chicago feel more spacious.

Stick with a Simple Design and Color Theme

While it may seem tempting to want to overcompensate for a studio’s simplistic layout with multiple colors and interesting furnishings, it is often better to stick with simple fabric patterns and clean-lined furnishings. For example, in lieu of heavy or patterned drapery, allow more natural light to flow inside by using blinds or sheers instead.

Are you in the market for a new home and would like to explore apartments in Chicago? Contact the team at River North Park today to find out which floor plans we have available and to schedule a tour of our community.

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Over-the-Door Organizers

Your belongings can take up a great deal of space in your apartment. To help with this issue, it’s smart to have storage in places you wouldn’t expect. One item that will help you stay organized is an over-the-door organizer. From curling irons and blow dryers to shoes and cleaning supplies, these items can be stored in organizers, which help you save space and keep your apartment clutter-free. Since these types of items take up a lot of space, over-the-door organizers can make your apartment that much more livable. To make things even better, these organizers are relatively very affordable.

Utilize Multiple Shower Caddies

Since the shelving in showers is usually very limited, it can be difficult finding room for everything. One solution is to utilize multiple shower caddies. These can be attached to your wall using removable adhesive hooks, and they can help you save a ton of space. You might consider using one for each person that uses the shower. Not only do these caddies help you save an incredible amount of space, but they also help you stay organized and tidy.

Corner Shelves 

Do you have a tiny space with no room for a table or storage bins? To resolve this issue, install a few corner shelves. Not only do these shelves help you save space, but they also look pretty sharp. Many people choose to add plants to these shelves, but you can also use them to hold lamps, books, or other belongings. Another great benefit of these shelves is that they are very cheap and easy to install. You can either purchase them or make them yourself as a little DIY project. There are ways to mount them that are not permanent and won't damage the apartment, as well.

Organize Your New Apartment Today!

By following these organizational tips, you can help maximize the space in your apartment. To check out some new, gorgeous apartments in Chicago, call River Park North Apartments today to schedule a tour!

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Living in an apartment can lead to improved health and fitness. In this post, we'll discuss four health and fitness tips for apartment living.

Take advantage of the gym

How often do you have a gym that’s a three-minute walk from your front door? Most apartment complexes have convenient gyms on-site. In addition, these gyms always seem to have weight sets, treadmills, exercise bikes, and anything else you could need in a gym setting. Say goodbye to expensive gym memberships and crowded gyms! A quiet, free gym is just minutes from your couch!

Ensure a fully stocked kitchen 

To improve your health while living in an apartment, it’s a good idea to always keep your kitchen stocked with healthy ingredients. If your apartment is stocked with healthy foods, you’ll be less tempted to go to that burger joint or order in pizza. Make sure to stock your pantry with healthy, space-saving essentials, such as canned beans and vegetables, pasta and more. It's also beneficial to stock your freezer and buy some local produce to balance your diet.

Bring in nature

It’s been proven that plants help to purify the air in our homes while also boosting our moods. To improve your health and wellness while living in an apartment, pick a few of your favorite plants and flowers and add them to various places in your apartment. To help your plants thrive, be sure to water them frequently and ensure they have adequate sunlight.

Keep tidy

Studies show that a messy room or apartment can lead to greater stress and unhappiness. For apartment living, keeping things tidy should be a top priority for your sanity. If you’re the messy type, try to focus on changing your habits and cleaning up more. Even if it’s a gradual change, you’d be surprised at how a tidy apartment can boost your mood and well-being.

Reach optimal health with apartment living!

If you’re looking for a new Chicago apartment that is focused on your health and fitness goals, then contact River North Park apartments today!

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Here are some ways you can give your new home a look that's uniquely Chicagoan.

1. Grayscale colors accented by just one bright shade.

Blacks, whites, and grays are very evocative of the whole "windy" aspect and it's incredibly easy to put your own spin on decor with a vibrant accent color. Think rich charcoal-hued furniture with pops of color from lipstick-red throw pillows, silver-gray drapes accented by yellow or gold ties.

"Industrial meets modern" is commonly seen in Chicago interior design, and grays touched with color is the way to go.

2. Rustic brick is always a good choice.

Exposed brick walls are seen in many homes and businesses in Chicago. Buildings have come and gone but the comforting style of bricks remains popular. Brick-print wall decals can lend an exposed brick look to your walls.

If you don't want to commit to that many "bricks" or it would clash with the rest of the decor, just one or two decorative bricks inscribed with a custom phrase or image are a fun and kitschy decoration that can add a Chicago vibe to any room.

3. Go for "floating" decorations.

Decorations that literally float haven't become a thing yet, but wall hangings that extrude add an artistic touch that can be as rustic or modern as your taste allows. You can also create simple and elegant "floating" decorations using fishing tackle to suspend decorative items from the ceiling.

Geometric shapes are a popular choice for a slick modern look while Art Deco style is a great way to stay consistent with older Chicago style decor.

No matter your interior decorating style, you'll be excited to call River North home and get the most of the Chicago experience in the heart of the city. Contact us today to speak to a leasing agent.

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