Merritt Clubs Blog

Water! That’s what I thought about all month long. I kept thinking, why do we need to drink water? Then I realized… it’s because we can’t eat it. Knowledge is power.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think their fitness watch or fitness tracker gets a little pushy at times? Don’t get me wrong…I love my watch. And, I move. A lot. (I run, train, and teach 8-10 classes a week.) And yet… “Lori, your rings are usually much further along at this time of day. See if you can move a little.” “You’re close to closing your rings! A brisk 20-minute walk should do it!” “Let’s add 50 calories to your daily expenditure goal!” Don’t get me wrong. Like I said, I love my watch. And the reminders to move during the day when I’m sitting at the computer definitely help.

I am a firm believer that total body health begins with a total love for your body. Here’s why: if you’re not loving and accepting of your body, why would you do good things for it? What motivation is there to work out or eat right if you dislike the body you do it for?

Join the water revolution and commit to a daily water intake! Water has limitless benefits, including promoting weight loss, healthier skin, more cushion on your joints, making sure your body functions at all on a hot day, and so many more!

8 hours of sleep – is it possible? No, probably not…

As a frequent (or not-so-frequent) gym goer, you know the drill: get to the club, do whatever workout you have scheduled for that day, and get out. Great. Next. Move on and do it all again the following day. And the day or two after that. Awesome. You’re working your program. You’re making progress. You’re sore, and that’s a good thing, right? Not always. The repetitive and dynamic movements of the workouts (yes, even those workouts you LOVE!) may give you desired results, but can also produce muscular imbalances due to injury, reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and even pain. This is the time for some self-care.

It’s that time of year…our #Zumbathon4ALS is back and better than ever! We’ve been posting information about our Zumbathon for a while now. It will be a great evening…the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders will be there, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will join us, as will mascot Poe, and of course, our fabulous Merritt instructors.

But, have you thought about the significance of the event? What it’s all about? Why we dance and ask you to join us? The Zumbathon represents so much more than just a big outdoor dance party. Our Zumbathon benefits the Brigance Brigade Foundation.

It is no secret that exercise is an integral part of a healthy life. But what happens when we get older and our bodies age, and being sedentary looks a lot more appealing? Why do we need to keep active, no matter where we're at in life?

We recently talked to Ellyn Gildea, Merritt Towson's Fitness Director, about the importance and benefits of regular exercise for older adults. Ellyn also discussed why the social aspect of the club gives active agers the motivation to keep coming back to the gym.

Are you getting enough sleep? Make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye with all the summer events starting up! Learn how to slow down at the end of the day, fall asleep sooner and feel more rested. Getting enough sleep makes you more successful at work or school, puts you in a better mood, and can affect your health/weight. Just FYI, exercise can help you sleep better!

Last month was stressful… Who am I kidding, every day is stressful. So I spent a week trying to relax.