Merritt Clubs Blog

Family time and kids fitness are two major concerns for modern parents. A new study confirms that Americans are spending barely eight hours a week with their children. A health club membership may be just what you need to reverse the trend and get everyone in shape.

If you feel like you barely see your kids during the week, you’re not alone. The study conducted by Virgin Holidays and Universal Orlando Resort discovered that the daily average is just 36 minutes for the time families spend together. Weekends are a little better with over 2 hours of family time each day, but many people say they mostly count on holidays to reconnect.

Going to the gym as a family is a great way to meet up more often and boost your fitness. There are several ways to get around the most common obstacles:

Meals: Eating quickly doesn’t have to mean fast food. Prepare dishes you can cook ahead of time on weekends and freeze the leftovers. Chili and lasagna are two old favorites. Pack a cooler full of cut vegetables, pita bread and hummus, and stick it in your car for healthy dining on the go. Turn a salad into a balanced meal with leftover fish or chicken.

Homework: Kids usually need a break between school and homework. Hit the gym on the way home from work and school. If you need to schedule visits for later in the evening, present your health club visits as a reward for completing their studies.

Bed Times: Of course, rest is essential too. After your workout, arrange quiet time before retiring. Read books or take a warm bath. Shut off TVs, phones and other devices.

Merritt Athletic Club is committed to keeping Baltimore families healthy. Check out our pool, gymnastics, dance and other programs for kids. Contact us to learn more.

 As many parents out there know, obesity is a very real physical ailment that many cope with on a daily basis. Obesity is not only capable of decreasing people's self-esteem, but obesity can also cause other physical problems as well, such as: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and quite a few other life threatening health problems. Fortunately for any parents out there who have any worries about their kids experiencing childhood obesity, obesity is a physical condition that can be prevented and even treated.

A recent study found that children as young as 8 years old are already expressing dissatisfaction with their bodies. Kids fitness programs may be one solution if you’re concerned about the implications of children having a negative body image so early in life.

A new study on kids fitness found that almost one in four teens eat pizza on an average day adding an extra 230 calories, 5 grams of saturated fat and 484 mg of sodium to their diet. See what experts recommend for helping kids to lighten up on pizza.

Family time and kids fitness are two major concerns for modern parents. A new study confirms that Americans are spending barely eight hours a week with their children. A health club membership may be just what you need to reverse the trend and get everyone in shape.

If you feel like you barely see your kids during the week, you’re not alone. The study conducted by Virgin Holidays and Universal Orlando Resort discovered that the daily average is just 36 minutes for the time families spend together. Weekends are a little better with over 2 hours of family time each day, but many people say they mostly count on holidays to reconnect.

Going to the gym as a family is a great way to meet up more often and boost your fitness. There are several ways to get around the most common obstacles:

Meals: Eating quickly doesn’t have to mean fast food. Prepare dishes you can cook ahead of time on weekends and freeze the leftovers. Chili and lasagna are two old favorites. Pack a cooler full of cut vegetables, pita bread and hummus, and stick it in your car for healthy dining on the go. Turn a salad into a balanced meal with leftover fish or chicken.

Homework: Kids usually need a break between school and homework. Hit the gym on the way home from work and school. If you need to schedule visits for later in the evening, present your health club visits as a reward for completing their studies.

Bed Times: Of course, rest is essential too. After your workout, arrange quiet time before retiring. Read books or take a warm bath. Shut off TVs, phones and other devices.

Merritt Athletic Club is committed to keeping Baltimore families healthy. Check out our pool, gymnastics, dance and other programs for kids. Contact us to learn more.

A recent study found that kids fitness programs may reduce their risk for suffering fractures when they reach old age. It’s another powerful argument for regular physical exercise for youths.

Researchers from the American Orthopaedic Society found that boys and girls who got 40 minutes a day of physical education at school increased their spine bone mineral density and had almost 50% fewer fractures compared to kids who spent only 60 minutes a week in gym class. An accompanying study of men with an average age of 69 found that former athletes lost only minimal bone mass compared to their more sedentary peers.

It’s long been known that the years before we reach 20 are critical for bone development. The National Institutes of Health estimates that girls acquire 90 percent of their peak bone mass by the age of 18 and boys by 20.

Any weight-bearing exercise will help build bone density. If your kids participate in organized sports like soccer or basketball, they’re getting off to a good start. There are also plenty of individual activities that some children may prefer like dancing or skiing or just taking long walks. In addition to regular exercise, there are a few more ways you can help your kids build up more bone mass to see them through their later years. Give them several servings a day of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good choices are dairy products, tofu and vitamin-enriched breakfast cereals. Keep in mind that tobacco weakens bones along with all its other dangers. Limiting soft drinks is also a good idea.

Merritt Athletic Clubs is the most complete fitness organization in Maryland and a leader in kids fitness programs like our popular Zumba Kids classes and a Junior Fitness Certification for children between the ages of 12-15. Contact us to learn more or join online.

Kids fitness has become a national conversation over the last decade. As childhood obesity grows, many parents are concerned about keeping kids active, and promoting good physical and mental health. Consider our top four tips for improving your kid's overall fitness level.

1. Be a role model. First, your children need to see you set a good fitness example. This doesn't mean you must run a marathon while pushing your toddler in a stroller. Simply promote an active lifestyle. Walk short distances instead of driving. Take regular walks or bike rides around your neighborhood. Encourage kids to walk themselves instead of riding in a stroller once they are old enough. When asked to participate in an activity, such as when your toddler brings you a ball, take the time to do it. Go to a local playground. Use the swings and slides yourself.
2. Provide alternatives. Exercise does not have to be structured or scheduled. Spontaneously have a family dance-off to your kid's favorite music. Throw a frisbee. Rollerskate, rollerblade or skateboard in a safe place. Play a game of hide and seek. Let your child choose the activity.
3. Stay active even when it's cold. Sometimes it's hard to keep an active pace when the weather is not ideal. However, puddle-jumping in rain boots or making snow angels in your snow suit can be a lot of fun. Explore summer destinations, such as the beach, in the winter. Find a local indoor swimming pool or play area. Merritt Clubs offer indoor swimming lessons starting at six months of age and an indoor play area for children to use while their parents are working out. Many team sports and extra curricular activities are offered through the winter, such as hockey, arena football or dance classes. Find out what's available in your area.
4. Emphasize the social benefits. Children do not often understand the health benefits of being fit. However, they do like being with their friends. Meet a group at the park, skating rink or other favorite spot. A group of researchers recently studied the effects of giving children peer mentors to promote physical activity. The study followed 800 children from 10 different schools. The results showed that students from the peer-mentored schools took 1,000 more steps per day and had better overall cardiovascular health. The students only participated in the peer-led activities once every two weeks. However, the social interaction was a catalyst for improved physical activity on a daily basis.

The benefits of keeping kids physically fit go way beyond fighting obesity. Experts agree being active improves their sleeping habits, posture, self-esteem, concentration, bone and muscle structure, balance, developmental skills, flexibility and social skills.

Merritt Athletic Clubs are focused on family health. Contact us to find out about the many amenities available to families.

Childhood Obesity

In going to great lengths to help and protect our children, we often forget some of the small things we do daily can have the biggest benefits. Encouraging and participating in an active lifestyle with your child is one of those things. Childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last 30 years. More than 70% of adolescents who are obese remain obese in their adult life. Obesity can lead to many complications and place the child at a higher risk to develop liver disease, heart disease, joint issues and even asthma as they get older, not to mention the social and psychological effects. The best way to combat this trend with your children is to encourage and foster an active lifestyle from an early age.