Merritt Clubs Blog

   

50 Squats a Day

Posted by Lori O'Donnell

Nov 13, 2019

When I teach classes that have squats in them, and that’s pretty much most of the classes I teach, people will often come up to me afterwards (or before) and tell me they can’t squat. “I can’t do squats. It bothers my knees.” “I don’t like squats, so during the squat track I’m just going to work abs, ok?” “Why do we do so many squats?” In reality, squats, and their many variations, are probably the one exercise everyone should do every day. According to Dr. Christopher Stepien, sports therapist and chronic pain expert, performing 50 squats a day will help your health and well-being. “Daily squats will help you mentally and will even give you better yearly checkups with your primary physician.”

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Topics: Personal Training, group fitness, working out

Why You Should be Doing More Pull-Ups

Posted by Merritt Clubs

Nov 5, 2019

Pull-ups are a total body exercise that offer numerous health and physique benefits. Just about everybody knows what a pull-up is...grip the bar so your body is suspended by your hands and pull yourself up. Pull-ups are simple, though that does not mean they are easy. The challenge is well worth it: not many movements work so many muscles at once.

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Topics: working out

Should You Have A Pre Workout Meal?

Posted by Merritt Clubs

Aug 28, 2019

Going to the gym on an empty stomach isn't for everyone. Though you burn more calories working out without eating first, it is likely that you will not have enough energy to do an intense workout. Eating a small pre-workout meal will give you adequate fuel and nourishment to build the muscle you want. Save the hearty meal for a post-workout because if you eat a full meal beforehand, you will be tired and it will lead to stomach cramps.

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Topics: nutrition tips, working out

Progress, Not Perfection

Posted by Lori O'Donnell

Aug 14, 2019

After teaching BODY PUMP last night, a member told me that I always make the workout look easy. Well, that was news to me! It was a tough class and at times I felt like I was struggling to complete a block of work. But, it made me think…why is it that some days we are bursting with energy and others we have to fight to finish (or even begin) a workout? And, what can we do to push through when fatigue or the occasional lack of motivation threaten to derail our daily exercise routine?

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Topics: working out

Working Out: Hormonal Impacts

Posted by Merritt Clubs

Aug 30, 2017

The positive impacts of exercise on the body are visibly apparent: people who exercise frequently will watch their waistlines drop, their muscles tone, and their endurance improve. But just as significant are some of the hormonal effects that working out has on the brain, impacting stress management, appetite, and mood.

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Topics: hormones and weight loss, working out

Stretches To Do Before and After Working Out: Static Stretches vs. Dynamic Stretches

Posted by Merritt Clubs

Aug 22, 2017

Before you engage in any type of physical activity, whether it involves playing sports, or lifting weights, it is necessary to warm up your body. Ever since we were little kids, teachers and coaches always told us to stretch before participating in a game or competition.

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Topics: working out, stretches

The Lowdown on Achieving Perfect Planks

Posted by Merritt Clubs

Feb 7, 2017

Personal trainers at the best gyms are often quick to admit it. Man or woman cannot get fit with aerobics alone. There has to be some strength training involved, preferably routines that include isometric exercises. One of the most popular and effective is the traditional plank. Why planks and how can gym members make the most of them?

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Topics: working out

Diary of a Fitness Newbie: I'm Bringing Sexy Back

Posted by Leslie Warren

Jan 18, 2017

Hello all! My name is Leslie and I am starting a blog! This blog, in fact. Until recently, my fitness experience consisted of hearing that it’s something that’s important. And, if I’m being honest, I’ve never really cared that much about being fit. I have never had a gym membership that cost me more than $10 a month, and I don’t know if I ever would have thought anything more than that would be necessary. I always thought going to the gym was horrible anyway and would cut into my sitting-in-front-of-the-TV-eating-Cheetos time.

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Topics: exercise, working out

Get Results, Avoid Plateaus and Have Fun

Posted by Mark Miller

Nov 16, 2016

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Topics: workout, working out

5 Ways to Stay Motivated to Work Out

Posted by Sterling McKinley

Jan 12, 2016

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Topics: working out