Merritt Clubs Blog

There’s something magical about beginnings. Beginnings represent a clean slate and the opportunity to start fresh. For many of us, each new year marks this kind of beginning. We commit to new goals and a new way of being. We face the future with optimism and a can-do spirit.

I have to admit, I did it. When COVID-19 hit, the gym membership was one of the first things I cancelled. I panicked and thought of catching COVID from everyone sweating in the gym and figured that was the last place I wanted to be.

This February marks the end of a full year we have lived with coronavirus. And wow it has been hard. Hard physically, mentally, emotionally.

The answer is YES! Like many of you, I went into a sheer panic when I heard masks were mandated even when vigorously working out at all clubs except Eldersburg. Thoughts like “I am not going to be able to breathe and I am going to end up eating the mask when trying to talk while teaching” raced through my head. I was nervous to say the least, but I needed to wear a mask so I could keep myself and others safe.

“New Year, New Me.” What does that even mean? Okay, yeah 2020 was a tough year for everyone. But how does the new year, 2021, change you as a person? What is going to be new about you in one day? What are you going to be doing differently? Why does making a change on January 1^st become the time that we decide to make transformations? Why not tomorrow? Why not RIGHT NOW? Yes, I get it, the new year is like a fresh start that we attach next to this commitment, but why are we putting so much pressure on this “New Year” to be a better you? Why not start now? Why are we committed to making New Year’s resolutions just for this time of year? Yes, it is important to have a time frame for goals, but why do we tend to fall short? What is the missing puzzle piece?

It’s common knowledge that the heart is an extremely important organ in the body. Taking care of it is vital in overall health which is why every February the whole country observes heart health awareness with American Heart Month. And in 2021, it is even more important. Those who suffer from heart disease have an increased risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus.

To help keep you heart healthy and happy, here are a few tips:

The current pandemic has taken a toll on everyone in numerous ways. Areas of the country experienced lockdowns and others had major shutdowns of businesses, including gyms. Luckily, at this point, most gyms are back open.

When it comes to working out, half the battle is getting started. Although that sounds easy enough, oftentimes, motivation can be hard to find. The next time you're struggling to find the motivation to work out, incorporate these tips to make it easier.

Let’s get physical, physical! I wanna get physical.

As in physical fitness, obviously. It’s time to get back into physical fitness.

As we finally make the long-awaited transition into 2021, the team from Merritt Club’s Nutrition & Wellness Department would each like to share our top healthy tips.