Merritt Clubs Blog

As the summer months continue to trek along, many of us have started leaving the safety and isolation of quarantine and are venturing back out into the world, slowly and cautiously. As we walk the fine line between staying safe and returning to some sort of normality, we are faced with the concerns and fears of contracting the virus and keeping our families safe and healthy. In a measure to protect ourselves and our loved ones, it is vital that we take all the precautions we can to boost our immunity and maintain optimal health.

Back in March, life as we knew it changed. When the COVID-19 virus began spreading through our country, stay-at home orders were enforced and all non-essential businesses closed. Although it seems like that was a lifetime ago, it has only been three months since we were told to remain at home and avoid all social interactions. Back then, most of us could not wait for the curve to flatten so life as we knew it could resume and we could see our loved ones without using the screen of a computer. Now that rates of the virus have slowed and restrictions are easing, a new anxiety is setting in for many as we begin to plan to return to our old way of life.

After several weeks of dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s evident that we can learn lessons and find personal take-aways from this crisis. During these uncertain and stressful times of social distancing and quarantining, it is essential we tap into reflective activities that can drastically shift our thoughts to a positive mind state.  Thus, helping us get through this with as much grace and peace as possible.

“Watch your thoughts, they become Words. Watch your words, they become Actions. Watch your actions, they become Habits. Watch your habits, for they become your Character. Watch your character, for it becomes your Destiny.” -the Upanishads

Have you ever talked someone who loves to run? They make it sound glorious.

After my dad passed away about a year and a half ago, I started attending Friday night services at my synagogue on a regular basis. Initially, this was so I could say the Mourner’s Kaddish (prayer for the dead) for my Dad. But, as time went on, I realized that I enjoyed and appreciated the ritual of ending the work week in this way. The service lasts just under an hour, there’s lots of joyful singing, and, it’s a chance to see friends I don’t see on a regular basis. I always leave my phone in the car, and surprisingly, even that one short hour gives me a chance to unplug from the rest of the world and focus on what’s important and right in front of me.

Last month, we discussed some of the science behind stress. We all know that stress can take its toll on our physical and mental well-being. Research continues to probe the ways stress is linked to disease and can shorten our life span. And it can certainly make our remaining years less enjoyable.

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, decorative hearts remain visible all over. This can help serve as a reminder that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Statistics show that one person dies every 37 seconds in the US from cardiovascular disease, and unfortunately, the number of people impacted is only increasing. On the upside, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard that February is Heart Month. Merritt Clubs is offering many programs and classes throughout the month that support heart health and the American Heart Association. No matter your level of activity, by exercising just a couple of days during the week, you are already taking important steps to fight heart disease.

Did you know February is American Heart Month? While maintaining a healthy heart should not be restricted to just this month, we do want to use this time to help you prevent heart disease. Here are some workout tips we gathered after we spoke with Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue Fitness Director Heidi Shaneybrook.