Merritt Clubs Blog

   

Heather Blake

Recent Posts

Reach Metabolic Weight Loss Goals with Merritt Athletic Clubs’ Help

Posted by Heather Blake

Aug 13, 2013

High five for personal dead lift record!
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Topics: Merritt Athletics, biggest loser club, Personal Training, Awareness and Support

Reach Metabolic Weight Loss Goals with Merritt Athletic Clubs’ Help

Posted by Heather Blake

Aug 13, 2013

High five for personal dead lift record!
Read More

Topics: Merritt Athletics, biggest loser club, Personal Training, help, weightless, diet, fitness, weight loss clubs, metabolism, metabolic weight loss, basal metabolic rate, fitness challenge, Awareness and Support, lifestyle

Support is Key- Jay's Weightloss Journey.

Posted by Heather Blake

Jul 6, 2013

 

On September 9th 2010, I weighed in at a whopping 337 lbs.... I know the day and the weight so well because that's the day my doctor said he wouldn't operate on my hip because he was worried Iwouldn't be able to do the physical therapy needed to rehab. He said that if I could prove to him that Iwas motivated by losing just 25 lbs. he would schedule the replacement. This made me take a closelook at my lifestyle since the day I retired from the Army.... In 2003 I came home from Iraq wounded and ittook 14 operations too get me to the point where I could live a normal life again. I was suffering fromPTSD and depression after leaving the only life I had know for 24 years. My way of dealing with all of thiswas to eat and I mean eat EVERYTHING!!!!! I went from a 6'1" 185 lb. soldier serving in the special forcesover three wars to a 330 lb. man who was acting like his life was over.

After Dr. Boucher told me what I weighed and all that went with it, I decided to give myself one last try at being healthy. I joined Merritt and was amazed at not only what the club does for you physically but also themental benefits. Thanks to a great group of people helping me led by Cindy,Lauren, Spencer and Michelle, I have now lost over 155 lbs. and as of thiswriting weigh 171 which is less than what I weighed in college. My body fat% while still a work in progress has gone from 44% down to 17%. The bestnews of all is that after 18 times under the knife, I have now gone twoyears with no major health issues and I thank Merritt for a big part of this.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, biggest loser club, Personal Training, Fitness Tips, Awareness and Support, Member Success Stories

Support is Key- Jay's Weightloss Journey.

Posted by Heather Blake

Jul 6, 2013

 

On September 9th 2010, I weighed in at a whopping 337 lbs.... I know the day and the weight so well because that's the day my doctor said he wouldn't operate on my hip because he was worried Iwouldn't be able to do the physical therapy needed to rehab. He said that if I could prove to him that Iwas motivated by losing just 25 lbs. he would schedule the replacement. This made me take a closelook at my lifestyle since the day I retired from the Army.... In 2003 I came home from Iraq wounded and ittook 14 operations too get me to the point where I could live a normal life again. I was suffering fromPTSD and depression after leaving the only life I had know for 24 years. My way of dealing with all of thiswas to eat and I mean eat EVERYTHING!!!!! I went from a 6'1" 185 lb. soldier serving in the special forcesover three wars to a 330 lb. man who was acting like his life was over.

After Dr. Boucher told me what I weighed and all that went with it, I decided to give myself one last try at being healthy. I joined Merritt and was amazed at not only what the club does for you physically but also themental benefits. Thanks to a great group of people helping me led by Cindy,Lauren, Spencer and Michelle, I have now lost over 155 lbs. and as of thiswriting weigh 171 which is less than what I weighed in college. My body fat% while still a work in progress has gone from 44% down to 17%. The bestnews of all is that after 18 times under the knife, I have now gone twoyears with no major health issues and I thank Merritt for a big part of this.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, healthy, biggest loser club, Personal Training, Fitness Tips, fitness, weight loss and eating, success stories, support, Awareness and Support, inspiration, Member Success Stories

"Body by Steve"- Maria's Weightloss Story

Posted by Heather Blake

Jul 5, 2013

 

My name is Maria and I’m 46 years old with hypertension, a strong family history of heart disease and no longer overweight. It’s been 3 months since I began my quest.I had been putting on weight slowly but steadily for the previous 8 years. I was a good 63 pounds above my ideal weight of 145lbs.The weight was easy to put on and hard to take off - I knew I had to do something and finding someone skilled to work with was my first big step in my journey. That’s where my personal trainer, Steve, came in.I’m truly very thankful that I found him!Steve is very observant, easy going and knowledgeable.Steve takes “personal trainer” to a whole new level providing me with the fitness and nutritional tools that I need to succeed and holds me accountable every week. Communication with my trainer is almost daily!

With Steve’s help & support, I made some serious lifestyle changes since I began this journey. Live healthier and lose weight – that has become my mantra. With Steve’s help, I’ve adapted to a new way of eating, thinking and exercise.I’m realizing my goals through these changes with the support of Gary, my better half, and Steve, my trainer. I won’t lie; at first it was very scary as there were a lot of people at the gym. These people were beautiful and fit but I was determined that I was going to be one of them!!!Steve gave me the confidence I needed to get started.The beginning was painful not to mention slow going.Whenever Steve said “time for planks” I wanted to run to the nearest Exit door and/or scream “UNCLE!!!”- I’m pretty sure that there were, at times, tears. I hadn’t exercised consistently since Moby Dick was a minnow…. It was rough but I was determined.

Every week, Steve custom designs workout routines that are tailored to my needs and he always reminds me “remember your goals Maria”.Whenever I feel like I want to give up I hear Steve’s words and I stand firm. After the first 3 weeks - I no longer felt as if I needed to carry an oxygen tank around with me or feel as if I needed to go to the nearest Emergency Room. I could do this… was doing it!I had become “one of those people” at the gym. I have the support of both, Gary, my biggest cheerleader and the support of my trainer.

Steve has found ways to mix up my routine to ensure that I got the most out of every session – even going so far as to mix up my planks so that I don’t“get bored”. Steve has provided me with nutritional guidance, switching this with that, journal writing and educating me with web site tools to utilize. Don’t get me wrong, there are times where I want to cave, but Steve won’t let me.Support and encouragement is there every step of the way. Steve knows when I push myself.He provides me with the encouragement to continue and will pull me back when he knows I’m pushing too hard. I now look at gym equipment and exercise in general with excitement - no longer with fear.With the nutritional, lifestyle changes and my training sessions with Steve, I’ve lost 23 pounds.My blood pressure has been normal for the past 2 months!I look in the mirror now and say to myself….. “Not bad!”I’ve gotten lots of compliments lately; I just smile and say “Body by Steve!”

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, Personal Training, Awareness and Support, Member Success Stories

"Body by Steve"- Maria's Weightloss Story

Posted by Heather Blake

Jul 5, 2013

 

My name is Maria and I’m 46 years old with hypertension, a strong family history of heart disease and no longer overweight. It’s been 3 months since I began my quest.I had been putting on weight slowly but steadily for the previous 8 years. I was a good 63 pounds above my ideal weight of 145lbs.The weight was easy to put on and hard to take off - I knew I had to do something and finding someone skilled to work with was my first big step in my journey. That’s where my personal trainer, Steve, came in.I’m truly very thankful that I found him!Steve is very observant, easy going and knowledgeable.Steve takes “personal trainer” to a whole new level providing me with the fitness and nutritional tools that I need to succeed and holds me accountable every week. Communication with my trainer is almost daily!

With Steve’s help & support, I made some serious lifestyle changes since I began this journey. Live healthier and lose weight – that has become my mantra. With Steve’s help, I’ve adapted to a new way of eating, thinking and exercise.I’m realizing my goals through these changes with the support of Gary, my better half, and Steve, my trainer. I won’t lie; at first it was very scary as there were a lot of people at the gym. These people were beautiful and fit but I was determined that I was going to be one of them!!!Steve gave me the confidence I needed to get started.The beginning was painful not to mention slow going.Whenever Steve said “time for planks” I wanted to run to the nearest Exit door and/or scream “UNCLE!!!”- I’m pretty sure that there were, at times, tears. I hadn’t exercised consistently since Moby Dick was a minnow…. It was rough but I was determined.

Every week, Steve custom designs workout routines that are tailored to my needs and he always reminds me “remember your goals Maria”.Whenever I feel like I want to give up I hear Steve’s words and I stand firm. After the first 3 weeks - I no longer felt as if I needed to carry an oxygen tank around with me or feel as if I needed to go to the nearest Emergency Room. I could do this… was doing it!I had become “one of those people” at the gym. I have the support of both, Gary, my biggest cheerleader and the support of my trainer.

Steve has found ways to mix up my routine to ensure that I got the most out of every session – even going so far as to mix up my planks so that I don’t“get bored”. Steve has provided me with nutritional guidance, switching this with that, journal writing and educating me with web site tools to utilize. Don’t get me wrong, there are times where I want to cave, but Steve won’t let me.Support and encouragement is there every step of the way. Steve knows when I push myself.He provides me with the encouragement to continue and will pull me back when he knows I’m pushing too hard. I now look at gym equipment and exercise in general with excitement - no longer with fear.With the nutritional, lifestyle changes and my training sessions with Steve, I’ve lost 23 pounds.My blood pressure has been normal for the past 2 months!I look in the mirror now and say to myself….. “Not bad!”I’ve gotten lots of compliments lately; I just smile and say “Body by Steve!”

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, Personal Training, lose weight, fitness success, Weight Loss Success Story, lower blood pressure, motivation, baltimore personal training, Awareness and Support, weightloss, inspiration, Member Success Stories

Countdown to Turkey Day

Posted by Heather Blake

Nov 21, 2012

We all know about Thanksgivings “Battle of the Bulge” but do we know how to fight it? Here are a few tips to help us fight this enemy as Thanksgiving draws closer…

24 hours before Thanksgiving: Hit the gym. Skip your normal routine and just focus on doing cardio instead.

16 hours before Thanksgiving: Get a good night of sleep. Stay away from bar-hopping with your friends and hit the bed early. Our body burns fat much easier when we are well rested.

6 hours to Thanksgiving Dinner: Eat a good healthy, hearty breakfast. Don’t starve your body while you prep for the big meal. Your body needs a jump start in the morning or your blood sugar and insulin levels will fall.

3 hours to Thanksgiving Dinner: Don’t just sit around and watch football with your family, get out and play a game of football together. This will allow you to burn calories before your big meal.

2 hours to Thanksgiving Dinner: Grab a few apples that contain their peel and eat them as a quick snack. Apple peels contain a compound that can help curb an out of control appetite.

Thanksgiving Dinner: It is finally here!!! Don’t just throw food down your face J Take time to socialize with your company and enjoy what you are eating. This will allow your body to feel fuller faster.

I hope these tips will help you as you prepare for the big Turkey Day Meal. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Written By: Maria Miller

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Topics: Fitness Tips, Awareness and Support, nutrition

Countdown to Turkey Day

Posted by Heather Blake

Nov 21, 2012

We all know about Thanksgivings “Battle of the Bulge” but do we know how to fight it? Here are a few tips to help us fight this enemy as Thanksgiving draws closer…

24 hours before Thanksgiving: Hit the gym. Skip your normal routine and just focus on doing cardio instead.

16 hours before Thanksgiving: Get a good night of sleep. Stay away from bar-hopping with your friends and hit the bed early. Our body burns fat much easier when we are well rested.

6 hours to Thanksgiving Dinner: Eat a good healthy, hearty breakfast. Don’t starve your body while you prep for the big meal. Your body needs a jump start in the morning or your blood sugar and insulin levels will fall.

3 hours to Thanksgiving Dinner: Don’t just sit around and watch football with your family, get out and play a game of football together. This will allow you to burn calories before your big meal.

2 hours to Thanksgiving Dinner: Grab a few apples that contain their peel and eat them as a quick snack. Apple peels contain a compound that can help curb an out of control appetite.

Thanksgiving Dinner: It is finally here!!! Don’t just throw food down your face J Take time to socialize with your company and enjoy what you are eating. This will allow your body to feel fuller faster.

I hope these tips will help you as you prepare for the big Turkey Day Meal. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Written By: Maria Miller

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Topics: food tips, Fitness Tips, turkey day, thanksgiving, holiday tips, Awareness and Support, nutrition, healthy holiday tips, thanksgiving food tips, holiday eating

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake

Posted by Heather Blake

Sep 19, 2012

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Topics: Healthy Recipes, nutrition

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake

Posted by Heather Blake

Sep 19, 2012

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Topics: Healthy Recipes, oatmeal, fall healthy food, apples, nuts, healthy desert, easy breakfast, nutrition, healthy baking, recipes for healthy breakfast