Merritt Clubs Blog

As a frequent (or not-so-frequent) gym goer, you know the drill: get to the club, do whatever workout you have scheduled for that day, and get out. Great. Next. Move on and do it all again the following day. And the day or two after that. Awesome. You’re working your program. You’re making progress. You’re sore, and that’s a good thing, right? Not always. The repetitive and dynamic movements of the workouts (yes, even those workouts you LOVE!) may give you desired results, but can also produce muscular imbalances due to injury, reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and even pain. This is the time for some self-care.

It’s that time of year…our #Zumbathon4ALS is back and better than ever! We’ve been posting information about our Zumbathon for a while now. It will be a great evening…the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders will be there, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will join us, as will mascot Poe, and of course, our fabulous Merritt instructors.

But, have you thought about the significance of the event? What it’s all about? Why we dance and ask you to join us? The Zumbathon represents so much more than just a big outdoor dance party. Our Zumbathon benefits the Brigance Brigade Foundation.

You have just enough time in your busy schedule for a quick workout, and you manage to get to the gym in time for your favorite group fitness class. Class is just about to end and out the door you go. But hold on a minute. Did you leave just after that last set of burpees? Were you putting your equipment away during the core track and gone before the cool down? Were you busy wiping down your bike? What happened to stretching those joints and muscles you just worked out?

There are a lot of fitness trends out there. Have you tried the Star Wars workout, Karaoke Spin or Hula Hooping? What about circus workouts, wearing a high-altitude elevation training mask or crunning (running combined with crawling)? We are encouraged to stand every hour, close our rings, count our steps, count our reps, jump high, squat low, and dance our hearts out. What we really need to do, is…just….breathe.

When was the last time you were able to go for any length of time without looking at your smartphone? An hour? Two hours? Ten minutes? Our electronic devices are an essential part of our lives. We use them to connect with friends and family, check the weather, manage data, stalk a potential mate, view cat videos, and navigate all aspects of our daily lives. While mobile technology has unprecedented advantages, excessive electronic stimulation may produce negative consequences as well. So, are you using your phone, or is it using you?

Think group exercise classes are just loud music, fast movements, and mob-mentality? Think again. Group fitness offers social opportunities, mental health benefits, and psychological support. Safe and effective workouts in a fun and social environment, consistent scheduling, instructor motivation, education, and accountability are just some of the benefits of group exercise. Better yet, most group workouts require no prior exercise knowledge or experience.

Beginning to think about a New Year’s Resolution? Are you resolving to lose weight, declutter your home, eat clean, exercise more, quit smoking, learn a new language? Are you setting the bar higher than ever, knowing that this year will bring the changes you desire? If so, how will this year be different? Are the changes you’re resolving to make realistic? Can you REALLY live without carbs? This year, why not try something else…what about NOT making a resolution?

Although it may seem like fitness trackers are a new trend, wearable technology has actually been around since the 17^th century.  In 1965, Dr. Yoshiro Hatano, Japanese professor at Kyushu University of Health and Welfare, introduced the Manpo-kei pedometer after theorizing that taking 10,000 steps a day would help combat obesity in his country. A lot has changed since then, and the fitness tracker industry has grown: 

When was the last time you changed your fitness routine, stepped out of your comfort zone, tried a new class format or even participated in a group class?

Tips for Exercising in Hot Weather

Summer has arrived. Not officially until next week, but the temperatures the past few days have definitely felt summer-like.