Merritt Clubs Blog

With the summer heat upon us it is important to protect yourself when working out. Remember, adequate sun protection is key. Wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and hydrate more than you think you need to. You'd be surprised at how much water you need when you exert yourself in these hot weather days.

New Year’s is quickly fading away. As we sit here today, 8% of our year is already gone.  Most people who set resolutions this year are scratching their heads, struggling or have already abandoned the goal. 

Fall is in full swing and it may be one of the best times of the year with all the colorful sunrises, cooling temps, football, changing leaves, local 5Ks, apple cider and Fall festivals. 

You recently returned from a fantastic summer vacation...a week spent enjoying family and friends at the ocean. A time filled with nonstop activities, late nights and a jam-packed schedule of fun.  It was no doubt also a week where you ate out most meals, more food (and desserts) than usual. We always seem to gain a few pounds on vacation.  Sound right?

You probably also were so tired when you returned on Sunday, and had to wake up early to take your normal spin class the next day before you head back into the office. At work you seemed to be flooded with the onslaught of emails, people needing questions answered and everyone asking "So what did you do?", "How was vacation?", etc.

If you’re like me, I end up by weeks' end saying that I need another vacation from my vacation! And really, it's true. When we get off our regular schedules and eating plans, our bodies need time to recover. Here are a few of the things you can do to help you get back...

1) Sleep. No late night TV for at least a week. Initially it’s wise to get to bed an hour earlier than you would normally do.  However, never adjust your waking time.  You need to get in a habit of waking at the same time every day.  Our bodies have internal clocks and need to stay aligned with them.  Sleep is maybe the most critical element in your health.  Take this part seriously. 

Okay so you booked your time off for your well-deserved and much anticipated vacation.  However, you’re a committed and devoted exerciser. So how do you keep going while away and not let your vacation sidetrack all your hard work this year?

It's Summer - Have Fun and Still Stay Fit

Summer is hot and all you want to do is lay by the pool.  Who can blame you? It's cool, refreshing and much more fun.  Yet we know we need to get in the gym and still strengthen our hearts, improve our muscles and burn those calories.

Summer is here and the heat is red hot. I have a workout scheduled for tonight, but I am on the fence. Part of me doesn't want to skip the workout but the other part says, "Take a break and just relax by the  pool with the kids.”

Spring is in full bloom, and with all the rain recently we will no doubt need to work in our flower beds or gardens.  Below are some tips to prevent any back pain from doing so.

Well it’s that time of year – bathing suit season. Pause for a moment and don’t scream.  Having dealt with this for years I have uncovered a few simple ways to electrify your workouts to get faster results in the next 6-8 weeks before full-fledged summer arrives.