Merritt Clubs Blog

Aerobic exercise is an important component of holistic health. Your doctor probably reminds you often that a healthy heart is one that can work hard, and that’s exactly what aerobic exercise trains your body to do. Also known as cardio, some examples of aerobic exercise include running, cycling, and rowing. But for some, those traditional forms of cardio might be uncomfortable. Whether you have joint pain or simply don’t like being sweaty, you might enjoy doing your cardio in the pool. And don’t worry, you might not have to get your hair wet as traditional swimming isn’t your only option. Allow me to introduce: water aerobics.

If you’re like me, you classify yourself as a perpetually busy person. Things are always coming up, filling your schedule, leaving you feeling like there’s no time left for yourself. But what if I told you there’s an exercise protocol that might be right for you, and you can do it in the gym, outside, or even at home? Enter: the HIIT workout.

What is functional fitness?
Functional fitness is a style of exercise that focuses on everyday movements (OPEX Fitness, 2023). Instead of focusing on maximal strength with ideal form, functional fitness emphasizes holistic strength and stability paired with bodily control. (OPEX Fitness, 2023). The idea is to be able to do everyday tasks, like lifting, carrying, or throwing something without hurting yourself.

What are wrist wraps?

Wrist wraps are pieces of stiff fabric that are wrapped around your wrists to help stabilize and compress your wrists during overhead or pushing exercises (Valdez, 2021). There are different varieties of wrist wraps of varying stiffness, depending on how much stability you prefer.

Let me guess, some unnamed people have ingrained in your brain that lifting heavy, or lifting weights at all, will make you “bulky”. I’m here to tell you that’s BS, and it’s time women take command of the weight floor.

Do you ever wake up feeling tired? Have a “sugar monster” that summons sugar cravings every day? Feel groggy after eating bread or grains? I did too, and I’m here to say that it may be time for you to try the Whole30 diet.

Mobility training is crucial for functional health. In the gym, mobility training will lead you to have better form, less risk of injury, and in turn move more weight. Outside of the gym, mobility training also helps to reduce day-to-day pain caused by poor flexibility and range of motion (Haley, 2016).

It’s that time of year; the sun is coming out, flowers are blooming, and you feel the urge to clean up. Spring cleaning seems like just another task to add to your to-do list, just like working out or drinking enough water. But what if there is a way to do all these tasks at once?

Nearly two months into the new year, your local gym is likely still bustling with first-timers, new regulars, and gym veterans. Whether you’ve been a gym-goer for months or years, it’s important to keep up on expectations that affect everyone in the building: gym etiquette.