Merritt Clubs Blog

Many people prefer to work out at their home. They don't want to embarrass themselves because they are out of shape. They don't want to sweat (quickly) in front of others. They might be intimidated by the many machines and fancy classes that a gym offers.

However, there are many good reasons to get off of your butt and join a fitness gym today.

• Try something new. Sometimes you need to try something new to find out that you really love something. You may find a fun new way to fit exercise into your schedule. It might be so much fun that it won't feel like work (as much).
• Motivation. You will find motivation at a gym. Whether you find workout buddies to monitor and share your progress or bodies that you admire, you should find plenty of motivation at a gym. Maybe you might find a few classes that you hate to miss.
• Childcare. Many people use the excuse that they can't exercise because of their children. Many gyms offer childcare, whether or not it is included in the monthly fee or not. Then, you have no reason not to exercise.
• Personal Trainers. Whether you are just starting an exercise routine or you have been exercising a while, you might need a personal trainer to help you reach your goals. Maybe you need help setting realistic goals and meeting them. A personal trainer might just help you get on your way.

Though you might not want to join a gym, you might find yourself loving it once you do. You will find yourself with a whole lot of different opportunities to take classes and use different machines. This will change the way that you exercise. Then, if you use a personal trainer, you may reach your goals quickly and decide to push even harder. If you have children, you may also take advantage of a gym that offers childcare so you can’t use that excuse either.

Contact us or stop by today to see all that our club offers!

Many people prefer to work out at their home. They don't want to embarrass themselves because they are out of shape. They don't want to sweat (quickly) in front of others. They might be intimidated by the many machines and fancy classes that a gym offers.

However, there are many good reasons to get off of your butt and join a fitness gym today.

• Try something new. Sometimes you need to try something new to find out that you really love something. You may find a fun new way to fit exercise into your schedule. It might be so much fun that it won't feel like work (as much).
• Motivation. You will find motivation at a gym. Whether you find workout buddies to monitor and share your progress or bodies that you admire, you should find plenty of motivation at a gym. Maybe you might find a few classes that you hate to miss.
• Childcare. Many people use the excuse that they can't exercise because of their children. Many gyms offer childcare, whether or not it is included in the monthly fee or not. Then, you have no reason not to exercise.
• Personal Trainers. Whether you are just starting an exercise routine or you have been exercising a while, you might need a personal trainer to help you reach your goals. Maybe you need help setting realistic goals and meeting them. A personal trainer might just help you get on your way.

Though you might not want to join a gym, you might find yourself loving it once you do. You will find yourself with a whole lot of different opportunities to take classes and use different machines. This will change the way that you exercise. Then, if you use a personal trainer, you may reach your goals quickly and decide to push even harder. If you have children, you may also take advantage of a gym that offers childcare so you can’t use that excuse either.

Contact us or stop by today to see all that our club offers!

Photo Credit: Susanne Forno

In our world today there is one thing you can do, that doesn’t cost anything but your time, and that can save lives, is giving blood. It’s the ultimate give back! Check out this inspiring story below…

White Marsh Member and employee, Sam Miskiel coordinated a Red Cross Blood Drive at Merritt Athletic Clubs - White Marsh back in August, but it is not a surprise by any means. Sam’s mother, Dawn DiBattista, has been an American Red Cross supporter for many years and has received the “2013 Rising Star” award from the American Red Cross Upper Chesapeake and Potomac Region for her successful bi-monthly blood drives at the company she works for. Dawn’s father and Sam’s grandfather, Nicolas Camillo DiBattista, suffered from a rare blood disorder for more than 42 years and received many blood transfusions; on August 3, 2005 he passed away. The day after his 9 year “angel anniversary”, on August 4, 2014, Sam held his first blood drive at the White Marsh Merritt with his mom Dawn by his side as a helper. Also, Dawn’s sister and husband donated that day, including Sam who just recently started donating blood since turning 18. Sam quickly understood the importance of donating and the gratification that comes along with donating and the lives it can save (up to 3 lives per donation) and how blood transfusions prolonged his grandfather’s life. I visited the club that day with my kids and was privileged to see Sam’s efforts and the support of his family go to such a good cause. I also couldn’t help but notice at least 2 members were first time blood donors and I know there were more. Thank you Merritt and the members that donated that day. I hope you continue to donate every 56 days and encourage other members to donate at the next blood drive! I am so proud of Dawn and Sam for their commitment to the American Red Cross and giving back to the community in honor of their father/grandfather.
Member – Susanne Forno

Give the Gift of Life this holiday season. The demand for blood is great during the holidays and the donation rate decreases. Please consider donating blood at the Merritt Athletic Clubs -White Marsh. Please Pre-register at the club or contact me below.

To register for our next blood drive, please contact Dianne Frager dfrager@merrittclubs.com 410-773-9007 ext. 5534

Photo Credit: Susanne Forno

In our world today there is one thing you can do, that doesn’t cost anything but your time, and that can save lives, is giving blood. It’s the ultimate give back! Check out this inspiring story below…

White Marsh Member and employee, Sam Miskiel coordinated a Red Cross Blood Drive at Merritt Athletic Clubs - White Marsh back in August, but it is not a surprise by any means. Sam’s mother, Dawn DiBattista, has been an American Red Cross supporter for many years and has received the “2013 Rising Star” award from the American Red Cross Upper Chesapeake and Potomac Region for her successful bi-monthly blood drives at the company she works for. Dawn’s father and Sam’s grandfather, Nicolas Camillo DiBattista, suffered from a rare blood disorder for more than 42 years and received many blood transfusions; on August 3, 2005 he passed away. The day after his 9 year “angel anniversary”, on August 4, 2014, Sam held his first blood drive at the White Marsh Merritt with his mom Dawn by his side as a helper. Also, Dawn’s sister and husband donated that day, including Sam who just recently started donating blood since turning 18. Sam quickly understood the importance of donating and the gratification that comes along with donating and the lives it can save (up to 3 lives per donation) and how blood transfusions prolonged his grandfather’s life. I visited the club that day with my kids and was privileged to see Sam’s efforts and the support of his family go to such a good cause. I also couldn’t help but notice at least 2 members were first time blood donors and I know there were more. Thank you Merritt and the members that donated that day. I hope you continue to donate every 56 days and encourage other members to donate at the next blood drive! I am so proud of Dawn and Sam for their commitment to the American Red Cross and giving back to the community in honor of their father/grandfather.
Member – Susanne Forno

Give the Gift of Life this holiday season. The demand for blood is great during the holidays and the donation rate decreases. Please consider donating blood at the Merritt Athletic Clubs -White Marsh. Please Pre-register at the club or contact me below.

To register for our next blood drive, please contact Dianne Frager dfrager@merrittclubs.com 410-773-9007 ext. 5534

All of us here at Baltimore's best gym and fitness club want to remind everyone that it’s Emotional Wellness Month. And as many family doctors have pointed out over the years, the condition of our bodies has the potential to impact our emotions. So this is the perfect week to sign up for a gym and fitness club membership.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends physical exercise, healthy eating, forming social bonds and developing relaxation routines as some of the best ways to achieve emotional wellness. And you’ll find opportunities to do all four at our Merritt Athletic Clubs locations. Just look at our list of health and wellness programs alone. It includes, but isn’t restricted to the following:

• Lunchtime Fitness Sessions with Personal Trainers
• Health Counseling and Wellness Coaching
• Get Fit, Stay Fit Support Groups
• Nutrition and Weight Management
• Anti-Aging Workouts for Seniors
• Fit & Pregnant Classes

We’ve also got a short list of fitness club programs and amenities designed to help people toss away their stress. It includes group fitness, yoga, pilates, dance, aquatics, gymnastics and massage. Of course some folks may find sweating the stress out during a kickboxing class or elliptical workout helpful too.

Plus, there’s something for all members of the family, including the kids. They may enjoy our XRKade, camps, birthday parties and classes. Parents, on the other hand, rave about our onsite childcare services. They make it possible for moms and dads to get a workout in even when their kids’ regular babysitter is out of town.

To learn more about them and the other benefits of joining Baltimore’s best gym during Emotional Wellness Month, please contact us today. And when you do call or e-mail us, be sure to ask about our free e-book offer. It will help provide you with the secrets to achieving excellent health.

All of us here at Baltimore's best gym and fitness club want to remind everyone that it’s Emotional Wellness Month. And as many family doctors have pointed out over the years, the condition of our bodies has the potential to impact our emotions. So this is the perfect week to sign up for a gym and fitness club membership.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends physical exercise, healthy eating, forming social bonds and developing relaxation routines as some of the best ways to achieve emotional wellness. And you’ll find opportunities to do all four at our Merritt Athletic Clubs locations. Just look at our list of health and wellness programs alone. It includes, but isn’t restricted to the following:

• Lunchtime Fitness Sessions with Personal Trainers
• Health Counseling and Wellness Coaching
• Get Fit, Stay Fit Support Groups
• Nutrition and Weight Management
• Anti-Aging Workouts for Seniors
• Fit & Pregnant Classes

We’ve also got a short list of fitness club programs and amenities designed to help people toss away their stress. It includes group fitness, yoga, pilates, dance, aquatics, gymnastics and massage. Of course some folks may find sweating the stress out during a kickboxing class or elliptical workout helpful too.

Plus, there’s something for all members of the family, including the kids. They may enjoy our XRKade, camps, birthday parties and classes. Parents, on the other hand, rave about our onsite childcare services. They make it possible for moms and dads to get a workout in even when their kids’ regular babysitter is out of town.

To learn more about them and the other benefits of joining Baltimore’s best gym during Emotional Wellness Month, please contact us today. And when you do call or e-mail us, be sure to ask about our free e-book offer. It will help provide you with the secrets to achieving excellent health.

Week 6!!! Can you believe you made it this far?? Hows it going? How are you feeling? Are you ready to quit? Have you quit? Why the questions huh? Well, next Monday will mark my one year "FINALEversary." This time last year I was on a flight to L.A. to prepare for the live finale episode. This was going to be the last time I would ever step on the Biggest Loser scale (as a contestant) and would show THE WORLD my progress since they last saw me on TV just a month before. What most people did not know was that leading up to that moment, there were weekly check ins that I had to have with the producers and trainers so that they could monitor my progress. As a contestant, I had a choice. I could have lied about what was really going on in Baltimore and tell them what I thought they would want to hear...all the good things of course, because I was so perfect. OR I could be 100% honest about what was happening. Letting them know about my good days, bad days and those UGLY ones we try to forget about. Looking back, I am so glad I chose the honest route....because I was honest about how I was feeling I was able to work through those things with people who could understand and help me get on the right track. There were some things that were happening to my body chemistry that had I not been honest about some things, I would have developed a severe case of gout which if you don't know anything about it, know that you don't want to know about it. So here you are, take advantage of this time to "check in" not only with yourself, but also with your coaches and fellow "Losers." I promise you will so glad you did.

Week 6!!! Can you believe you made it this far?? Hows it going? How are you feeling? Are you ready to quit? Have you quit? Why the questions huh? Well, next Monday will mark my one year "FINALEversary." This time last year I was on a flight to L.A. to prepare for the live finale episode. This was going to be the last time I would ever step on the Biggest Loser scale (as a contestant) and would show THE WORLD my progress since they last saw me on TV just a month before. What most people did not know was that leading up to that moment, there were weekly check ins that I had to have with the producers and trainers so that they could monitor my progress. As a contestant, I had a choice. I could have lied about what was really going on in Baltimore and tell them what I thought they would want to hear...all the good things of course, because I was so perfect. OR I could be 100% honest about what was happening. Letting them know about my good days, bad days and those UGLY ones we try to forget about. Looking back, I am so glad I chose the honest route....because I was honest about how I was feeling I was able to work through those things with people who could understand and help me get on the right track. There were some things that were happening to my body chemistry that had I not been honest about some things, I would have developed a severe case of gout which if you don't know anything about it, know that you don't want to know about it. So here you are, take advantage of this time to "check in" not only with yourself, but also with your coaches and fellow "Losers." I promise you will so glad you did.

Most people think nothing of drinking a cup or two of coffee every day to wake up and keep ourselves going throughout the. Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle, and it seems harmless enough- until you decide to quit cold-turkey and suffer from painful caffeine-withdrawal headaches and other symptoms. Many people find it almost impossible to quit caffeine and go back to drinking their coffee in a hurry. Why is it so difficult to give up caffeine?

Both caffeine withdrawal and intoxication are now listed as official diagnoses in the latest version of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, commonly referred to as DSM-5. When these caffeine “conditions” impair a person’s ability to function in their daily life, they are considered mental disorders. Both caffeine intoxication and withdrawal occur on a regular basis, but only rarely are symptoms serious enough to be considered a mental disorder.

Caffeine withdrawal headaches can mimic other medical issues. According to Laura Juliano, a psychology professor at American University, “We've heard many times people went to the doctor for chronic headaches or because they thought that they had the flu and it turns out it was caffeine withdrawal and they didn't even know it."

Caffeine withdrawal is classified as a patient experiencing at least three of five symptoms within 24 hours of cutting back or eliminating caffeine: headache, difficulty concentrating, fatigue or sleepiness, irritability, and flulike symptoms such as muscle pain or nausea.

Caffeine intoxication is defined as having symptoms such as insomnia, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, rambling flow of thought and speech, restlessness, or nervousness. The other criteria for intoxication are that the person must have five out of a possible twelve symptoms. Intoxication can occur at levels of more than 250 milligrams of caffeine, and it must be very difficult to function at home or at work.

Many studies have shown that caffeine can have beneficial health effects. But anyone who experiences unwanted effects from caffeine, such as sleeplessness or the jitters should consider scaling back on their consumption. People with diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, or high blood pressure are also advised to avoid caffeine.

"Some people cannot drink any coffee, half-a-cup of coffee or a Coke will keep them up at a night," said Jim Lane, a professor of behavioral medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. However, "if a person doesn't have any unpleasant symptoms, or any health problems that we know are affected by caffeine use, then I would not try to suggest that whatever they consume is too much," he said.

For more information about reaching your health and fitness goals, please contact us.

Most people think nothing of drinking a cup or two of coffee every day to wake up and keep ourselves going throughout the. Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle, and it seems harmless enough- until you decide to quit cold-turkey and suffer from painful caffeine-withdrawal headaches and other symptoms. Many people find it almost impossible to quit caffeine and go back to drinking their coffee in a hurry. Why is it so difficult to give up caffeine?

Both caffeine withdrawal and intoxication are now listed as official diagnoses in the latest version of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, commonly referred to as DSM-5. When these caffeine “conditions” impair a person’s ability to function in their daily life, they are considered mental disorders. Both caffeine intoxication and withdrawal occur on a regular basis, but only rarely are symptoms serious enough to be considered a mental disorder.

Caffeine withdrawal headaches can mimic other medical issues. According to Laura Juliano, a psychology professor at American University, “We've heard many times people went to the doctor for chronic headaches or because they thought that they had the flu and it turns out it was caffeine withdrawal and they didn't even know it."

Caffeine withdrawal is classified as a patient experiencing at least three of five symptoms within 24 hours of cutting back or eliminating caffeine: headache, difficulty concentrating, fatigue or sleepiness, irritability, and flulike symptoms such as muscle pain or nausea.

Caffeine intoxication is defined as having symptoms such as insomnia, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, rambling flow of thought and speech, restlessness, or nervousness. The other criteria for intoxication are that the person must have five out of a possible twelve symptoms. Intoxication can occur at levels of more than 250 milligrams of caffeine, and it must be very difficult to function at home or at work.

Many studies have shown that caffeine can have beneficial health effects. But anyone who experiences unwanted effects from caffeine, such as sleeplessness or the jitters should consider scaling back on their consumption. People with diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, or high blood pressure are also advised to avoid caffeine.

"Some people cannot drink any coffee, half-a-cup of coffee or a Coke will keep them up at a night," said Jim Lane, a professor of behavioral medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. However, "if a person doesn't have any unpleasant symptoms, or any health problems that we know are affected by caffeine use, then I would not try to suggest that whatever they consume is too much," he said.

For more information about reaching your health and fitness goals, please contact us.