Merritt Clubs Blog

   

MS Won't Stop Me from Being a Warrior

Posted by Julie Wigley

Mar 5, 2019

I remember the day exactly. It was St. Patrick’s Day 2010 and I was out with a group of friends. We had been drinking and enjoying ourselves. I started to notice when I would look down at the ground my legs would go numb.
Strange? Yes. Concerning? Not yet.

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Topics: les mills, Baltimore Group Fitness, strength and conditioning, group fitness

Pump it Up

Posted by Amelia Luchey

Jan 9, 2019

We're kicking off one of my favorite times of year – Les Mills Launch Week (I might even argue that it’s better than Christmas)!  Each quarter we receive a new release with brand new music and moves that we get to present for our members to keep our classes fresh.  What makes it more exciting is that we get to team teach and work with some of our other fabulous Merritt instructors who we don’t get to see on a regular basis and who can spice up the experience and bring a little extra energy for our members.

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Topics: group fitness classes, les mills, Baltimore Group Fitness, group fitness class, group fitness

Let's Zumba for ALS

Posted by Lori O'Donnell

May 9, 2018

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.

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Topics: Baltimore Group Fitness, group fitness, zumba, als

Diary of a Fitness Newbie: Don’t Stop Believing, Hold On To That Feeling

Posted by Leslie Warren

Dec 5, 2017

My loyal followers! Welcome to my last blog. (Don’t worry, there will be other blogs so you don’t have to collapse in a heap of misery.) Here’s what I’ve learned throughout my year-long process, including a list of my most valuable lessons. I hope these pointers make it to your fridge and serve as inspiration for years to come! 

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Topics: Baltimore Group Fitness, group fitness

Why Group Fitness Beats Going Solo

Posted by Merritt Clubs

Nov 14, 2017

Working out gives you more than just a nice figure for clothes. It improves your body's health, raises your spirits and helps you reach emotional and mental wellness. Knowing these wonderous benefits doesn't always propel individuals to exercise consistently. It is hard work, but there is a secret that makes it easier to reach your physical goals. Group fitness is the trick that keeps you on track.

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Topics: Baltimore Group Fitness, group fitness class, group fitness

Diary of a Fitness Newbie: A Seven Nation Army Couldn’t Hold Me Back

Posted by Leslie Warren

Nov 8, 2017

BODYCOMBAT timeeeeeeeee! Ok guys, I think I found my favorite class because this one is AWESOME! Maybe it’s just my personality that made me enjoy this class, because the idea that I am spending an hour beating up an imaginary person really appeals to me.

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Topics: group fitness classes, Baltimore Group Fitness, group fitness

Diary of a Fitness Newbie: Oh I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Posted by Leslie Warren

Aug 15, 2017

Holy dance moves Batman!

Okay, so maybe BODYATTACK isn’t really dancing, at least presumably not compared to Zumba or BODYJAM. But it is still a very fast-paced choreographed routine that I was not great at. And when I say not great, I mean everyone in the class was basically a professional and I just tried not to break my face.

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Topics: group fitness classes, cardio workouts, Baltimore Group Fitness, group fitness class, group fitness

Lost Your Motivation? A Fitness Center Membership Might Help

Posted by RaySa

Jun 11, 2013

You made a resolution at the beginning of the year to get healthy and lose some weight. You decided to do it on your own, and things were going great for awhile. But now, a couple of months into it, you're losing your spark and your weight loss has reached a plateau. Treating yourself to a fitness center membership might be just the thing to get you back on course.

Variety Prevents Boredom

Maybe you invested in a machine to help you get fit. A treadmill or a elliptical machine are common choices and work well, but after using them everyday they get boring. A gym has many more choices to prevent you from getting bored. You can try different machines, and switch throughout your workout to help you stay interested and make the time fly by. Merritt Athletic Clubs have so many choices you will find yourself exercising longer because you're enjoying your workout time.

Group Classes

Many people think they'd like to exercise by themselves without any onlookers, but there are great benefits to taking a class with other people. You will find comaraderie in meeting people with similar goals, and make friends that will cheer you on. Try a class in pilates, yoga, aerobics, cycling, or give it your all in more intense classes like BodyPump, BodyCombat, or BodyAttack. Whatever your level, we will help you find a class that meets your needs.

Personal Trainers

There's a mindset out there that personal trainers are just for the elite. They are hired by the wealthy or the hard core bodybuilders. Personal trainers at Merritt Clubs are available upon request, and they can help in a variety of ways. Whatever shape you are in, they can evaluate your situation and give you direction to help you achieve your goals. With a few simple tips and encouragement, our trainers can help you get back on the right path.

Maybe you thought you're not a gym person, but your current fitness plan is starting to fizzle out. Consider all the benefits Merritt Athletic Clubs has to offer, and contact us. We love to help people achieve their fitness goals and enjoy a healthier life.

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Topics: Personal Training, Merritt blog, Fitness Tips, Baltimore Group Fitness, motivation, best gyms in baltimore, how to get healthy, how to lose weight fast, baltimore trainers, fitness solutions, group fitness

The Top Three Benefits of Group Fitness Classes

Posted by RaySa

Mar 9, 2013

Maybe you’re one of those people who works out alone most of the time, and that’s fine if it helps you reach your fitness goals. Many people need the focus and quiet that they experience when exercising by themselves. However, if you want to get fit and meet new people at the same time, the logical solution is to find a group fitness class that you like. Beneficial for introverts and extroverts alike, group fitness classes are widely available and suitable for anyone.

According to this article, many people mistakenly think of group fitness as a room full of women and men in sweatbands doing aerobics, circa 1986. The trend was started years ago by the likes of Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda. Times have changed, though, and today’s group fitness offerings include everything from kickboxing and cross training to gentler workouts like yoga and aqua aerobics.

Why has group fitness remained so popular? It has many advantages, but here are just three of the most cited reasons:

1) Accountability. This is particularly true if your class or training group is small. Your absence will be noticed, so you’re less likely to skip that morning class on those days that you’d rather stay in bed. Many people also find a workout buddy to accompany them and keep them accountable; this is especially helpful when you need encouragement to work toward your fitness goals.

2) Motivation. You’re all there for the same reason, and this sense of purpose can help you work harder when you feel your energy waning. Looking around and seeing how easily the rest of the class does those 50 push-ups can give you the confidence boost needed to do the same.

3) Availability of professional advice. When you work out on your own without a trainer or companion, you might be missing out on ways to improve your program. You also risk doing certain exercises incorrectly (while lifting weights, for example), whereas group fitness leaders can show you the correct techniques to keep you safe and maximize your efforts.

With so many options, you’re sure to find a class or group that will help you meet your fitness goals. Contact us today to get started.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, Personal Training, Merritt blog, best fitness classes, Fitness Tips, best way to lose weight, Baltimore Group Fitness, Fitness workout, healthy fitness tips, best weight loss plans, fitness goals, Baltimore fitness, best workouts, best fitness tips, nutrition, group fitness

The Power of Group Fitness

Posted by Heather Blake

Aug 21, 2012

People who do group fitness, stick to work out plans longer and use the gym more often than those who do not attend group fitness classes. The classes are fun and provide constant motivation. It helps you keep a regular schedule because there are set times for the classes. The classes will challenge you with work outs that your body has not done before. Most classes are geared for you to work at your own pace. Group fitness classes are the best way to achieve long term fitness success.

Written By: Brian Wood

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Topics: fun workouts, on track, results, Fitness Tips, fitness success, Baltimore Group Fitness, fitness challenge, Awareness and Support, group fitness