Merritt Clubs Blog

   

Baltimore’s Best Gym and Fitness Club Recognizes Emotional Wellness Month

Posted by RaySa

Oct 29, 2014

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:

 

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.

 

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, wellness programs, Merritt blog, baltimore gyms, Fitness Tips, fitness, wellness, fitness clubs, health programs, Awareness and Support, Baltimore fitness, nutrition, best gym

3 Reasons to drink the CrossFit KoolAid

Posted by Joanna Meade

Apr 11, 2014

Looking at these pictures, I am reminded of why I love CrossFit. I can see the agony and determination on our faces. What’s more difficult to see is the the elation. This was one of the most fun and challenging competitions I’ve ever experienced. The pictures are from the Mid-Atlantic Affiliate Challenge, a team competition for CrossFitters from the entire Mid-Atlantic region. This weekend I’ll be competing for a second time. A lot has happened in the last year, including a shoulder injury, a lot of time off and rehab. Leading up to this point every time I think about it I fight back the urge to toss my cookies. All the old self-doubts surface. Am I ready to compete again? Will I hurt my shoulder? What if I let my teammates down? And so, on. What's worse is after last year I know just how bad it hurts physically. Why on Earth then, would I voluntarily put myself through the agony once again?

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Topics: Personal Training, health fitness tips, Merritt blog, Weight Loss, baltimore gyms, help with weight loss, workout routine to lose weight, fitness, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate Challenge, Fitness workout, Personal trainer, merritt charm city crossfit, Baltimore fitness, get healthy, diet lifestyle change, group fitness

Your own worst enemy

Posted by Joanna Meade

Feb 25, 2014

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Topics: CrossFit, Personal Training, health fitness tips, Merritt blog, Weight Loss, baltimore gyms, healthy lifestyle, Fitness Tips, fitness, mindful, Personal trainer, mental health, merritt charm city crossfit, Baltimore fitness, diet lifestyle change, being present, best gyms, yoga

Looking for fitness in all the wrong places

Posted by Joanna Meade

Feb 3, 2014

Recently I asked a friend what they thought I should blog about. “Sex” was the answer. I laughed. All I could think was fitness is more than looking good naked. If that is your only motivation to get fit, you will most likely never get there. You have to find something that challenges you, inspires you and motivates you to get your lazy behind off the couch every day. Trust me. Looking good naked, isn’t enough.

On second thought, however I remembered that Valentine's Day is coming up and realized that sex is actually a perfect topic.

For a lot of people going to the gym is like unsuccessful online dating. You are trying so hard to get in shape, or find the right mate, but nothing is working. You can’t seem to get what you want no matter how hard you try...and it seems like you’ve tried EVERYTHING. Strangely, we often find someone worth dating in the weirdest places when we aren’t looking for them at all. What gives?

The truth is if you are looking for someone else to fulfill you, then you are doomed to be unhappy. It starts with you. You have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. A welcomed side effect of self-improvement, of loving yourself first, is that others find you more desirable. Fitness is no different; the side effect of being fit, is a rocking body that you worked hard to earn. If you are trying to get the rocking body without being fit - without earning it - you may be that desperate online single looking for love in all the wrong places.

And, to satisfy my friend, the fitter you are, the better your sex life will be. Research shows sexual dysfunction is more likely among women and men with poor physical and emotional health. Moreover, sexual dysfunction is highly associated with overall well-being. In the United States there is a surprisingly high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in both sexes. It is estimated that 31% of men and 43% of women experience some form of sexual dysfunction. That’s right - more women than men experience sexual dysfunction. Your physical and emotional health are the key.

Want to get a date, look better naked, have better sex, and generally improve all aspects of life? Focus on taking care of yourself first; loving yourself and prioritizing your fitness will take care of most of your problems. It’s that simple, and yet so difficult.

Joanna Meade (view bio) is a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer at the Downtown Athletic Club. She is a Level OneCrossFit instructor and competitor. She can be reached at Merritt Athletic Clubs Downtown Club at 410-332-0906 or click here for a Free CrossFit Session.

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Topics: Personal Training, health fitness tips, Merritt blog, Weight Loss, baltimore gyms, healthy lifestyle, Fitness Tips, fitness, Personal trainer, Baltimore fitness, diet lifestyle change

Kids Fitness: How Busy Parents Can Find Family Time at Health Clubs

Posted by RaySa

Jan 23, 2014

Family time and kids fitness are two major concerns for modern parents. A new study confirms that Americans are spending barely eight hours a week with their children. A health club membership may be just what you need to reverse the trend and get everyone in shape.

If you feel like you barely see your kids during the week, you’re not alone. The study conducted by Virgin Holidays and Universal Orlando Resort discovered that the daily average is just 36 minutes for the time families spend together. Weekends are a little better with over 2 hours of family time each day, but many people say they mostly count on holidays to reconnect.

Going to the gym as a family is a great way to meet up more often and boost your fitness. There are several ways to get around the most common obstacles:

Meals: Eating quickly doesn’t have to mean fast food. Prepare dishes you can cook ahead of time on weekends and freeze the leftovers. Chili and lasagna are two old favorites. Pack a cooler full of cut vegetables, pita bread and hummus, and stick it in your car for healthy dining on the go. Turn a salad into a balanced meal with leftover fish or chicken.

Homework: Kids usually need a break between school and homework. Hit the gym on the way home from work and school. If you need to schedule visits for later in the evening, present your health club visits as a reward for completing their studies.

Bed Times: Of course, rest is essential too. After your workout, arrange quiet time before retiring. Read books or take a warm bath. Shut off TVs, phones and other devices.

Merritt Athletic Club is committed to keeping Baltimore families healthy. Check out our pool, gymnastics, dance and other programs for kids. Contact us to learn more.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, kids obesity, best fitness programs for kids, Merritt blog, baltimore gyms, kid fit, Fitness Tips, family health clubs, kids party ideas, gyms, kids fitness, Baltimore fitness, nutrition, best gyms

Are You Taking Your First Group Fitness Class?

Posted by RaySa

Dec 13, 2013

Whenever someone takes a class for the first time, it can be a little intimidating or overwhelming. When you arrive for your first group fitness class, you do not know how to start or what equipment you should use. A group fitness class should be fun and energizing. The class should also give you a relief from everyday stress, not give you a headache.

Here are some tips to help you handle the first class:

Meet Your Instructor

Introduce yourself to your group fitness instructor. Let your instructor know you are participating in your first class. Your instructor may recognize that you are new to the class, and he or she will be able to help you with the first steps. Your instructor can get you accustomed to the equipment, and give you helpful advice on what to expect.

Meet Other People

Introduce yourself to anyone standing near you. Most people who participate in group fitness classes are sociable people. When you are running on a treadmill surrounded by people who are pushing you and motivating you to succeed, it can be an amazing experience for you. The other participants can have great information and advice on how to feel comfortable in the class. The other group participants all had a first day of class too, and they stuck with it. So can you!

Try A Few Classes

Before you decide if you like the class, try attending three or four classes first. Not every group fitness class has the same skill level and learning curve. When you go into each class, go in prepared and willing to try new things. If you are participating in a cardio class that has music, you will probably need to learn the steps before you can get down! If you are participating in a strength class, you will have to know your weight limits. Give yourself time to learn everything you need to know before you make a decision.

These tips can help you gain the confidence to participate in a group fitness class. One day you may be able to help a new participant in his or her first group fitness class.

Contact us for more information about group fitness.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, Personal Training, group fitness classes, best fitness trainers, baltimore gyms, Fitness Tips, fitness, weight loss programs, best exercise programs, Baltimore fitness, best fitness tips, nutrition, group fitness, best gyms

What Makes Merritt Athletic Club 24 hr Canton one of the Best Gyms

Posted by RaySa

Jun 20, 2013

In 2012, Merritt Athletic Clubs 24 hr Canton was voted one of the best gyms by the Baltimore Magazine. There are a lot of gyms out there so why did this club surpass all the others? First, the membership fees are pretty competitive and reasonable, ranging from $50-89 per month but that also gets you access into the other nine Merritt regional locations. Price typically is one of the deciding factors and when you are able to pay one fee for 10 gyms, that’s a pretty good deal. It’s very convenient, too, especially if you travel around town a lot.

The next thing that put the Canton club above other gyms is the amazing facilities that they offer 24 hours a day. The spinning studio has an amazing light and sound system, the pool has a beautiful view of the harbor, and if that’s not enough the full-service day spa can help you relax. The basketball court and two squash courts are good for pickup games or just to practice some drills. You won’t have to worry about getting bored with the group fitness schedule since you’ll have 70 classes a week to choose from. And while you are doing all that, you’re little ones will have a cheerful day-care to go to.

Being the official club of the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders, you’ll have fun while working out. contact us to find out more information about how to become a member.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, Personal Training, Merritt blog, baltimore gyms, best health clubs, 24 hr gyms, free gym trials, gyms in baltimore, group fitness, canton club, best gyms, gym membership

5 Things to Look for when Joining a Fitness Club

Posted by RaySa

Jun 20, 2013

Joining a fitness club is a big financial commitment and so finding the right facility that you will enjoy going to is critical to making the most out of your monthly dues. Take a tour, ask lots of questions and try out the fitness club first before signing any contract. Here are five things that you should keep in mind while you are searching for your fitness club.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, pool pass, Personal Training, join a gym, best fitness clubs, Merritt blog, baltimore gyms, Fitness Tips, free membership trials, membership special, Baltimore fitness, group fitness, guest pass, merritt clubs, best gyms, fit tips

Meet Pecs - The Merritt Parrot

Posted by RaySa

Jun 19, 2013

MEET PECS THE MERRITT PARROT

Congratulations Member Katherine Devaney won the name the parrot Contest. Katherine won a $50 Sports Authority gift card!

Keep your eyes peeled for Pecs. He will be making appearances on the marketing throughout the clubs.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, pecs the parrot, Merritt blog, baltimore gyms, merritt mascot, best health club, Baltimore fitness, pecs, best gym

Variety As The Spice of a Healthy Life

Posted by RaySa

Apr 30, 2013

Feeling bored in your usual workout routine? The cold winter months are a great time to investigate variety as the spice of a healthy life.

According to researchers at the University of Florida, “One of the main reasons people stop exercising is that they get bored.” Adding variety to your exercise routine is a way to avoid boredom and continue your commitment to healthy living.

Adding variety to your workout routine is most simply done through your choice of exercise mode. Some examples of exercise modes include cardiovascular exercise (such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming), interval training (such as circuit training), and strength training (such as kettle bell exercises or traditional weight lifting exercises). These options and many more are available to you at Merritt Clubs! Friendly and knowledgeable staff members are ready to assist you as you search for new workout options to add to your routine.

As you try new kinds of exercise, make sure to take note of the amount of fun you are having! With so many options available to you, there is no need to stick to a monotonous routine that leaves you dreading every trip to the gym. Find activities you enjoy and keep them part of your routine! For example, if strength training is your preferred mode of exercise, you can add variety through the equipment used in your workouts. A dumbbell workout can be alternated with a TRX workout; or a kettlebell workout can alternate with a workout of body weight exercises.

So remember, variety is the spice of a healthy life! There is no limit to the creativity and variety one can enjoy while pursuing a healthy, balanced life.

Merritt Athletic Clubs is the largest fitness center operation in the Baltimore area with several 24 hour gyms to fit your lifestyle. These include the 24 HR Downtown Athletic Club, 24 HR Buckingham, 24 HR Canton, and 24 HR Cranbrook facilities (Eldersburg, Fort Avenue, Owings Mills, Security, & Towson). Contact us to learn more.

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Topics: healthy living, Merritt Athletics, Personal Training, 24 hr fitness clubs, Merritt blog, baltimore gyms, best exercies, healthy lifestyle, good variety workouts, Fitness Tips, best way to lose weight, fitness, 24 hr gyms, fitness centers, gyms, workout routines, healthy tips, nutrition, group fitness, spice of life