Merritt Clubs Blog

How many times have you uttered the words, “I’ll start Monday”?

Chances are we've all said or thought this at least once in our lives. I’m willing to bet there are more than a few people out there that have used some event - a wedding, reunion, significant birthday, 5k race - as motivation to “get in shape,” only to find themselves back at square one shortly after the event has passed. If you can relate, I’ve got news for you: just like life, fitness doesn’t start on Monday and it doesn’t end after the wedding cake has been cut. It started the moment we were born, and it won’t end until the day we die. Every choice has a consequence.

The choices we make every day make us healthier or sicker. Our fitness (or lack there of) is the accumulation of every single one of the seemingly insignificant choices we make every day: hit the snooze button, or hit the pavement at 6AM; eat the side salad or the french fries; pull an all nighter or ask for an extension on your deadline; take the dog for a walk or let him out the back door. It all adds up.

Furthermore, we usually make decisions based on past decisions. That means bad decisions can easily become habitual. Going home to rest after work instead of going directly to the gym suddenly becomes the norm instead of the exception. Having that beer and pizza during the game last week makes it easier to do again this week.

People often seek out a personal trainer with a specific goal or event in mind thinking that six weeks will get them there and that once they achieve their goal the work is done. Unfortunately, it took a lot of poor choices to get out of shape and it takes a lot of smart choices to get in shape, perhaps even more eye opening is the fact that getting in shape never ends.

Personal trainers are a resource. Not only can we help get you to your goal, we can also give you knowledge so you can continue to make smart choices long after we’ve parted ways. However, we can’t do the work for you. You make millions of decisions every day that affect your overall health. We can’t be there all the time to make the right choices for you. And a few hours a week with us won’t undo the other hours of less than optimal conditions of life.

So, don’t fool yourself into thinking your fitness goals are a destination. They aren’t. They are just another step along the journey of your life. And the journey doesn’t start Monday either. It’s going on right now. Right now is your opportunity to make a better decision.

Need help learning how to make a better decision? Seek out a personal trainer and get the advice, motivation and support you need to make the most of your journey.

Joanna Meade (view bio) is a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer at the Downtown Athletic Club. She is a Level One CrossFit 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.

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.