Merritt Clubs Blog

Fitness is more than looking good naked. Granted, looking good naked is a welcomed side effect of being fit, but it shouldn’t be your only motivation to put down that cookie and lace up your sneakers. Weight, or more appropriately body fat, is only one measure of your health. It’s the one everyone obsesses about. However, there is so much more to it. Blood pressure, body fat, bone density, triglycerides, posture, flexibility, muscle mass, good and bad cholesterol, even your mental health are things we can observe to determine your overall health.

You have to think of your health as a continuum. Every night you don’t get enough sleep, every day you don’t drink enough water, every hangover, every skipped workout and extra slice of pizza; they may not look like they are affecting you now, but rest assured they are. Everything we do, or don’t do, gradually pushes us toward greater fitness or toward morbidity. Being fit is the best way to protect yourself against disease. It's not just something you do to look good for bikini season.

Fitness is a way of life. It has to be a habit. Otherwise, you’ll never gain any traction.

The next time you feel intimidated by some hoss deadlifting 500 pounds, or that gazelle of a woman effortlessly bounding along on her treadmill, remember that we are not all starting from the same point on the continuum. Fitness is a journey. Everyone’s is different. Regardless of where you are on your journey, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Don’t despair that you’ll never look as good as that hoss or gazelle across the gym. Your workout is moving you a step in the right direction on the health continuum. And the next time you tell yourself you’ll make up for that overindulgence at the gym tomorrow, remember that it all adds up. You can't out exercise a bad diet. All your actions outside of the gym need to support your efforts inside the gym to make any progress on the continuum. Keep moving toward fitness and you'll have much more than a beach body. You'll safeguard your life.

There are a host of resources at Merritt Athletic Clubs that can help you continually progress your fitness. We have excellent personal trainers, group fitness instructors, massage therapists, dietitians, a meal service and even physical therapists, all on site. Improve your overall health by taking advantage of these available resources.

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.

The holiday season is officially upon us. As many people will do, you could pig out at every opportunity – and there will be a lot of opportunities between work, friends and family gatherings – and wait until New Year’s to get back on the bandwagon in terms of fitness. You could do that, or you could maintain a healthy base fitness level that will help you to feel better about those holiday indulgences and make it easier to get back in shape for swimsuit season.

It’s important to continue working out regularly if you don’t want the holiday food fest to take its toll and leave you in the post-holiday doldrums, where sometimes it’s all you can do to put on your workout clothes, drive to the gym and look at the machines. Even if you find that the holiday treats are too tempting to pass up every time, you can control the damage by keeping your regular appointments with the treadmill, elliptical machine, barbells or whatever you enjoy doing most at the gym.

Base training during the holidays is a good way to prepare for spring events. When you’re ready, the experienced staff at Merritt Athletic Clubs, the premier fitness health club in the Baltimore area, will be happy to help you renew your commitment to fitness and health. In addition to the top-quality fitness equipment and variety of fitness classes that set us apart from the competition, we offer running and triathlon clubs at each of our locations that will help you get in shape and work toward being able to complete an athletic event at the same time. Did you run competitively in school and think you might like to get back into it? If so, then consider working out within your comfort zone through the holidays and then joining our Biggest Loser or 5 Weeks to 5K Success program to see what it can do for you. In this program, you will have a one-on-one session for a run assessment with one of our trainers, a 5-week training plan for your upcoming 5K race, a nutrition plan to fuel your workouts and weekly group runs where you can meet and mingle with others who are working toward a similar goal. If a triathlon is more your speed, we also offer triathlon training programs for every ability level – from newbies to veteran Ironman competitors – for all sprint triathlons, Ironman competitions and everything in between.

If you don’t already belong to a health club, now is the time to form a new, good-for-you habit and make a commitment to improved health and fitness that will carry over into the new year and the rest of your life. Our experienced staff of fitness professionals is ready and eager to help you meet your goals! Contact us today to learn more.

The holidays are coming up and you're probably looking over your list, trying to figure out a gift for each person that will be appreciated and unique. While many adults enjoy going to the gym, a gift certificate to one is a touchy subject. Some might appreciate it, while others will take offense. Kids however, are another story. A gift certificate to a fitness club that has classes and activities just for them would not only be better than a toy that loses appeal, it would provide fun and promote a healthy lifestyle for a child in your life.

Kids Classes at Merritt Athletic Clubs

If you're in the Maryland area, Merritt Athletic Clubs caters to families. They provide special classes for children year-round, and even have camps and activities when children are on vacation from school. Some of the classes children can choose from include:

• Michael Phelp's swim school
• Karate
• Gymnastics
• Dance
• Zumba Kids
• Kid Fit, an exercise class for 7-12 year-olds
• Wee Sports, for 3-5 year-olds
• Fit Club for 11-15 year-olds
• Wiggle, Giggle & Shake for 6 - 18 months

If you've got a video game lover on your list, XRKade is a special fitness class that challenges kids using the latest video game technology. Kids get fit using Dance, Dance, Revolution, a virtual cycle, a snowboarding program, and other active video games that motivate children who love to live in an electronic world.

Families who enjoys having fun and getting fit together can do it at Merritt Athletic clubs. Kids love to swim, and when families come to one of our pools, they will have a blast while being active.

If you've got a child on your gift list, consider giving them a gift certificate to Merritt Athletic Clubs. They will, without a doubt, enjoy it more than any toy you could give them.

For more information on locations and programs, contact us.

Just a Hint... Honey Holiday wish list!

A few years ago, I was 255 pounds, drinking a 30 pack of beer, and smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day. I had the worst diet, eating fast food and sweets exclusively. I was constantly out of breath, dizzy, and thoroughly miserable all the time. I felt like i was walking dead, numb to the world around me and actually welcomed death. If there was ever a poster for bad lifestyle decisions, it would have my picture on it.

Several events lead me to sober up and stop smoking. These changes were tough. My body was telling me I had better change something soon, or else. My physical and mental health were at the breaking point. I felt considerably better after quitting drinking and smoking, but still felt badly and lacked any energy. So I changed my diet and started walking some. Immediately I started feeling somewhat better, and knew I was headed in the right
direction for healthier living. I was still not feeling as good as I thought I should, so a friend of mine recommended I join a gym, and that he was a member of Merritt in Eldersburg. I joined immediately and started going consistently soon after.

I quickly figured out I would need help developing a routine, getting familiar with the equipment, and most importantly avoiding an injury. Steve Ruby was recommended to me by a friend and immediately I felt comfortable working with him, as he had been through his own struggles as well. There's a huge difference in working with a trainer who has been through the struggle themselves, compared to one who just read about it in a book. Steve has proven thoroughly knowledgable with all aspects of fitness. He keeps me guessing as to what the workout will be that day, and the results are dramatic. I love how Steve always finds a new way to challenge me.

As a direct result, I am now in the best shape of my life, and look forward to my time in the gym. The positive benefits of Lifestyle change and exercise I cannot possibly explain or emphasize well enough. For me, working with someone experienced has made all the difference. Start your journey with a trainer who has walked in your shoes. My highest recommendation is Mr. Steve Ruby

Photo Courtesy: Ray Salas, Trainer

Tired of your current workout?

Not sure how to lose those unwanted inches or having trouble toning muscles?

Always feel fatigued, never have enough energy, or need help staying motivated?

If you answered Yes to any of the questions, then bootcamp is for You!

“All you have to do is show up and let me take care of the rest” –Ray Salas, Trainer

Each week Ray’s got a new playlist that’s bound to get your body moving. No matter what your fitness level is, this class is made to do one thing, Burn Calories and have fun doing it!

Challenge yourself and try a class!

It seems that most of the adults in this world have been trained to dread exercise. Somewhere along the way we developed the idea that it is a necessary evil, and we tolerate it at times, but it is not something to enjoy. Don't you want to change that mindset in your children? Get your children involved in some fun like summer camps or kids fitness classes that they will look forward to going to. Merritt Athletic Clubs offer many choices that kids will love.

XRKade Video Gaming Fitness

Have a gamer in the family? XRKade is a new video arcade focused on active games to get the user's heart pumping. Dancing, snowboarding, and bicycling are just a few of the games kids can participate in to get healthy while having fun.

Karate Classes

This non-traditional exercise class will train the mind and body as kids gain physical strength and mental focus. Both boys and girls enjoy learning karate, and classes are available for adults who want to try it too. Learn more here.

Dance and Gymnastics Classes

For kids who like to move, dance and gymnastics provides a great exercise routine, but the kids will only remember the fun. Gymnastics classes start for children as young as 18 months and dance for those 2.5 years and older. Zumba classes are also available for kids who like to dance but want to take a "grown up" class like Mom.

Wee Sports

Remember playing games on the playground like "Tag" and "Red Light, Green Light?" You probably didn't even realize you were exercising while having so much fun. Kids 3-5-years-old can play these classic games and start their fitness routine on a fun note.

Swimming

Swimming is a great workout and lessons are available for all ages, even adults. Do your kids resist traditional lessons? Simply hop in and play some fun water games to build endurance and burn calories.

Recently there has been a focus on encouraging children to live healthy, active lifestyles. Fitness Centers across the country are starting to provide opportunities for children to come in and take classes that are fun and interesting. If you live in Maryland and have a Merritt Athletic Club near you, check out some of these great opportunities for kids to get healthy. For more information on classes and schedules, contact us.

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.

GRAND OPENING POOL PARTY!!

It’s finally here! The outdoor family fun pool complex at Towson is complete. Join us for a huge grand opening party on June 15, 2013 12-5pm. Bring your friends and family to enjoy all of the fun at the new pool.

A new poll provides evidence that exercise at any time of day is good for sleep, which makes 24 hour gyms sound better than ever. The 2013 National Sleep Foundation (NSF) poll may make you want to reconsider any curfew you set on working out.

Researchers found that exercise at any time of day improved sleep quality for most people compared to getting no exercise at all. The overall results about the connection between exercise and sleep quality were dramatic with 67 percent of exercisers reporting good quality sleep compared to 39 percent of non-exercisers. While conventional wisdom used to warn people that exercising too late at night might keep them up, the NSF has now changed its position to encourage exercise at any hour. The one exception is for people who already suffer from insomnia, who are advised to stick with their doctor’s treatment plan.

This is all good news if you enjoy normal sleep. The new recommendations provide you with more options for when to schedule your workouts. If you travel frequently or work rotating hours and evening shifts, the overnight hours may be the only time you can visit a fitness center. Even if you follow a typical work week, there may be times when a 24 hour gym is convenient like when your schedule is thrown off by holidays or house guests. Of course, you may just be a night owl and like the perks of less traffic and shorter lines for the abdominal machine.

No matter what time of day you work out, you’ll find the doors open at one of our 24 hour gyms. Merritt Athletic Clubs is the largest fitness center operation in the Baltimore area. Contact us to learn more about our 24 hour facilities including 24 HR Downtown Athletic Club, 24 HR Buckingham, 24 HR Canton, and 24 HR Cranbrook.