Merritt Clubs Blog

   

Fitness is a journey... not a destination

Posted by Joanna Meade

Jan 13, 2014

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.

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Topics: CrossFit, Personal Training, health, Merritt blog, best trainers, Fitness Tips, best health clubs, fitness, Joanna Meade, gyms, baltimore trainers, merritt charm city crossfit, best exercise programs, best workout plans, Baltimore fitness

How to Overcome Hurdles to Achieving Good Physical Health

Posted by RaySa

Sep 27, 2013

 

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

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Topics: Personal Training, get fit, Merritt blog, best trainers, fitness stories, fitness results, Fitness Tips, member success, fitness, best gyms in baltimore, get in shape, baltimore trainers, best workout plans, Member Success Stories, lifestyle change, nutrition, healthy weight loss

How To Sculpt Your Summer Core - Plank Edition 1

Posted by RaySa

Jun 12, 2013

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Topics: fit itps, Personal Training, Merritt blog, best trainers, Fitness Tips, best ways to burn fat, how to get rid of fat, how to get in shape, baltimore trainers, best workouts, jenna scott

Make Personal Training Work for You!

Posted by RaySa

Jan 25, 2013

There are plenty of personal trainers out there willing to take your money and give you a workout. The question is - how do you know which traineris right for you?

Ask some key questions of yourself before approaching a trainer:

1. What is my goal (Weight loss? Overall toning? Better cardio health?)

2. How much time can I commit? (Most trainers will want to meet at least twice a week when beginning with a new client.)

3. Am I willing to change my diet? (Many trainers will ask to see a food log.)

4. By what date do I hope to meet my goal? (Be realistic - trainers are not magicians. If you are not sure what a realistic target is, most trainers are equipped to help with that.)

Then, with those answers in hand, ask some key questions of potential trainers:

1. What certifications do you hold? (There are many certifying bodies. Your goal here is to ensure that your trainer has attained the education necessary to ensure your safety.)

2. What is your training style? (Functional or real life training? Agility for athletes? Helping clients lose weight? You might also ask if the trainer has any prior clients you can speak to. Some carry a portfolio of before and after pictures, which are helpful if your goal is to lose weight or change your appearance.)

3. Do you carry insurance? (Trainers usually carry liability insurance. Some may be covered by their workplace.) By matching your desires to a trainer's style and abilities, you have the best shot of finding a training professional who can help you achieve your goals. Don't forget that you're in charge of the trainer/client relationship. Ask questions that ensure you are getting what you need and want from personal training.

Contact us for more information!

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Topics: Personal Training, Merritt blog, best trainers, health clubs, workout routine to lose weight, Fitness Tips, how to get healthy, fitness goals, best workout plans, best workouts, pt in baltimore, healthy diets

The Truth Behind Personal Training and How to Achieve the Best Fitness Results

Posted by Eric "Scott" Landers

Apr 26, 2012

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Topics: Personal Training, best trainers, weight loss plan, Fitness Tips, fitness trainers, fitness program, program for fitness, exercise to lose weight, personal training facts, best exercise program