Merritt Clubs Blog

   

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

Exercise Your Options: Which Fitness Club is Best for You?

Posted by RaySa

Mar 29, 2013

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, sports clubs, Personal Training, Merritt blog, family fitness, health clubs, Fitness Tips, best health clubs, family clubs, merritt athletic clubs, fitness clubs, kids fitness, best workouts, lifestyle change, 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

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 Losing Fat and the Fat Burning Zone

Posted by RaySa

May 7, 2012

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Topics: Personal Training, burn fat loss, losing the fat, aerobic workouts, fat burning facts, Fitness Tips, best ways to burn fat, anaerobic exercises, zone training, lose weight by exercise, workout lose weight, lose weight lose fat, best workouts, fat lose, the best way to lose weight