Merritt Clubs Blog

If you are a parent I am sure you find it a challenge to find time for yourself. For many busy parents it is all they can do to keep up with their family’s schedule, between work, their children’s growing list of activities and family responsibilities, finding time to workout does not seem possible. As a parent its not news to you, that you often put the needs and wants of your children in front of your own. For the past 10 years I have coached a youth swim team and have seen dedicated parents bring their children to swim practice. Many of these swimmers have created great fitness habits swimming one to two hours 3-5 times a week. Their parents have done a great job of creating a positive fitness habit. However many parents feel they don’t have time for themselves. We encourage our parents to use the club and workout themselves the same time their children are swimming. You are already at Merritt Athletic clubs. You may as well take the 30 minutes your child is in a swim lesson or the swim team practice and get your workout in too! Taking time for yourself is not a selfish act; it’s an investment in yourself and your family. Recently we launched a program called Express Poolside Fitness for Swim Team Parents, an idea suggested by one of the assistant coaches. Regardless of your child’s activities, find time for you! If they are playing soccer or basketball, is their a place you can walk? Or run? A field or track near by? If you would like more information on the Express Poolside Fitness please click here.

The holidays are such an exciting time of year. You get the chance to spend time with family and friends and catch up on everything that has happened throughout the past year. The holidays can also be a very stressful time for some who fear the dreadful weight gain from all of parties, gatherings and holiday cookies. Here are 5 Tips to help you prevent holiday weight gains this season.

1. Eat what you want, just eat less of it. Be sure to use small plates, eat slowly and when you are done get rid of your plate so that you do not go back for more.

2. Drink lots of water. Water will help you to feel fuller quicker.

3. Eat to fuel your body, and workout to be healthy. The best way to relieve stress during the holidays is to take the time to workout. Remember, just 20 minutes a day will help you fight off the holiday pounds.

4. Divert your Attention. Don't just go to parties to stuff your face. Go and enjoy the company of your family and friends around you and keep your focus off of the food.

5. Start Today. Take control of yourself. You have the power to exercise and watch what you eat but you have to be willing to do it. I must say that I am so excited for the holidays and I hope that these few tips will allow you to be excited as well.

Happy Holidays!

Come check out all the exciting things we have going on this summer here at Merritt Athletic Clubs at Cranbrook! We have summer dance camps that will be starting up; we have numerous programs that will be running such as our new biggest loser event called "The 6 Weeks Summer Slim Down", and our new group fitness schedule that we will be kicking off in July. We will be offering a Zumba party at the end of the month of July so if you enjoy dancing this is something you definitely do not want to miss out on. Also we are always looking for new ideas to do at the club so if you have something in mind please let us know, and we will do everything we can to make it happen! When you are in please introduce yourself to our staff here at Merritt so we can get to know you much better. We have Kai Kroeller who is the club manager, John Alban who is the assistant club manager, Vernell Silas and Chris Gajewski in the sales department, and Robin Coady on the front desk. Please give a huge Merritt welcome also to Briauna Snowden who will be starting in July as our new club advisor. Thank you and we hope to be seeing you around the club all summer long!