Merritt Clubs Blog

   

Kids Fitness: Study says Elementary School Kids are Unhappy with their Bodies

Posted by RaySa

Sep 29, 2014

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Topics: Merritt blog, diet, family fitness, best diets, Fitness Tips, best kids fitness, balanced diet, kids fitness, Baltimore fitness, best gyms, gym membership

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

Top Four Tips for Improving Kids Fitness

Posted by RaySa

Dec 27, 2012

Kids fitness has become a national conversation over the last decade. As childhood obesity grows, many parents are concerned about keeping kids active, and promoting good physical and mental health. Consider our top four tips for improving your kid's overall fitness level.

  1. Be a role model. First, your children need to see you set a good fitness example. This doesn't mean you must run a marathon while pushing your toddler in a stroller. Simply promote an active lifestyle. Walk short distances instead of driving. Take regular walks or bike rides around your neighborhood. Encourage kids to walk themselves instead of riding in a stroller once they are old enough. When asked to participate in an activity, such as when your toddler brings you a ball, take the time to do it. Go to a local playground. Use the swings and slides yourself.
  2. Provide alternatives. Exercise does not have to be structured or scheduled. Spontaneously have a family dance-off to your kid's favorite music. Throw a frisbee. Rollerskate, rollerblade or skateboard in a safe place. Play a game of hide and seek. Let your child choose the activity.
  3. Stay active even when it's cold. Sometimes it's hard to keep an active pace when the weather is not ideal. However, puddle-jumping in rain boots or making snow angels in your snow suit can be a lot of fun. Explore summer destinations, such as the beach, in the winter. Find a local indoor swimming pool or play area. Merritt Clubs offer indoor swimming lessons starting at six months of age and an indoor play area for children to use while their parents are working out. Many team sports and extra curricular activities are offered through the winter, such as hockey, arena football or dance classes. Find out what's available in your area.
  4. Emphasize the social benefits. Children do not often understand the health benefits of being fit. However, they do like being with their friends. Meet a group at the park, skating rink or other favorite spot. A group of researchers recently studied the effects of giving children peer mentors to promote physical activity. The study followed 800 children from 10 different schools. The results showed that students from the peer-mentored schools took 1,000 more steps per day and had better overall cardiovascular health. The students only participated in the peer-led activities once every two weeks. However, the social interaction was a catalyst for improved physical activity on a daily basis.

The benefits of keeping kids physically fit go way beyond fighting obesity. Experts agree being active improves their sleeping habits, posture, self-esteem, concentration, bone and muscle structure, balance, developmental skills, flexibility and social skills.

Merritt Athletic Clubs are focused on family health. Contact us to find out about the many amenities available to families.

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Topics: cardiovascular health, health fitness tips, kids obesity, family fitness, childhood fitness, Fitness Tips, merritt fitness, family health, fitness examples, kids fitness, Awareness and Support, top fitness tips

A few Ways for Busy Parents to Find Time to Exercise

Posted by Andrew Barranco

Jan 17, 2012

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.

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, playtime and exercise, working parents, exercise tips, fitness jumpstart, family fitness, time for exercise, Fitness Tips, busy parents, make a difference, exercise Baltimore