Merritt Clubs Blog

   

Towson Members Conquer Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K

Posted by RaySa

Jun 25, 2013

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, best fitness classes, baltimore running, fitness results, Fitness Tips, best health clubs, fitness, 5k races, fitness goals, best ways to get in shape, Member Success Stories, group fitness, best gyms

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

I Think I Can Do it on My Own

Posted by Heather Blake

Aug 28, 2012

Many people have the idea “I think I can do it on my own.” I like the confidence behind it but what about the tough times. Are you going to continue to push for you goal as the weather changes? What if you get a minor injury will you continue to exercise around the injury? With that, do you have the knowledge rehab the injured area? What I am trying to bring to your attention is information is out there so learn more.

Professionals learn from other professionals all the time. Personal trainers and group fitness instructors are no different. In addition, people become motivated by the people they are surrounding themselves with. Having a supportive social group behind you helps keep motivation up. Furthermore, it provides an outlet to talk about issues or success to inspire or learn from someone else. Knowledge is power. The more you learn about the body and how it functions, the better you will be at training your body. My message to you is seek advice and learn to get better. There is always something else to work on.

Written by: Leigh Nielsen

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Topics: tips, knowledge, Fitness Tips, motivation, support, Awareness and Support, inspiration, fitness goals, nutrition, group fitness

How to Achieve A Lifestyle Change with The Right Training

Posted by Eric "Scott" Landers

Jul 26, 2012

Personal training: finding the right solution that gives lifetime results.

Plenty of people say that they wish they could afford to pay for personal training. They say they would love to do it but it’s too expensive. If you happen to be one of these people I have a few reasons why paying for personal training is not only inexpensive, but it may actually save you money! Research shows that people who are more physically fit and exercise regularly have less of a chance of developing long term health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. For many people time is money so if you are wasting time, you are wasting money. Having a trainer can help you be more efficient with the time you spend on your personal fitness. Third, if you could pay a certain amount of money to be happy with the way you look and feel every day, how much would you be willing to spend?

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Topics: Personal Training, health fitness tips, staying fit, affordable training, training exercise program, best way to lose weight, training tips, Premier Health & Fitness Cente, fitness goals, Baltimore fitness, lifestyle change, eric landers, strength and resistance training, workout plans

One Program That Is By No Means “BORING” (And Your Body Will Thank You)

Posted by RaySa

Jun 12, 2012

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Topics: pregnancy and weight, exercise workouts for women, work out programs, exercise routines, cardio workouts, diet programs, fast track programs, fast track, fitness goals, Member Success Stories, Exercise plan, weight loss diets

Optimize Calorie Burn and Fight Exercise Boredom

Posted by Karen O'Donnell

May 9, 2012

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Topics: weight loss by exercise, Personal Training, an exercise plan, best exercise workouts, best calorie burn, Fitness Tips, fitness workouts, wellness, training and weight loss, baltimore personal trainer, workout major muscles, Personal trainer, best exercise program, fitness goals, workout training plan, great core workout

How To Get Rid of Belly Fat by Tasting The Six Pack

Posted by Eric "Scott" Landers

Apr 30, 2012

Taste The Six Pack

“Do you have abs”? This is a question that a friend of mine who is also trainer was asked by one of his clients. The quick answer, for anyone who is asked this is, YES! We all have “abs” which is the short name for the rectus abdominis, a large muscle in front of the abdomen that if weren’t there we couldn’t walk, lift things, stand upright, and our intestines and other organs would be falling out! So, yes, we all have abs. The specific question this client meant to ask is, “do you have visible abs, or the ever sought after six pack?” That is a very different story. So if we all have abs but most of us can’t see them the question is how do we get a six pack? Well the easy answer is exercise and a proper diet with a strong emphasis on proper diet. We all can’t see our abs but we can all taste them. Taste abs? What the heck do I mean right?! Well as you are reading this right now (as long as you aren’t eating anything) you are tasting what a six pack taste like. Six pack abs taste like seeing that bag of peanut M&Ms and walking past them. Six pack abs taste like not eating a piece of cake, not eating that bag of chips, not overeating, not overloading on carbs. This is a little trick that I taught myself to keep myself from eating junk food. I see something that would be delicious and I am tempted until I remember that NOT eating it is the way to the six pack.

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Topics: gym health clubs, Personal Training, exercise, Weight Loss, baltimore gyms, weight loss and exercise, Baltimore Group Fitness, wellness, baltimore personal trainer, Personal trainer, fitness classes, six pack abs, weight loss programs, health club, fitness goals, group fitness

Fast Trac (free) hi-intensity group workout led by a personal trainer

Posted by RaySa

Mar 6, 2012

It’s called Fast Trac and is a half hour circuit training workout that builds muscle and endurance. For fitness rookies it provides a great workout and an introduction to various forms of resistance training. For people more experienced with fitness Fast Trac provides a setting where they can ratchet up the intensity of their workout. The circuit and mixing in aerobic exercises gets and keeps the heart rate up. Plus everyone gets an opportunity to get advice from a certified Personal Trainer.

Need a fast effective workout? Mix in some Fast Trac sessions for your fitness routine. For all times and locations, click here

By Pat Cassidy, Personal Trainer at Towson

Have a Question? Ask a certified personal trainer or lifestyle and weight management consultant, Click here

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Topics: circuit training, weight loss workouts, body fitness, Personal Training, interval training, healthy workout, Fitness workout, fitness goals, fast trax, fast trac

The Art Behind Training Methods and How They Work

Posted by RaySa

Dec 7, 2011

One thing I have learned as a Trainer is there are many methods to training, but principles are few. One trainer may like bodyweight stuff, while another uses kettlebells. I subscribe to no specific style of training, except hard work. The truth is, there is no perfect program and if you want to get somewhere, there is no quicker way than hard work. I will use kettlebells, dumbbells, machines, bodyweight, TRX, ropes, bands, barbells, sandbags, tires, etc to get the effect I want. All those tools provide me with variety and help break up the monotony of training. Let me tell you, it ALL works. Work people in ranges of motion they can control and vary the tool or apparatus and you WILL get a training effect.

Free weights vs. Bodyweight

Free weights are a great way to train the muscles and allow many benefits. I love bench press because it keeps you more stable and allows for more overload where as the bodyweight push up allows more core and trains the stabilizers. It all comes down to physics, for example if you weigh 150 lbs and do a full bodyweight push up, you have to support probably close to 80-90% of your bodyweight, let's say 120 lbs of your total 150. That force is distributed through both your arms and for convenience lets says close to 50 lbs per arm. That would equate to 50 lb dumbbells in each hand, or close to a 100 lb bench press. How many of you ladies scoff at the bench press as a “manly” exercise and prefer plank holds and push ups on knees? I say put the weights on and get stronger! That will make your body feel lighter and allow you to progress to a harder version. Weights don’t necessarily make you bigger they make you stronger.

Won’t I get bigger? I just want to tone up!

Tone is a misnomer. I don’t know where people got their information, but muscles don’t get longer, slimmer, sexier, or more toned. Muscles can get stronger, weaker, smaller or bigger. You don’t want to be weak; strength is the foundation of movement. If you don’t have strength or stability in a joint, you will likely get injured. Most people (guys included) don’t have to worry about getting too big, because to tell you the truth, gaining muscle mass is probably the hardest thing to do. Also it takes a dedicated nutrition plan, and lots of consistent hard work to put considerable amounts of muscle on. The best way to get toned is to get stronger. You get stronger by lifting heavier weights or increasing the resistance. Of course you should learn perfect technique before you load on weight. Ladies don’t have to worry because unless you take steroids you will never get big like you see in some of those magazines. Women don’t have high levels of testosterone, which is a major anabolic hormone.

What should I do?

The best exercises are the ones that work the total body, are multi-joint, compound lifts. These allow you the most bang for your buck, because they work the entire body and allow you to load on weights to get stronger. This strength can then be used during circuit style training, which gives you a strength reserve to tap into. That means more work done because things are easier when you’re stronger. This is good because the more work you do the more calories you burn. Some examples include deadlift variations, squat variations, rows, bench, and shoulder press. Some notable bodyweight lifts are pull ups, 1 arm push ups, pistol squats, handstands and V-ups.

To learn more about Lee, click here

What's your favorite training style?

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Topics: Personal Training, training exercise program, trx, fitness training, training and weight loss, Personal trainer, training machines, home gym, fitness goals