Merritt Clubs Blog

   

3 Reasons to drink the CrossFit KoolAid

Posted by Joanna Meade

Apr 11, 2014

Looking at these pictures, I am reminded of why I love CrossFit. I can see the agony and determination on our faces. What’s more difficult to see is the the elation. This was one of the most fun and challenging competitions I’ve ever experienced. The pictures are from the Mid-Atlantic Affiliate Challenge, a team competition for CrossFitters from the entire Mid-Atlantic region. This weekend I’ll be competing for a second time. A lot has happened in the last year, including a shoulder injury, a lot of time off and rehab. Leading up to this point every time I think about it I fight back the urge to toss my cookies. All the old self-doubts surface. Am I ready to compete again? Will I hurt my shoulder? What if I let my teammates down? And so, on. What's worse is after last year I know just how bad it hurts physically. Why on Earth then, would I voluntarily put myself through the agony once again?

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Topics: Personal Training, health fitness tips, Merritt blog, Weight Loss, baltimore gyms, help with weight loss, workout routine to lose weight, fitness, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate Challenge, Fitness workout, Personal trainer, merritt charm city crossfit, Baltimore fitness, get healthy, diet 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

How A Trainer Will “Kick Your Ass” But Warn You Beforehand

Posted by RaySa

Jun 18, 2012

JOHN POWER

“I’ve been coming to the gym off and on for the past few years and had used a personal trainer twice during that time. My time working with Ron Zwolak has been “kick ass.” Quite simply, a combination of dedication and new challenges from Ron brought me to a fitness level I’ve looked for since first showing up at Merritt. Each time I had a routine down, Ron would introduce a completely new circuit onthe body parts I was looking to target. I could run down 20 different exercises targeting the abdominals I’ve learned from Ron. Some of these things may have you looking like a fool around the gym, but they are sure to make you sore the next day(s). I’ve heard Ron is a tremendous resource in boxing training –it’s funny to think we have yet to touch one piece of this. I’d recommend Ron to anyone looking to bring it to the next level. Ron Zwolak will kick your ass, but he will warn you beforehand.”

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Topics: baltimore health club, best trainer, Fitness Tips, fitness trainers, best ways to burn fat, results personal training, Fitness workout, fitness trainer, Personal trainer, boot camp training, Member Success Stories, the best way to lose weight

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

An Awesome Motivational Story to Inspire Us All

Posted by Kate Hendrickson

Jan 12, 2012

Get motivated with workout buddies!

What keeps you from the gym and working out? More than likely, it has something to do with lack of motivation, accountability, and/or the dread of boring workouts. You’re not alone. My thoughts have varied from, “It’s been a long week...I don’t feel like going to the gym” to “Seriously, I’m so bored of running on the treadmill” to “It’s not like I’m meeting a trainer so I don’t have to go right now, I can go whenever works for me.” No matter what the excuse, the next day I often feel regretful I didn’t go.

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Topics: workout to lose weight, Merritt Athletics, weight loss workouts, workout tips, Fitness Tips, fitness workouts, Fitness workout, get motivated, workout buddies, toneitup, success stories, women's health magazine, workout baltimore, Awareness and Support, nutrition, group fitness

Mentally Connect to Your Workouts

Posted by Mark Miller

Nov 21, 2011

Its that time of year, holiday season, when you need to check out and gain some much needed R&R because of all the chaos. It is also unfortunately the time most people mentally check out. So I ask you… Are you mentally connected to your workouts?

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Topics: workout tips, Clubs in Baltimore, Holiday Season Weight Gain, health fitness tips, workout routine to lose weight, Fitness Tips, Fitness workout

Zumba Challenge

Posted by RaySa

Aug 2, 2011

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Topics: Weight challenge, weight loss and exercise, dance workout, programs for weight loss, Fitness workout, lifestyle diet change, how to get healthy, dance exercise, weight loss programs, diet lifestyle change, dance fitness, group fitness

Health Clubs Baltimore

Posted by RaySa

Jul 22, 2011

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!

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, gym health clubs, Fitness class, exercise programs, health fitness centers, fitness and health clubs, kids fitness Baltimore, exercise and diet, Fitness workout, Baltimore fitness, gym, exercise Baltimore