Merritt Clubs Blog

   

Kids Fitness: How Busy Parents Can Find Family Time at Health Clubs

Posted by RaySa

Jan 23, 2014

Family time and kids fitness are two major concerns for modern parents. A new study confirms that Americans are spending barely eight hours a week with their children. A health club membership may be just what you need to reverse the trend and get everyone in shape.

If you feel like you barely see your kids during the week, you’re not alone. The study conducted by Virgin Holidays and Universal Orlando Resort discovered that the daily average is just 36 minutes for the time families spend together. Weekends are a little better with over 2 hours of family time each day, but many people say they mostly count on holidays to reconnect.

Going to the gym as a family is a great way to meet up more often and boost your fitness. There are several ways to get around the most common obstacles:

Meals: Eating quickly doesn’t have to mean fast food. Prepare dishes you can cook ahead of time on weekends and freeze the leftovers. Chili and lasagna are two old favorites. Pack a cooler full of cut vegetables, pita bread and hummus, and stick it in your car for healthy dining on the go. Turn a salad into a balanced meal with leftover fish or chicken.

Homework: Kids usually need a break between school and homework. Hit the gym on the way home from work and school. If you need to schedule visits for later in the evening, present your health club visits as a reward for completing their studies.

Bed Times: Of course, rest is essential too. After your workout, arrange quiet time before retiring. Read books or take a warm bath. Shut off TVs, phones and other devices.

Merritt Athletic Club is committed to keeping Baltimore families healthy. Check out our pool, gymnastics, dance and other programs for kids. Contact us to learn more.

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Special Classes Make Kids' Fitness Fun and Healthy

Posted by RaySa

Jun 11, 2013

It seems that most of the adults in this world have been trained to dread exercise. Somewhere along the way we developed the idea that it is a necessary evil, and we tolerate it at times, but it is not something to enjoy. Don't you want to change that mindset in your children? Get your children involved in some fun like summer camps or kids fitness classes that they will look forward to going to. Merritt Athletic Clubs offer many choices that kids will love.

XRKade Video Gaming Fitness

Have a gamer in the family? XRKade is a new video arcade focused on active games to get the user's heart pumping. Dancing, snowboarding, and bicycling are just a few of the games kids can participate in to get healthy while having fun.

Karate Classes

This non-traditional exercise class will train the mind and body as kids gain physical strength and mental focus. Both boys and girls enjoy learning karate, and classes are available for adults who want to try it too. Learn more here.

Dance and Gymnastics Classes

For kids who like to move, dance and gymnastics provides a great exercise routine, but the kids will only remember the fun. Gymnastics classes start for children as young as 18 months and dance for those 2.5 years and older. Zumba classes are also available for kids who like to dance but want to take a "grown up" class like Mom.

Wee Sports

Remember playing games on the playground like "Tag" and "Red Light, Green Light?" You probably didn't even realize you were exercising while having so much fun. Kids 3-5-years-old can play these classic games and start their fitness routine on a fun note.

Swimming

Swimming is a great workout and lessons are available for all ages, even adults. Do your kids resist traditional lessons? Simply hop in and play some fun water games to build endurance and burn calories.

Recently there has been a focus on encouraging children to live healthy, active lifestyles. Fitness Centers across the country are starting to provide opportunities for children to come in and take classes that are fun and interesting. If you live in Maryland and have a Merritt Athletic Club near you, check out some of these great opportunities for kids to get healthy. For more information on classes and schedules, contact us.

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