Merritt Clubs Blog

My name is Maria and I’m 46 years old with hypertension, a strong family history of heart disease and no longer overweight. It’s been 3 months since I began my quest.I had been putting on weight slowly but steadily for the previous 8 years. I was a good 63 pounds above my ideal weight of 145lbs.The weight was easy to put on and hard to take off - I knew I had to do something and finding someone skilled to work with was my first big step in my journey. That’s where my personal trainer, Steve, came in.I’m truly very thankful that I found him!Steve is very observant, easy going and knowledgeable.Steve takes “personal trainer” to a whole new level providing me with the fitness and nutritional tools that I need to succeed and holds me accountable every week. Communication with my trainer is almost daily!

With Steve’s help & support, I made some serious lifestyle changes since I began this journey. Live healthier and lose weight – that has become my mantra. With Steve’s help, I’ve adapted to a new way of eating, thinking and exercise.I’m realizing my goals through these changes with the support of Gary, my better half, and Steve, my trainer. I won’t lie; at first it was very scary as there were a lot of people at the gym. These people were beautiful and fit but I was determined that I was going to be one of them!!!Steve gave me the confidence I needed to get started.The beginning was painful not to mention slow going.Whenever Steve said “time for planks” I wanted to run to the nearest Exit door and/or scream “UNCLE!!!”- I’m pretty sure that there were, at times, tears. I hadn’t exercised consistently since Moby Dick was a minnow…. It was rough but I was determined.

Every week, Steve custom designs workout routines that are tailored to my needs and he always reminds me “remember your goals Maria”.Whenever I feel like I want to give up I hear Steve’s words and I stand firm. After the first 3 weeks - I no longer felt as if I needed to carry an oxygen tank around with me or feel as if I needed to go to the nearest Emergency Room. I could do this… was doing it!I had become “one of those people” at the gym. I have the support of both, Gary, my biggest cheerleader and the support of my trainer.

Steve has found ways to mix up my routine to ensure that I got the most out of every session – even going so far as to mix up my planks so that I don’t“get bored”. Steve has provided me with nutritional guidance, switching this with that, journal writing and educating me with web site tools to utilize. Don’t get me wrong, there are times where I want to cave, but Steve won’t let me.Support and encouragement is there every step of the way. Steve knows when I push myself.He provides me with the encouragement to continue and will pull me back when he knows I’m pushing too hard. I now look at gym equipment and exercise in general with excitement - no longer with fear.With the nutritional, lifestyle changes and my training sessions with Steve, I’ve lost 23 pounds.My blood pressure has been normal for the past 2 months!I look in the mirror now and say to myself….. “Not bad!”I’ve gotten lots of compliments lately; I just smile and say “Body by Steve!”

As the summer begins, parents may be looking for opportunities to add some structured fun into the long days of summer. Baltimore's best gym and fitness club is available to help out with that, offering summer camps in a variety of locations to provide opportunities for kids to have fun, be active, and learn.

Kids Camps in Eldersburg

Eldersburg offers a variety of camps for children of many ages. Water lovers can participate in the easy-going Splash and Swim camp, the more focused Michael Phelps swim school, or a junior lifeguard camp. View Eldersburg Camp brochure here. Other offerings include camps focused on:

• Sports
• Karate
• Dance
• American Girls
• Fairy Tales
• Musical Theater
• Video Gaming
• Art
• Pirate Island
• Theme Days

Younger children are not excluded at Eldersburg with special camps just for preschool-aged children, including Wee Sports, Superheroes, and theme camps such as "Dynamic Dinosaur Camp," "Around the Campfire," or "Kids in the Kitchen."

Towson Camps and New Outdoor Pool Complex

Towson offers a brand new pool complex for its members, which includes a baby pool, a large pool with two 18 foot water slides, and a sports field. Towson also offers summer camps for kids, including Junior lifeguarding, the Michael Phelp's swim camp, sports, and American doll camps. View Towson Camps brochure here. They also offer a Princess dance camp for the youngest dancers, and a Walk the Runway Camp for young aspiring fashion designers.

Canton Camps

The Canton location offers many of the same camps as Towson and Eldersburg. Swim camps, sports camps, dance camps, and American girls are some choices. Their unique camps include a Pop Star Dance camp, and an Ultimate Fun camp where kids will go on scavenger hunts, conquer obstacle courses, and play games. View Canton Camps brochure here.

Dance Camps at the Cranbrook Location

If you've got a dancer in the house, and the Cranbrook location is convenient for you, they are offering the Mini Dancing Princess Camp for children ages 3-5, and the Pop Star Dancing Camp for ages 5 and up.

Merritt Athletic Clubs has got you covered for summer activities! Children will not only learn a lot at these camps, they will have lots of fun and want to come back for more. Check our brochure for exact dates, times, and prices for all of these camps and contact us if you have any questions.

As the summer begins, parents may be looking for opportunities to add some structured fun into the long days of summer. Baltimore's best gym and fitness club is available to help out with that, offering summer camps in a variety of locations to provide opportunities for kids to have fun, be active, and learn.

Kids Camps in Eldersburg

Eldersburg offers a variety of camps for children of many ages. Water lovers can participate in the easy-going Splash and Swim camp, the more focused Michael Phelps swim school, or a junior lifeguard camp. View Eldersburg Camp brochure here. Other offerings include camps focused on:

• Sports
• Karate
• Dance
• American Girls
• Fairy Tales
• Musical Theater
• Video Gaming
• Art
• Pirate Island
• Theme Days

Younger children are not excluded at Eldersburg with special camps just for preschool-aged children, including Wee Sports, Superheroes, and theme camps such as "Dynamic Dinosaur Camp," "Around the Campfire," or "Kids in the Kitchen."

Towson Camps and New Outdoor Pool Complex

Towson offers a brand new pool complex for its members, which includes a baby pool, a large pool with two 18 foot water slides, and a sports field. Towson also offers summer camps for kids, including Junior lifeguarding, the Michael Phelp's swim camp, sports, and American doll camps. View Towson Camps brochure here. They also offer a Princess dance camp for the youngest dancers, and a Walk the Runway Camp for young aspiring fashion designers.

Canton Camps

The Canton location offers many of the same camps as Towson and Eldersburg. Swim camps, sports camps, dance camps, and American girls are some choices. Their unique camps include a Pop Star Dance camp, and an Ultimate Fun camp where kids will go on scavenger hunts, conquer obstacle courses, and play games. View Canton Camps brochure here.

Dance Camps at the Cranbrook Location

If you've got a dancer in the house, and the Cranbrook location is convenient for you, they are offering the Mini Dancing Princess Camp for children ages 3-5, and the Pop Star Dancing Camp for ages 5 and up.

Merritt Athletic Clubs has got you covered for summer activities! Children will not only learn a lot at these camps, they will have lots of fun and want to come back for more. Check our brochure for exact dates, times, and prices for all of these camps and contact us if you have any questions.

You've been working hard all winter getting in shape, but now that the nice weather is here, a change of pace is in order. Get off that indoor treadmill and head outside! Merritt athletic clubs in Towson offer a new outdoor space that is great for individuals and families.

New Outdoor Pool Promises Summer Fun

Merritt Athletic Clubs in Towson has been working hard on a new outdoor recreation area, and it is just about ready to open. The outdoor complex has a baby pool complete with a fun, squirting dolphin sculpture. In addition, families can cool off together in a large pool that has plenty of room along with two 18 foot waterslides.

Members will also enjoy new lockers, restrooms, and lounge chairs for relaxing. Work up an appetite while playing in the pool? An outdoor grille featuring Panache Fine catering will take care of hungry members so there's no need to leave. In between dips in the pool, kids can work up a sweat on a large outdoor sports field adjacent to the pool area.

Towson plans a grand opening celebration for their new pool area on June 15th, from 12 to 5pm, although it will be available to members at the end of May. Merritt Athletic Clubs offer a similar feature at their location in Eldersburg. Canton and Locust Point locations have an outdoor pool as well.

Merritt Athletic Clubs want to provide a place that gives families an opportunity to relax and play together. This new pool complex will give families a way to spend time together, while having fun and being active. If you'd like to become a member and see all that Merritt Athletic Clubs have to offer, contact us (410-821-0160).

You've been working hard all winter getting in shape, but now that the nice weather is here, a change of pace is in order. Get off that indoor treadmill and head outside! Merritt athletic clubs in Towson offer a new outdoor space that is great for individuals and families.

New Outdoor Pool Promises Summer Fun

Merritt Athletic Clubs in Towson has been working hard on a new outdoor recreation area, and it is just about ready to open. The outdoor complex has a baby pool complete with a fun, squirting dolphin sculpture. In addition, families can cool off together in a large pool that has plenty of room along with two 18 foot waterslides.

Members will also enjoy new lockers, restrooms, and lounge chairs for relaxing. Work up an appetite while playing in the pool? An outdoor grille featuring Panache Fine catering will take care of hungry members so there's no need to leave. In between dips in the pool, kids can work up a sweat on a large outdoor sports field adjacent to the pool area.

Towson plans a grand opening celebration for their new pool area on June 15th, from 12 to 5pm, although it will be available to members at the end of May. Merritt Athletic Clubs offer a similar feature at their location in Eldersburg. Canton and Locust Point locations have an outdoor pool as well.

Merritt Athletic Clubs want to provide a place that gives families an opportunity to relax and play together. This new pool complex will give families a way to spend time together, while having fun and being active. If you'd like to become a member and see all that Merritt Athletic Clubs have to offer, contact us (410-821-0160).

Photo Courtesy: Ray Salas, Trainer

Tired of your current workout?

Not sure how to lose those unwanted inches or having trouble toning muscles?

Always feel fatigued, never have enough energy, or need help staying motivated?

If you answered Yes to any of the questions, then bootcamp is for You!

“All you have to do is show up and let me take care of the rest” –Ray Salas, Trainer

Each week Ray’s got a new playlist that’s bound to get your body moving. No matter what your fitness level is, this class is made to do one thing, Burn Calories and have fun doing it!

Challenge yourself and try a class!

Photo Courtesy: Ray Salas, Trainer

Tired of your current workout?

Not sure how to lose those unwanted inches or having trouble toning muscles?

Always feel fatigued, never have enough energy, or need help staying motivated?

If you answered Yes to any of the questions, then bootcamp is for You!

“All you have to do is show up and let me take care of the rest” –Ray Salas, Trainer

Each week Ray’s got a new playlist that’s bound to get your body moving. No matter what your fitness level is, this class is made to do one thing, Burn Calories and have fun doing it!

Challenge yourself and try a class!

Many people interested in fitness and nutrition have heard the term “intermittent fasting”. Maybe you are wondering what the buzz is all about and whether it can be a part of a healthy lifestyle?

In simple terms, intermittent fasting means going without food for a certain period of time. There are different types of intermittent fasting, including:

• All-day fasting- Usually this means eating an evening meal, and then going without food until the following evening, or approximately 24 hours.
• Alternating days of fasting- This involves fasting on one day and then eating normally the following day.
• Partial-day fasting- This allows for a specific window of time for eating, and then fasting the remainder of the day. Someone might eat during a 6-8 hours period of time, and then fast for the other 16 to 18 hours in the day.

The human body requires energy to digest or absorb the nutrients in food. Once a meal has been digested and all the nutrients absorbed, the body enters a fasted state, and begins generating energy from stored fat and protein.

An intermittent fast might have some beneficial effects on metabolism, and could help control weight and manage blood glucose levels. Clinical studies have shown that lowering food intake could actually slow the aging process by controlling potentially harmful free-radicals that are produced in metabolizing nutrients in food.

A calorie-restricted diet that has 60-80% of the normal intake of food can result in an unhealthy obsession with food. Studies done at the University of Minnesota during the 1940s showed that men who consumed 40% of their normal intake of food developed unhealthy eating patterns such as bingeing.

Most people find intermittent fasting for certain periods of time or on alternating days easier to follow than a strict calorie-restricted diet all the time. It might be worth experimenting with intermittent fasting to see if it helps you reach your health and fitness goals.

Please contact us for more information.

Many people interested in fitness and nutrition have heard the term “intermittent fasting”. Maybe you are wondering what the buzz is all about and whether it can be a part of a healthy lifestyle?

In simple terms, intermittent fasting means going without food for a certain period of time. There are different types of intermittent fasting, including:

• All-day fasting- Usually this means eating an evening meal, and then going without food until the following evening, or approximately 24 hours.
• Alternating days of fasting- This involves fasting on one day and then eating normally the following day.
• Partial-day fasting- This allows for a specific window of time for eating, and then fasting the remainder of the day. Someone might eat during a 6-8 hours period of time, and then fast for the other 16 to 18 hours in the day.

The human body requires energy to digest or absorb the nutrients in food. Once a meal has been digested and all the nutrients absorbed, the body enters a fasted state, and begins generating energy from stored fat and protein.

An intermittent fast might have some beneficial effects on metabolism, and could help control weight and manage blood glucose levels. Clinical studies have shown that lowering food intake could actually slow the aging process by controlling potentially harmful free-radicals that are produced in metabolizing nutrients in food.

A calorie-restricted diet that has 60-80% of the normal intake of food can result in an unhealthy obsession with food. Studies done at the University of Minnesota during the 1940s showed that men who consumed 40% of their normal intake of food developed unhealthy eating patterns such as bingeing.

Most people find intermittent fasting for certain periods of time or on alternating days easier to follow than a strict calorie-restricted diet all the time. It might be worth experimenting with intermittent fasting to see if it helps you reach your health and fitness goals.

Please contact us for more information.