Merritt Clubs Blog

   

"Body by Steve"- Maria's Weightloss Story

Posted by Heather Blake

Jul 5, 2013

 

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!”

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, Personal Training, lose weight, fitness success, Weight Loss Success Story, lower blood pressure, motivation, baltimore personal training, Awareness and Support, weightloss, inspiration, Member Success Stories

Lost Your Motivation? A Fitness Center Membership Might Help

Posted by RaySa

Jun 11, 2013

You made a resolution at the beginning of the year to get healthy and lose some weight. You decided to do it on your own, and things were going great for awhile. But now, a couple of months into it, you're losing your spark and your weight loss has reached a plateau. Treating yourself to a fitness center membership might be just the thing to get you back on course.

Variety Prevents Boredom

Maybe you invested in a machine to help you get fit. A treadmill or a elliptical machine are common choices and work well, but after using them everyday they get boring. A gym has many more choices to prevent you from getting bored. You can try different machines, and switch throughout your workout to help you stay interested and make the time fly by. Merritt Athletic Clubs have so many choices you will find yourself exercising longer because you're enjoying your workout time.

Group Classes

Many people think they'd like to exercise by themselves without any onlookers, but there are great benefits to taking a class with other people. You will find comaraderie in meeting people with similar goals, and make friends that will cheer you on. Try a class in pilates, yoga, aerobics, cycling, or give it your all in more intense classes like BodyPump, BodyCombat, or BodyAttack. Whatever your level, we will help you find a class that meets your needs.

Personal Trainers

There's a mindset out there that personal trainers are just for the elite. They are hired by the wealthy or the hard core bodybuilders. Personal trainers at Merritt Clubs are available upon request, and they can help in a variety of ways. Whatever shape you are in, they can evaluate your situation and give you direction to help you achieve your goals. With a few simple tips and encouragement, our trainers can help you get back on the right path.

Maybe you thought you're not a gym person, but your current fitness plan is starting to fizzle out. Consider all the benefits Merritt Athletic Clubs has to offer, and contact us. We love to help people achieve their fitness goals and enjoy a healthier life.

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Topics: Personal Training, Merritt blog, Fitness Tips, Baltimore Group Fitness, motivation, best gyms in baltimore, how to get healthy, how to lose weight fast, baltimore trainers, fitness solutions, group fitness

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