Merritt Clubs Blog

One of the most popular diet plans out there today is the Paleo Diet, which focuses on lean meat, vegetables, fish, eggs, and nuts. The concept is based on what our Paleolithic ancestors supposedly ate, and has garnered a lot of attention in fitness circles and the press as the perfect answer to the highly processed foods we consume in the modern world. The Paleo diet might support a healthy lifestyle, but is the Paleo diet also an effective way to lose weight?

A panel of diet experts was hired by U.S. News & World Report to review 28 popular diets to determine if they were effective for both long-term and short-term weight loss. They also looked at the safety, nutrition statistics of the diet, and whether it was easy to follow.

The top-rated diet on the list was the DASH diet, and last on the list was the Paleo diet, which was cited as having studies that were “few, small, and short.”

Three of the five studies on the Paleo diet plan had no control group that randomly assigned them to either the Paleo diet or another diet. As a result, without the corresponding control group following another diet, study researchers could not tell if people lost weight because they were simply participating in a study or on a particular diet.

Two other studies that did have control groups assigned participants with heart disease or type 2 diabetes to either a Paleo diet or a Mediterranean diet consisting of whole grains, fruit, olive oil, fish, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. After 12 weeks, the Paleo eaters had lower blood sugar levels, but did not lose any more weight than the Mediterranean group.

Other trials have tried to answer the question of how a particular diet stacks up in the long run. Comparisons of diets such as Atkins, Weight Watchers, or the Zone diet have shown that none of them were better than others. The most important factor in the success of the diet was whether people stuck to them, with more extreme diets like the high-protein Atkins diet being harder to stay on.

If you are trying to lose extra weight, there is no hard evidence that a Paleo diet will get rid of those extra pounds.

For more information on how we can help you reach your fitness goals, please contact us.

One of the most popular diet plans out there today is the Paleo Diet, which focuses on lean meat, vegetables, fish, eggs, and nuts. The concept is based on what our Paleolithic ancestors supposedly ate, and has garnered a lot of attention in fitness circles and the press as the perfect answer to the highly processed foods we consume in the modern world. The Paleo diet might support a healthy lifestyle, but is the Paleo diet also an effective way to lose weight?

A panel of diet experts was hired by U.S. News & World Report to review 28 popular diets to determine if they were effective for both long-term and short-term weight loss. They also looked at the safety, nutrition statistics of the diet, and whether it was easy to follow.

The top-rated diet on the list was the DASH diet, and last on the list was the Paleo diet, which was cited as having studies that were “few, small, and short.”

Three of the five studies on the Paleo diet plan had no control group that randomly assigned them to either the Paleo diet or another diet. As a result, without the corresponding control group following another diet, study researchers could not tell if people lost weight because they were simply participating in a study or on a particular diet.

Two other studies that did have control groups assigned participants with heart disease or type 2 diabetes to either a Paleo diet or a Mediterranean diet consisting of whole grains, fruit, olive oil, fish, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. After 12 weeks, the Paleo eaters had lower blood sugar levels, but did not lose any more weight than the Mediterranean group.

Other trials have tried to answer the question of how a particular diet stacks up in the long run. Comparisons of diets such as Atkins, Weight Watchers, or the Zone diet have shown that none of them were better than others. The most important factor in the success of the diet was whether people stuck to them, with more extreme diets like the high-protein Atkins diet being harder to stay on.

If you are trying to lose extra weight, there is no hard evidence that a Paleo diet will get rid of those extra pounds.

For more information on how we can help you reach your fitness goals, please contact us.

The top reason for not exercising is not having enough time in the day and a misconception that contributes to that excuse is you have to spend a long time at the gym in order to see results. But you can spend as little as 30 minutes in the fitness club on a consistent basis and stay healthy. But in order to do that you have to maximize how you use your time in the fitness center. Here are five tips to ensure you get the most out of each exercise session.

The top reason for not exercising is not having enough time in the day and a misconception that contributes to that excuse is you have to spend a long time at the gym in order to see results. But you can spend as little as 30 minutes in the fitness club on a consistent basis and stay healthy. But in order to do that you have to maximize how you use your time in the fitness center. Here are five tips to ensure you get the most out of each exercise session.

We constantly hear studies that show that kids and adults both need to be active to have a healthy lifestyle. But for many people, that means running on a treadmill for a few weeks until it gets boring, or nagging kids to turn off the video games and go outside to play. Adults and kids should consider karate lessons as a way to start a healthy lifestyle, and obtain other benefits as well.

Health Benefits of Karate

Most karate classes start off with a warm-up that includes stretching, jumping jacks, push-ups, and other activities that will get your body moving and burning calories. Then karate itself will work all muscle groups, including your core which is essential to optimal health. Karate is also a cardio workout, and those that participate usually find increased flexibility, strength, and stamina.

Karate Teaches Self-Discipline, Self-Defense, and Confidence

Kids and adults alike struggle with confidence issues. Karate is a great boost in this area as you master different skills and work to earn new belts. It also helps participants in the area of self-discipline. Karate trains students to focus and concentrate, and these skills often translate to life outside of the dojo. Lastly, karate teaches self-defense. While the classes do not encourage aggressive actions, it is a side benefit that students will be able to defend themselves if they need to in an aggressive world.

Karate Classes for Adults and Children

Karate is one of the rare fitness classes that are taught for adults and kids. This is a great activity that families can learn together and practice skills at home, carrying fitness outside of the gym into everyday life. It's a simple way for families to spend time together and get healthy in a fun, enjoyable way.

If you live in Maryland, karate classes are offered for children and adults at Merritt Athletic Clubs in Buckingham, Canton, Eldersburg, and Towson. For information on additional ways to have a healthy lifestyle for the whole family, contact us. Also, check out our summer camps here!

We constantly hear studies that show that kids and adults both need to be active to have a healthy lifestyle. But for many people, that means running on a treadmill for a few weeks until it gets boring, or nagging kids to turn off the video games and go outside to play. Adults and kids should consider karate lessons as a way to start a healthy lifestyle, and obtain other benefits as well.

Health Benefits of Karate

Most karate classes start off with a warm-up that includes stretching, jumping jacks, push-ups, and other activities that will get your body moving and burning calories. Then karate itself will work all muscle groups, including your core which is essential to optimal health. Karate is also a cardio workout, and those that participate usually find increased flexibility, strength, and stamina.

Karate Teaches Self-Discipline, Self-Defense, and Confidence

Kids and adults alike struggle with confidence issues. Karate is a great boost in this area as you master different skills and work to earn new belts. It also helps participants in the area of self-discipline. Karate trains students to focus and concentrate, and these skills often translate to life outside of the dojo. Lastly, karate teaches self-defense. While the classes do not encourage aggressive actions, it is a side benefit that students will be able to defend themselves if they need to in an aggressive world.

Karate Classes for Adults and Children

Karate is one of the rare fitness classes that are taught for adults and kids. This is a great activity that families can learn together and practice skills at home, carrying fitness outside of the gym into everyday life. It's a simple way for families to spend time together and get healthy in a fun, enjoyable way.

If you live in Maryland, karate classes are offered for children and adults at Merritt Athletic Clubs in Buckingham, Canton, Eldersburg, and Towson. For information on additional ways to have a healthy lifestyle for the whole family, contact us. Also, check out our summer camps here!

Feeling bored in your usual workout routine? The cold winter months are a great time to investigate variety as the spice of a healthy life.

According to researchers at the University of Florida, “One of the main reasons people stop exercising is that they get bored.” Adding variety to your exercise routine is a way to avoid boredom and continue your commitment to healthy living.

Adding variety to your workout routine is most simply done through your choice of exercise mode. Some examples of exercise modes include cardiovascular exercise (such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming), interval training (such as circuit training), and strength training (such as kettle bell exercises or traditional weight lifting exercises). These options and many more are available to you at Merritt Clubs! Friendly and knowledgeable staff members are ready to assist you as you search for new workout options to add to your routine.

As you try new kinds of exercise, make sure to take note of the amount of fun you are having! With so many options available to you, there is no need to stick to a monotonous routine that leaves you dreading every trip to the gym. Find activities you enjoy and keep them part of your routine! For example, if strength training is your preferred mode of exercise, you can add variety through the equipment used in your workouts. A dumbbell workout can be alternated with a TRX workout; or a kettlebell workout can alternate with a workout of body weight exercises.

So remember, variety is the spice of a healthy life! There is no limit to the creativity and variety one can enjoy while pursuing a healthy, balanced life.

Merritt Athletic Clubs is the largest fitness center operation in the Baltimore area with several 24 hour gyms to fit your lifestyle. These include the 24 HR Downtown Athletic Club, 24 HR Buckingham, 24 HR Canton, and 24 HR Cranbrook facilities (Eldersburg, Fort Avenue, Owings Mills, Security, & Towson). Contact us to learn more.

Feeling bored in your usual workout routine? The cold winter months are a great time to investigate variety as the spice of a healthy life.

According to researchers at the University of Florida, “One of the main reasons people stop exercising is that they get bored.” Adding variety to your exercise routine is a way to avoid boredom and continue your commitment to healthy living.

Adding variety to your workout routine is most simply done through your choice of exercise mode. Some examples of exercise modes include cardiovascular exercise (such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming), interval training (such as circuit training), and strength training (such as kettle bell exercises or traditional weight lifting exercises). These options and many more are available to you at Merritt Clubs! Friendly and knowledgeable staff members are ready to assist you as you search for new workout options to add to your routine.

As you try new kinds of exercise, make sure to take note of the amount of fun you are having! With so many options available to you, there is no need to stick to a monotonous routine that leaves you dreading every trip to the gym. Find activities you enjoy and keep them part of your routine! For example, if strength training is your preferred mode of exercise, you can add variety through the equipment used in your workouts. A dumbbell workout can be alternated with a TRX workout; or a kettlebell workout can alternate with a workout of body weight exercises.

So remember, variety is the spice of a healthy life! There is no limit to the creativity and variety one can enjoy while pursuing a healthy, balanced life.

Merritt Athletic Clubs is the largest fitness center operation in the Baltimore area with several 24 hour gyms to fit your lifestyle. These include the 24 HR Downtown Athletic Club, 24 HR Buckingham, 24 HR Canton, and 24 HR Cranbrook facilities (Eldersburg, Fort Avenue, Owings Mills, Security, & Towson). Contact us to learn more.