Merritt Clubs Blog

   

50 Squats a Day

Posted by Lori O'Donnell

Nov 13, 2019

When I teach classes that have squats in them, and that’s pretty much most of the classes I teach, people will often come up to me afterwards (or before) and tell me they can’t squat. “I can’t do squats. It bothers my knees.” “I don’t like squats, so during the squat track I’m just going to work abs, ok?” “Why do we do so many squats?” In reality, squats, and their many variations, are probably the one exercise everyone should do every day. According to Dr. Christopher Stepien, sports therapist and chronic pain expert, performing 50 squats a day will help your health and well-being. “Daily squats will help you mentally and will even give you better yearly checkups with your primary physician.”

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Topics: Personal Training, group fitness, working out

Three Reasons to Use a Personal Trainer

Posted by Merritt Clubs

Feb 6, 2019

There are many reasons to hire a Personal Trainer. You might want to lose weight or put on some muscle. It could be your first time setting foot in a gym or you need to shake up your years-old routine. Everyone can use a little help sometimes. Here are 3 reasons why you should get a trainer:

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Topics: Personal Training, best trainer, personal training facts, best exercises, best workout plan

Trainer Q&A: Fitness Matters at Any Age

Posted by Katrina Viloria

Dec 19, 2018

"Our bodies are made to move."

Such are the words of Merritt Clubs Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach Janelle Duttenhoffer as she spoke about fitness for all ages. Whether it be for a playful 4 year-old, a sedentary 30 year-old with a desk job, or a retired 75 year-old, being active is important in having a high quality of life. 

Read on as Janelle talks about her personal experience with getting fit and healthy, the importance of educating yourself about fitness and nutrition (check your resources though!), and why active agers need strength training.

Then, see what holiday fitness and nutrition tips Janelle has in store!

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Topics: Personal Training, baltimore personal trainer, baltimore personal training, Personal trainer, senior fitness

Challenge Accepted: Where Have You Been All My Life?

Posted by Leslie Warren

Nov 20, 2018

Did you guys try anything new this month? I did, and I must say, it was possibly one of the best experiences I have had all year. I worked out with a Personal Trainer.

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Topics: Personal Training, personal training session, baltimore personal trainer, baltimore personal training, Personal trainer

Trainer Q&A: It's a Stretch

Posted by Katrina Viloria

Nov 7, 2018

People who exercise regularly know very well that stretching is vital when working out. It reduces the chances of injury and will help their overall performance. In this blog we previously talked about Dynamic Stretches vs. Static Stretches.

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Topics: Personal Training, baltimore personal trainer, baltimore personal training, Personal trainer, stretches

Trainer Q&A: Prenatal and Postnatal Fitness

Posted by Katrina Viloria

Sep 5, 2018

When you ask a mother what the most important moments of her life are, for sure one of her answers will be giving birth to her child(ren). 

Carrying a growing, human life inside of her for several months and then bringing that precious baby out into the world is one journey that is both memorable and life-changing. And while a woman's body is designed for pregnancy and giving birth, it is still key to prepare it for these important events.

For this month's Q&A, we talked to Merritt Clubs Towson's Heather Jordan about the importance of exercise for helping to alleviate pregnancy pains, for labor preparation, and for postpartum recovery. Heather is an NSPA certified Postnatal Fitness Specialist and is a mother of two.

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Topics: Personal Training, baltimore personal trainer, baltimore personal training, Personal trainer, prenatal fitness, postnatal fitness

Trainer Q&A: Building a Community on the Fitness Floor

Posted by Katrina Viloria

Aug 1, 2018

Everybody knows Bruce Lee. And if you work out at Merritt Clubs Cranbrook, chances are you've had at least one conversation with him.

That's because Bruce is the type of guy who cares about every person that comes into the gym. He loves engaging with anybody on the fitness floor. He values all members of Merritt and strives to have them feel that the club is an extension of family.

In this Q&A we talk about the importance of a gym community with Bruce Lee, Personal Training Director and Assistant General Manager at Merritt Clubs Cranbrook.

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Topics: Personal Training, benefit of gym membership, baltimore personal trainer, baltimore personal training, Personal trainer

Trainer Q&A: Just Keep Moving

Posted by Katrina Viloria

May 2, 2018

It is no secret that exercise is an integral part of a healthy life. But what happens when we get older and our bodies age, and being sedentary looks a lot more appealing? Why do we need to keep active, no matter where we're at in life?

We recently talked to Ellyn Gildea, Merritt Towson's Fitness Director, about the importance and benefits of regular exercise for older adults. Ellyn also discussed why the social aspect of the club gives active agers the motivation to keep coming back to the gym.

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Topics: Personal Training, baltimore personal trainer, baltimore personal training, Personal trainer, senior fitness

Trainer Q&A: Fast, Strong, Explosive

Posted by Katrina Viloria

Jan 10, 2018

Young athletes, check this out. If you want to excel in your sport while at the same time reduce the chance of getting injured, Merritt Clubs Eldersburg trainer Josh Kruhm is your guy. He and a couple other Eldersburg trainers coach student athletes at the club through a program called Parisi Speed School.

We sat down with Josh as he talks about how a young athlete can be fast, strong and explosive.

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Topics: Personal Training, baltimore personal trainer, baltimore personal training, Personal trainer, youth fitness

Trainer Q&A: Box Like a Girl

Posted by Katrina Viloria

Dec 20, 2017

It's tough being a woman in a man's world. But then again, "tough" is a word that would best describe Merritt Clubs trainer Courtney Feldheim.

The Math-teacher-turned-boxer-slash-coach-slash-personal-trainer has endured struggles being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport. Currently she trains clients to box either as a workout, as a stress reliever, or to fight. But a comeback to the ring is in the plans.

Courtney recently sat down with us to discuss her background and how boxing can help any type of person - even somebody new to fitness.   

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Topics: Personal Training, baltimore personal trainer, Personal trainer, boxing