Club Policies & Membership Guidelines

Merritt Athletic Clubs adopts rules for the use of the Club facilities for the health, safety, and comfort of all members and guests. Below are the Club Rules currently in effect. These rules may change from time to time as warranted. If you have questions about any of these, please see a staff member.

Physical Health and Safety

Do not engage in any activity, program, activity or training unless you are physically able to do so. Merritt Athletic Clubs recommends that you see a physician before beginning any new exercise program to be sure you are able to safely do so. You are responsible for your physical safety and all activities at the club are solely at your own risk.

COVID-19 Regulations

By checking into the club, you agree to the following:

1. You have not had any of the following symptoms in the past 48 hours:
   Fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, repeated shaking with chills, or any other COVID-19 symptoms listed on the CDC website
2. To thoroughly wipe down equipment before and after use.
3. To wash or sanitize your hands upon entering and exiting the club.
4. To adhere to physical distancing regulations and remain at least 6 feet from another person.
5. Masks may be required in areas of the Clubs from time to time. Signage will be posted in the areas where masks are required. These rules may change in accordance with recommendations from Public Health officers.

Personal Property.

You are solely responsible for your personal property and belongings. The Clubs are not responsible for any lost or stolen property.

Proper Clothing and Hygiene

• Appropriate athletic shoes only. No street shoes, boots, sandals, or open-toed shoes are allowed in the fitness areas.
• Shorts, sweat pants, tee shirts, tank tops, and spandex accessories may be worn if deemed appropriate by club management.
• Clean workout clothing is required. Management will address unsatisfactory hygiene conditions and corrective action may be required.
• All other clothing and shoes must be kept in lockers. Please keep all valuables at home. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
• Please avoid the use of heavy perfume or cologne.
• No belt buckles, blue jeans, or loose jewelry may be worn in the workout area.

Equipment and Cardiovascular Areas

• Please be courteous at all times.
• Please follow proper social distancing guidelines
• Allow others to work in during your rest periods. Do not sit on equipment or use cell phones while others are waiting.
• Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts and weight stacks.
• Do not attempt to repair or adjust any equipment that has malfunctioned. Report to these problems to the Welcome Desk or fitness staff.
• Report any equipment problem immediately to the staff.
• No bags will be allowed on gym floors during any times
• Please do not drop or bang weights during use.
• Use gym wipes to wipe off equipment and benches before and after each use.
• If you are unfamiliar with the use of any equipment, please ask a staff member for assistance.
• Children under the age of 14 are not allowed in any of the weight or cardiovascular areas until they have completed the Junior Fitness certification.
• Please be respectful of our clubs and your fellow members and guests.

Weight room areas

• Again, be courteous at all times. Allow others to work in during rest periods. Do not rest on equipment or use cell phones during use.
• Rack and clean all weights after each use.
• No bags are allowed on the weight room floors.
• If dumbbells appear loose or cracked, report the item to the staff immediately.
• Always use a spotter when attempting maximum weight.
• Collars and clips must be used for free bar lifting.
• Wipe down equipment before and after each use with wipes provided in club.
• Please do not drop weights. (If you are able to properly life them, you are able to properly put them down.)

Food and drink in the club

• Water bottles with spill-proof lids are allowed in all areas of the club.
• Please consume all food items, shakes, and supplements at the juice bar.
• No outside food or beverages are allowed in clubs or pools at any time. Doing so may result in suspension and/or termination of membership.

Pool areas

• Please shower before entering the pool, especially after other athletic activity.
• Swim diapers are permitted in the rec pool only. (Towson and Eldersburg clubs only)
• Appropriate swim wear must be worn in the pool.
• Please circle-swim when other members are present in lanes.

Merritt is not responsible for lost or stolen items

Nondiscrimination

Merritt Clubs are nondiscriminatory facilities. There will be no discrimination in the use of the facilities or participation in the Clubs’ programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Merritt Clubs will not tolerate behavior by members or guests in violation of this policy. Merritt reserves right to change or modify these rules as deemed necessary. Please check back here for most current documents.

Email customercare@merrittclubs.com for questions or more information.

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