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Shop our secure, on-line store for a great selection of fitness equipment, running and cycling gear and sports apparel.
 
Metabolic Testing
Merlino Fitness Studio
May 2008
Call Us @ 713-523-2577 To Book Your Test
Whether you are looking to loose weight or increase peformance, metabolic testing can help you reach your goals. Our resting metabolic rate tests rates your metabolism and gives you a gauge of how many calories per day that you need to maintain or lose weight. Our VO2 - anaerobic threshold tests let you know your true heart rate zones to get the most out of your fat burning ability while you do your cardio workouts. Runners and cyclists can also take their sport and racing to the next level by getting heart rate zones to help with realistic heart rate training goals. Check out the links below for more info about both tests and call us at 713-523-2577 if you have questions about testing and how it can benefit your fitness goals.

More Info

DeFeet Clearance Sale
Save 50% Off

Save 50% on the entire line of DeFeet sportwear while supplies last.

Inflatable Fitness Balls

Inflatable fitness balls and weighted balls from Harbinger and Theraband. Great for abdominal and core body strengthening.

Weighted Fitness Balls
A great alternative to traditional weights, these water-filled rubber balls are great for training core body.
Clif Shot Bloks
A great alternative to power bars and carb gels for runners, cyclists and endurance athletes. Available in variouos flavors. Some flavors include caffeine or added sodium. Purchase our Clif Blok sampler and try 4 of our most popular flavors.
Sugar-Free Protein
Sport Cookies
A quick high-protein snack with no sugar. Available in 5 delicious flavors: chocolate chip, trail mix, banana nut, peanut butter and lemon.

Harbinger Big Grip
Workout Gloves
Heavy duty gloves for the serious lifter. Available in wrist wrap and non wrist wrap styles.
Ultima Sports Drink
Sugar-free, low calorie sports drink with More elecrolytes than Gatorade. Hydrate well without all of the sugar. Great for long distance athletes, everyday exercisers, diabetics and children. Available in 4 great flavors: raspbery, orange, kiwi strawberry and banana berry.
Weight Training
Wrist Straps
Increase wrist support with our wide selection of weight lifting straps from Harbinger and Grizzly.
Nip Guards
Abrasion Prevention
For Runners
Protect from painful nipple abrasion. A must have product for male runners. Don't run your next long run or race without them.

Run Fast by
Hal Higdon
Whether you are a beginner road racer or shooting for a new personal best, this book does a great job of breaking down training schedules and drills to run smarter and prepare for race day.
More book reviews

 
Harbinger Workout Gloves

Certified Professional Fitness Trainer
BBA, ACE, Cooper Institute



Before
Corporate Whipping Boy
"I wanna be forced into early retirement"


After
Happy Personal Trainer
"Ok Joan...let's flex those Biceps!"

After moving to the great state of Texas from Buffalo, New York at the age of 14, Michael grew up in Houston and graduated from Jersey Village High School in 1982. He earned a Bachelor' s degree in Business Administration in 1988 from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches Texas. Following college, he spent 10 years as a Human Resources professional and an employee benefits manager with The Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Lighting & Power (now Relient Energy).  Although he enjoyed his corporate career and picked up some invaluable business and management skills along the way, Michael was searching for something more.

In 1996, he put his life-long passion for fitness to work and started studying anatomy, kinesiology, exercise science and biomechanics. He earned a local fitness certification that was affiliated with the Baylor College of Medicine (BSMI) as a Certified Professional Fitness Trainer (CPFT) through Professional Fitness Instructor Training (PFIT). Michael started training clients in private fitness studios in Houston on a part-time basis to test the waters and confirm whether he would truly enjoy his new line of work. After working his full-time corporate job and part-time personal training duties for a year, Michael was presented with a chance to work as a part-time Human Resources consultant for Houston Lighting & Power's nuclear power plant in Bay City, Texas (The South Texas Nuclear Operating Company) in the summer of 1997. This opportunity allowed him to split his time between Human Resources consulting and Personal Fitness Training. Investing the extra in time fitness training and building his client base confirmed beyond a doubt that a full-time fitness career was the right career path for him.

On July 1, 1998, Michael shifted gears once again and became a full-time Fitness Trainer, trading in his suit and tie in for warm ups and tennis shoes. He now spends his time as a freelance, professional fitness trainer, marathon coach, writer and speaker teaching others the importance of exercise, proper nutrition and making fitness a more active part of their lives. He is the co-founder of In Flight Running, a Houston based marathon and half marathon training program that prepares Houston area runners for the Houston Half Marathon, Houston Marathon and other long distance races across the United States. He also owns a fitness and nutrition e-commerce store that sells small fitness equipment, sportwear and nutritional products.

Michael is a currently a Certified Professional Fitness Trainer with The American Council on Exercise (ACE) and is certified in Biomechanics and Dietary Guidance with The Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research (CIAR) in Dallas, Texas. He is also a member of The International Association of Fitness Professionals (IDEA).

Hobbies & Activities
In his free time, Michael loves to spend time with his family, run, play tennis and compete in local and national road races. He also enjoys training himself in the weight room a few days a week. Michael's love of travel and running allows him the opportunity to travel to various cities across the country to compete in half and full marathons. Hiking and photography go hand in hand with his love of the outdoors and sense of adventure. He is a proud husband and father and enjoys spending time with his wife, Christina, and playing with his son, Maximos.

Services
For more information on Michael's personal training services click here.

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Merlino Fitness • PMB 267 • 1302 Waugh Drive • Houston TX 77019 • 713.523.2577