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Physical Therapy at MINT: Meet Ariele of Wellilo

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MINT has always believed fitness should support your life — not sideline it.

That’s why we’re excited to announce our newest in-gym offering: Physical Therapy at MINT, in partnership with Washington, DC-based physical therapist Ariele of Wellilo.

Why Physical Therapy at a Gym?

Because recovery, prevention, and performance belong in the same space.

Whether you’re:

  • Training consistently
  • Returning from injury
  • Managing chronic pain
  • Navigating postpartum recovery
  • Looking to improve mobility and strength

Physical therapy bridges the gap between rehab and real life.

Meet Ariele

Ariele is the founder of Wellilo, an established physical therapy practice serving active adults in Washington, DC. Her approach is personalized, movement-focused, and rooted in helping people feel confident in their bodies again. Ariele’s background teaching yoga for decades gives her physical therapy practice a deeply holistic lens. 

Unlike traditional clinics, Ariele works one-on-one with clients to identify the root cause of pain or dysfunction — not just treat symptoms.

What You Can Expect

At MINT, sessions are:

  • 1:1 for an hour and personalized
  • Designed around your goals
  • Integrated with your training routine
  • Focused on long-term resilience and functional living

MINT Members Receive 20% Off PT Packages:

  • New Patient 5-Pack $1,050 → $840 MINT Member Rate
    • (use within 6 months)
    • Dry needling included at no extra cost
  • New Patient 10-Pack $2,050 → $1,640 MINT Member Rate
    • (use within 1 year)
    • Dry needling included at no extra cost

Not sure if it’s right for you?
Ariele offers a free “Are We a Good Fit?” call.

Learn More & Book

March 2026 Intro to Personal Training Deal

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For first time MINT Trainees

50-Min Sessions

6pack in-club 50min (Trainer) –$299

6pack in-club 50min (Master Trainer) – $349

6pack in-club 50min (Advanced Master Trainer) – $419

25-Min Express Sessions

6pack in-club 25min (Trainer) – $180

6pack in-club 25min (Master Trainer) – $210

6pack in-club 25min (Advanced Master Trainer) – $250

Meet Fernando Lozada: Bringing Authentic Latin Dance Energy to MINT’s Zumba Classes

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There’s something magical about a workout that makes you forget you’re actually exercising. For Fernando Lozada, MINT’s newest Zumba instructor, creating that transformative experience is what it’s all about, and his journey from “front row diva” to leading the party proves he knows exactly how to make it happen.

From Front Row to Center Stage

Fernando’s path to becoming a Zumba instructor started where many fitness journeys begin: as a participant who simply loved the class. “I was what we call a ‘front row diva,'” Fernando shares with a laugh. Week after week, fellow participants would tell him how talented he was and encourage him to get licensed.

But teaching wasn’t just about showing off his moves. “I decided to take the training as a way to get out of my comfort zone and put together a really great class that participants would enjoy,” he explains. That decision transformed Fernando from an enthusiastic student into an instructor who brings authentic joy and cultural depth to every session.

More Than Just a Workout

What drives Fernando to teach goes beyond fitness metrics and choreography. Having experienced how a single Zumba class could completely shift his mood, he wanted to share that transformative power with others.

“I want to create a space where participants can have so much fun that they forget they’re even working out,” Fernando says. “It’s about helping people reach their fitness goals while allowing them to leave their stress at the door.” In Fernando’s classes, the endorphins come from genuine joy, not just physical exertion.

Authentic Fiesta Energy Rooted in Latino Heritage

When Fernando describes his teaching style, one word keeps coming up: authentic. His approach is deeply rooted in his Latino heritage, bringing what he calls genuine “fiesta” energy to every class.

“I focus on the four core Zumba rhythms—Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Reggaeton—to ensure a workout that feels more like a celebration than a chore,” he explains. This isn’t just a playlist of Latin-inspired songs; it’s a cultural experience.

Dancing From the Soul

What truly sets Fernando’s classes apart from other Zumba instructors is the cultural authenticity he brings to the studio. “As a Latino, these rhythms—Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Reggaeton—aren’t just songs on a playlist; they are part of my DNA,” Fernando emphasizes.

“I don’t just teach the steps; I teach the feeling and the soul behind the music, giving you an experience that stays true to the roots of Zumba.” When you take Fernando’s class, you’re not just learning choreography—you’re connecting with centuries of Latin dance tradition.

First-Timer? Fernando’s Got You

If you’re thinking about trying Fernando’s class but feeling nervous, he has some reassuring advice: “Bring an open mind and enthusiasm.” He understands that walking into a dance-fitness class can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never danced before.

“Remember: we aren’t here to audition for a music video—we’re here to move!” Fernando says. His biggest piece of wisdom? “Don’t worry about getting every step right on day one. Just focus on enjoying the music and letting the Latin rhythms take over.”

Fernando reminds newcomers that Zumba, like any skill, gets easier with practice. “Give yourself the grace to be a beginner, keep coming back, and I promise that by your third or fourth class, your body will start to find the rhythm naturally!” It’s this encouraging, judgment-free approach that makes his classes welcoming for everyone, regardless of experience level.

Life Beyond the Studio

When Fernando isn’t leading dance parties at MINT, you’ll find him doing what he loves most about living in Washington D.C.: “absorbing and enjoying all of its cultural diversity.” The city’s vibrant multicultural community resonates with someone who values authentic cultural experiences.

Looking ahead, Fernando has an exciting personal project on the horizon—a long-overdue trip to Colombia to connect with his heritage, family, and friends. It’s clear that staying connected to his roots isn’t just important to Fernando’s personal life; it’s what makes his teaching so powerful and authentic.

Ready to Join the Fiesta?

Fernando Lozada brings more than just great music and choreography to MINT; he brings soul, authenticity, and an infectious celebration of Latino culture that transforms every workout into a party. Whether you’re a seasoned Zumba enthusiast or someone who’s never danced a step in your life, Fernando’s classes offer a welcoming space to move, sweat, and smile.

Come ready to leave your stress at the door, embrace the Latin rhythms, and discover why Zumba is so much more than just another fitness class. With Fernando leading the way, you’re not just getting a workout, you’re joining a fiesta!

Get Up To $1,250 Cash Back!

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Want to get up to 25% FREE Cash? & No Strings?

Don’t miss your chance to purchase a gift card and get BONUS cash.

Here’s how it works:

Use your credit for yourself or anyone else—towards dues, personal training, or anything MINT (excluding already-discounted offerings).

Limited to one purchase per person. Offer ends on March 7, 2026.

Massage Therapy at MINT Is Now Available

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At MINT, wellness goes beyond how hard you train. It includes how you recover, reset, and take care of your body day to day. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Massage Therapy at MINT, a new offering designed to support recovery, movement, and overall well-being.

We’re proud to partner with Lindsay Little, a highly respected massage therapist who has been running her local practice, Soma Lingua, in Adams Morgan for several years. Her work is known for being thoughtful, effective, and deeply personalized, with a focus on helping clients feel better in their bodies, whether they’re managing stress, training hard, or simply in need of recovery.

Bringing massage therapy on-site at MINT allows us to create a more seamless wellness experience for our members. No extra commute. No disconnected care. Just intentional bodywork in the same space you already trust for your wellness.

Massage therapy at MINT can support:

  • Muscle recovery and soreness
  • Stress relief and nervous system reset
  • Mobility and flexibility
  • Injury prevention and body awareness
  • Overall physical and mental well-being

Sessions take place at MINT, making it easy to pair your workouts with recovery in the same space you already trust.

This partnership reflects MINT’s continued evolution into The Wellness Gym, where movement, recovery, and care work together.

LEARN MORE & BOOK

Power Up Your Fitness with Pilates at MINT

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MINT offers three types of pilates classes: mat pilates (for all levels), private reformer sessions with Advanced Master Trainer Meg DiRuggiero (1-on-1 personalized training), and TRX pilates. All MINT memberships include unlimited mat and TRX pilates classes; reformer sessions are available through personal training packages.

One on One Reformer Pilates Training Session

Pilates remains one of the hottest fitness trends of 2026, with no signs of slowing down. From intense reformer-based sessions to traditional mat-based practice, this exercise has become wildly popular. The reason? Pilates is an efficient, effective workout with numerous benefits for body and mind. If you’ve been inspired by fitness influencers sweating it out on the reformer, here’s how to start your pilates journey at MINT.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a low-impact, mind-body exercise system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer. It emphasizes:

  • Controlled breathing and movement
  • Core strength and stability
  • Flexibility and muscle control
  • Proper body alignment

Two main types exist:

  1. Mat pilates: Bodyweight exercises performed on a mat
  2. Reformer pilates: Resistance-based exercises using a reformer machine (frame with sliding platform, springs, and pulleys)

Benefits of Pilates:

  • Strengthens core muscles (abs, back, pelvic floor)
  • Improves posture and alignment
  • Increases flexibility and range of motion
  • Builds lean muscle tone
  • Enhances breath control and concentration
  • Low-impact (gentle on joints)
  • Adaptable for all fitness levels and ages

In typical pilates classes, nearly every movement activates your core, so expect sore abs! You’ll work both upper and lower body through controlled, small movements that target specific muscle groups.

Woman practicing mat Pilates with a Pilates ring at MINT gym in Washington DC, building core strength and balance in a bright fitness studio.

Mat Pilates vs. Reformer Pilates: Key Differences

Mat Pilates

Equipment: Bodyweight-focused; minimal props (optional resistance ring or ball)

How it works: Sequential small movements targeting specific muscle areas through high repetitions

Best for:

  • Beginners learning foundational pilates principles
  • Building strength to support your own bodyweight
  • Those preferring no-equipment workouts
  • Advanced practitioners seeking challenging bodyweight variations

Benefits: Improves muscle tone, breath control, concentration, and body awareness

Reformer Pilates

Equipment: Reformer machine with adjustable spring resistance, sliding carriage, foot bar, and straps

How it works: Deeper, dynamic movements with machine support; focuses on quality over quantity

Best for:

  • Those wanting higher-intensity pilates workouts
  • People seeking resistance training variety
  • Individuals with specific fitness goals requiring personalized coaching
  • Advanced practitioners ready for equipment-based challenges

Benefits: Full-body, low-impact workout at higher intensity; builds strength and stability with machine assistance

Key difference: Mat pilates uses high reps with bodyweight; reformer pilates uses deeper movements with adjustable resistance.

What Pilates Options Does MINT Offer?

1. Mat Pilates Classes (5 Days Per Week)

Schedule: Offered five days weekly What to expect: Group classes balancing strength and flexibility, focusing on muscles surrounding joints You’ll improve:

  • Core stability and strength
  • Coordination and balance
  • Breath control
  • Body alignment
  • Overall fitness

Included in: All MINT memberships (unlimited access)

2. Private Reformer Pilates Sessions

Instructor: Meg DiRuggiero, Advanced Master Pilates Trainer Format: One-on-one personalized sessions Experience level: All levels welcome (beginners to advanced) Customization: Workouts adapted to your specific body and fitness goals

Important: Private pilates sessions are interchangeable with personal training sessions if you have a MINT personal training package

Pricing: Available through personal training packages (purchased separately or added to membership)

3. TRX Pilates (Mondays at 5:30 PM)

What makes it unique: Combines mat pilates principles with TRX suspension training Format: Group class

Benefits:

  • Develops functional strength
  • Improves balance and coordination
  • Enhances core stability
  • Builds overall body control

Best for: Those wanting the structure of mat pilates with added resistance and challenge of suspension training

How to Get Started with Pilates at MINT

Step 1: Choose your membership

  • All MINT memberships include unlimited mat and RTX pilates classes, cardio/strength equipment, all other studio classes, and small group training

Step 2: Add reformer sessions (optional)

  • Purchase personal training packages separately or in addition to membership
  • Private reformer sessions count toward personal training sessions

Step 3: Sign up for classes

  • Download the MINT app
  • Browse class schedule
  • Book your spot in mat pilates or TRX pilates classes
  • Schedule private reformer sessions directly

Frequently Asked Questions About Pilates at MINT

Q: Do I need pilates experience to start? A: No! Mat and TRX pilates classes and private reformer sessions accommodate all fitness levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.

Q: What should I bring to class? A: Wear comfortable workout clothes. MINT provides mats for mat pilates classes. For reformer sessions, grip socks are recommended.

Q: How often should I do pilates? A: For optimal results, aim for 2-3 pilates sessions per week. MINT’s 5-day weekly mat class schedule makes consistency easy.

Q: Can pilates help with back pain? A: Pilates strengthens core muscles that support your spine and improves posture, which may help alleviate back pain. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program if you have existing injuries.

Q: What’s the difference between pilates and yoga? A: While both are mind-body practices, pilates focuses more on core strength and controlled movements, while yoga emphasizes flexibility, balance, and spiritual elements.

Join the MINT Pilates Community

Ready to experience the transformative benefits of pilates? Whether you prefer mat classes, private reformer training, or the unique TRX pilates fusion, MINT offers options for every fitness level and goal.

Have you tried pilates before? What type do you prefer—mat, reformer, or TRX? Share your experience with us and tag MINT in your post-workout selfies!

Start your pilates journey today. Download the MINT app to browse class schedules and book your first session.