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MINTy Fresh Tips: Stronger Core, Stronger Life 

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A strong core is an important base for all other physical activities. When most people think of their core, they picture the abdominal muscles. But the abs are just one part – the core is also made up of many muscles along the spine and those in the pelvis and hips. 

These muscles are critical for a number of reasons. Surrounding the body’s midsection, they protect and support several internal organs. It’s well-documented that a strong core contributes to better athletic performance, but it also directly affects everyday life. The abs, obliques, and mid/lower back muscles are important for balance and stability. Strengthening them can lead to better health and lower fall risk at the body ages. It can also help with posture, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. Though sitting for many hours may seem “easy,” it surprisingly puts a large strain on the body. Developing a solid core can take some pressure off the lower back and hips, aiding posture while seated or standing. These muscles, though small in comparison to others, engage with nearly every movement we do. Whether swinging a tennis racket or golf club, shooting a basketball, or even everyday tasks like reaching to grab something from a shelf or picking up a package, the core is doing a lot of work!

Strengthening your core means more than just crunches (though those are good for you too!). MINT now offers two core-focused classes. For a quick but effective workout, try MINT Core, a targeted 25-minute class that focuses on strength and definition. For a longer session that concentrates on abdominals and obliques but also works surrounding muscles, check out the 50-minute Core Circuit class (click here to grab a spot in the next class). Looking to do something on your own? We recently upgraded the studio at the front of the club (next to the member lounge) to our dedicated Core and Stretch area! Additionally, if this is something you want to hone in on, personal training is always a great option.

Discover the Power of Strength and Endurance with Allie Gleich, MINT’s Newest Personal Trainer

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Join us in welcoming Allie Gleich, our newest addition to the personal training team. Hailing from the Garden State, Allie brings a refreshing blend of energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to our gym. If you’ve been looking for a personal trainer who not only knows her stuff but also makes you feel right at home in the gym, then Allie is your go-to.

For Allie, fitness isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. Growing up, she honed her coaching skills, teaching dance, and coaching field hockey, setting the stage for her transition into personal training. With a lifelong love for the gym, Allie’s mission is clear: to help others overcome any hesitations about lifting heavy or feeling intimidated by the gym environment. She’s all about empowering her clients to embrace their strength and commit to their personal growth journey.

What sets Allie apart is her unique blend of strength and endurance training. As a seasoned marathon runner, she understands the importance of building both physical and mental resilience. Her training style combines compound movements with targeted isolation exercises, ensuring a well-rounded and effective workout that promotes overall strength and functionality. Whether you’re looking to build muscle, increase cardio endurance, or prevent injuries, Allie’s got you covered.

For those new to personal training, Allie has some sage advice: come with an open mind and a commitment to yourself. The rest will fall into place. With Allie by your side, the gym will no longer be a daunting place—it’ll become your sanctuary for self-improvement and growth.

When she’s not hitting the gym floor, you can find Allie pounding the pavement on her Saturday morning runs in Rock Creek Park or tackling the trails at Shenandoah’s Old Rag Mountain. And when it’s time to refuel, you’ll likely catch her at Dig in Georgetown, savoring their mouthwatering roasted carrots. In addition to her role at MINT, Allie is also pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Georgetown University, delving into the intricacies of government and policy. Talk about a powerhouse both inside and outside the gym!

Ready to take your fitness journey to the next level with Allie? Drop an email to our GM, Bresni (Bresni@mintdc.com), and get started today. Your strongest self awaits!

Stretch, Strengthen, and Smile: Meet Sally Tyler, Yoga and Pilates Instructor

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We are thrilled to introduce Sally Tyler, part of our team of fabulous fitness instructors!! Sally brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and vibrancy to our MINT community. She discovered Pilates about twelve years ago and instantly fell in love. The precision and transformative power of Pilates moves resonated with her, leading her to become a certified mat Pilates instructor in addition to being a certified yoga instructor. Sally’s dual expertise in yoga and Pilates allows her to bring a comprehensive understanding of movement and body mechanics to her classes.

In class, Sally focuses on subtle, precise movements capable of transforming the body and enhancing overall physical efficiency. Her approach is especially beneficial for those rehabbing from muscular overuse or misuse, offering a path to accessing muscles in a more efficient way to prevent future injuries. This insight is particularly valuable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to incorporate cross-training into their regimen.

At the heart of Sally’s teaching style is a philosophy of inclusivity and enjoyment. She strives to create an environment where individuals of all fitness levels can challenge themselves and have fun in the process. Her specialty in incorporating the Magic Circle into her Pilates classes adds an element of playfulness and creativity, turning each session into an enjoyable fitness adventure.

We asked Sally what her advice to beginners would be, and  she  chose the simple yet profound wisdom of tennis legend Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are, do what you can.”  She encourages newcomers to take the first step toward their fitness journey without intimidation. This philosophy underscores the welcoming nature of her classes, making Pilates and yoga accessible to everyone.

When Sally isn’t at MINT, she’s busy as an attorney and executive for a labor union by day and a published book author by passion. With travels to 58 countries fueling her soul, Sally is an explorer at heart, and her diverse experiences and vibrant energy are evident in every class she teaches. Whether you’re a seasoned Pilates and/or yoga enthusiast or curious to try it out for the first time, Sally’s classes are not to be missed. Her unique blend of professionalism, passion, and playfulness promises an enriching and enjoyable fitness experience for all. Sign up for her classes today!

Weatherproof Workouts at MINT 

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Even though Potomac Phil predicted an early spring this year, DCers know that the weather in February and March can swing from 30 to 70 to 50 degrees – a year’s worth of weather in one week! And, of course, there are those spring rainstorms that seem to come out of nowhere and always hit when you’ve left your umbrella at home. Luckily, MINT guarantees weatherproof workouts every day of the week, and there are options for every type of fitness fan. If you love to exercise outdoors but need bad weather alternatives, here are some fun workouts to try at MINT. 

For the runners: 

There is truly nothing better than the first t-shirt run of spring when you finally shed the winter layers and feel the sun on your arms for the first time in months. Until then, try a treadmill workout to maintain cardio fitness. Pounding out miles on a stationary machine can get boring fast, so mix it up with speed and hill intervals for a challenge that will engage your muscles and mind. After warming up, set the treadmill to a low-medium incline and jog for 2 minutes. Then, decline to flatter ground and increase your speed for 1 minute. Repeat until drenched in sweat. 

For the cyclists: 

You’ll find MINT’s signature Rhythm Ride class, a beat-based ride with on-bike choreography and upper body work, on the schedule five days a week. While it’s not quite the same as cruising through Rock Creek Park or taking laps around Haines Point, these classes are available rain or shine and are a great off-season option for cyclists. When classes aren’t in session, members are welcome to use the MATRIX bikes in the cycling studio for their own workouts. 

For the yogis:

While our member favorite outdoor yoga class is on winter hiatus, step into one of MINT’s cozy indoor classes. As seasons transition, it’s good to feel grounded in your body. Restorative yoga classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, while other practices are on the schedule Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Pilates and barre classes are also great low-impact options. 

If classes are not currently included in your MINT membership, now is a great time to switch to the All Access membership – don’t forget to check out our latest membership deal!

The Sauna: A Warm Winter Oasis at MINT

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As outdoor temperatures drop, let MINT be your cozy winter oasis. In addition to the amazing instructor-led workouts and various machines and weights, MINT offers special member amenities that will keep you warm all season long. 

Saunas are available in the men’s and women’s locker rooms – have you tried them yet? Saunas produce dry heat. Unlike a steam room, humidity levels remain low, but the heated room is designed to make you sweat. 

There are many benefits to a quick sauna session after working out: 

  • The steady heat can help improve blood flow and cardiovascular function. 
  • The sauna can also decrease recovery time after intense exercise, alleviating pain and soreness. 
  • There are also benefits to skin health. Increased blood circulation can make the skin appear firmer and draws nutrients to the surface. At the same time, heat helps open up pores, expelling toxins. 
  • Looking beyond the physical benefits, it’s simply relaxing. Taking a few minutes of your day to sit in a warm, quiet room can help boost mental health in the winter months when it’s cold and dark outside. 

While we encourage you to try the sauna for yourself, there are a few important things to keep in mind: 

  • It is not recommended to use the sauna for longer than 15-20 minutes, though a shorter session (5-10 minutes) is recommended if you are new to it. 
  • Be sure to pay extra attention to your hydration when you use the sauna, and increase water intake if you sweat more than usual. 
  • If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, fatigued, or nauseous, exit the sauna immediately. 
  • People who are pregnant or have certain health conditions should not use a sauna. Always check with a medical practitioner before using a sauna if you are unsure about any health effects. 

To access the sauna and all the other amazing benefits MINT has to offer, find the membership option that works best for you. From unlimited gym time + classes to monthly class packs, there’s something for everyone. 

Welcome MINT’s newest community partner: Others Coffee

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MINT has a new neighbor! Welcome to our newest community partner, Others Coffee. Located just across the street at 1722 Florida Ave., Others Coffee is a new pop-up cafe open on weekends from 9am-4pm. 

Like MINT, Others Coffee is a small, community-oriented, family-owned business. Started in 2020 by founders Ashley May and Brian Raupp, the shop offers whole bean and ground coffee, specialty brewed coffee, home goods (designed in-house!), and even a monthly coffee subscription club. According to May and Raupp, the name “Others” signifies an acknowledgment of the interconnectivity inherent to specialty coffee. 

The founders of Others Coffee really know their beans. Their website lists detailed information about the coffees on offer, so you can learn more about each cup’s process, taste profile, and geographic origins. As the company grows, it aims to help tell the stories of all the “others” involved in bringing us our favorite beverage, coffee.

And just in case you need another excuse to treat yourself to a cup of joe, the New York Times found that caffeine can improve your athletic performance by an average of 2 to 5 percent! Caffeine blocks adenosine, the neurotransmitter that can make us drowsy; this, in turn, releases hormones like dopamine and epinephrine, resulting in a stimulating effect. The article also states that caffeine might also help our muscles produce more force. Turns out that your morning or afternoon cup of coffee may be leading to stronger workouts! 

It’s MINT to be! All MINT members get $1 off any drink on the Others Coffee menu. Just show your membership card at checkout to get the community discount. Check out our other community partners for additional discounts at local businesses.