Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer from Germany. It’s often described as a “mind-body” exercise because it emphasizes breathwork, flexibility, and muscle control. There are two main types of Pilates: mat and reformer (though MINT offers a special TRX Pilates class that incorporates elements of both!). Both kinds focus on small movements that build strength, improve core stability, and help with overall alignment and stability. 

You’ll find three types of Pilates classes on the schedule at MINT: 

Mat Pilates 

A mat class is a great place to start if you’re new to Pilates. Mat classes are typically body-weight focused without the addition of other equipment (though some instructors might suggest an optional resistance ring). By using your own body as resistance, you’ll learn how to engage the specific muscles targeted by this type of exercise. Most mat classes incorporate an established set of exercises that are repeated each session; moves like “The Hundred,” roll-ups, and leg circles are common. Getting a good foundation in these basic movements can be helpful as your body learns to support itself in new ways. Once you have the hang of it, you can slowly add more resistance through reformer or TRX classes. 

Reformer Pilates 

Once you’ve mastered the basics of mat, a reformer Pilates session is a great way to expand your practice. This type uses a machine called, unsurprisingly, a Pilates reformer, which consists of a frame, sliding platform, and adjustable springs and pulleys that add resistance. Exercises performed on the reformer are generally more dynamic and intense; the equipment moves with your body, allowing fuller movements. Reformer Pilates at MINT is offered by a private session in the comfort of two new state-of-the-art studios outfitted with STOTT equipment. One-on-one sessions can be booked as part of a personal training session package. 

TRX Pilates 

If you’re curious about leveling up from the mat but not sure you’re ready to commit to a one-on-one reformer session, TRX Pilates offers the best of both worlds. It uses familiar mat-based moves as a base, with the added element of suspension. TRX is an excellent tool for Pilates because the adjustable straps allow for various movements while providing stability. 

Pilates is a great, low-impact workout suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Though the classes are slower-paced, you’ll be surprised how much they can burn. Whether new to Pilates or an old pro, expect to feel sore in the day or two following a class. Over time, the repeated movements will help you build a solid fitness base. 

Have you tried Pilates before? What’s your favorite type? Let us know, and as always, be sure to tag us in your sweaty selfies. We love to see our members try new things!

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.

Jumping into the group exercise world can be overwhelming. If you have never entered this space or are hopping back in, here’s your guide to finding your “fit” here at MINT. 

Figure Out What Movement Your Body Responds To. 

• The MINT schedule has a wide variety of classes with varying intensities. Read the class description online and choose a few to try out! 

Know Each Instructor Is Different.

• While the class title may be the same, each instructor puts their own spin on the session. Take some time to experiment with each of our incredible instructors to see who you work with the best!

Remember Movement Is A Practice. 

• In any MINT class, the goal is never perfection—it’s progress. Like any skill, strength and movement take time to build up. Give yourself the grace to remember movement is a lifelong practice! MINT classes provide the opportunity to both try new skills and build on existing strengths in a safe, empowering space. 

Remember Group Classes Aren’t Competition, They’re Community.

• MINT prides itself on its inclusive environment, especially in our group exercise classes. Our community is here to hype you up throughout your wellness journey! While participating in a class is YOUR self-care time, there is the extra bonus of built-in friends and cheerleaders. 

Sign up for a class this week! 

Never taken a MINT signature Power Playground class but always wanted to? Check out these tips from our Cycling Director and Power Playground instructor Ori Korin before jumping into your first class!

1. HYDRATE! (Don’t follow Ori’s lead, hydrate with water, not iced coffee – iykyk)
2. Get your Life Together: This is the kind of class where you want to wear your good socks, the ones that don’t slip; your best workout headband — no bangs in the face…you know what we mean. Don’t let your gear get in the way of your EXPERIENCE.
3. Arrive To Class Early. If you’re in the gym: get there early and set up your space, taking note of the equipment you’re using and grabbing different varieties you may need. If you’re at home: Zoom on in, load your playlist, set up your space, and make sure you can see AND hear your coach!
4. Ask Questions. Feel free to ask questions, take a lower-or-higher-impact option, or scale the workout however you need – this is not a performance or a contest!
5. Encourage Your Fellow MINT Members. Whether you’re on-screen or in person, cheer on your fellow classmates, and yourself! It’s always more fun — and research tells us we get better results — with positive reinforcement!
6. Post-Class Review. After class, take stock of what felt good, what needed improvement, and what you want to try to work on. Each class is an opportunity to train and learn more about your body. If there was something you liked, tell the coach. If there was something that could’ve been better, let them know, too, or submit a feedback form, and maybe try a different instructor next time. MINT has a lot to offer!

For any of our seasoned members, do you have any tips to add? Let us know!

A little over a year ago, I started working out with a personal trainer virtually through MINT. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I knew I desperately wanted to adjust my fitness routine and I was out of ideas on how to change it on my own.

 I’d been running seriously on and off for more than 10 years, caught in an endless cycle of building up mileage and training for races before getting injured, taking several months off, and starting it all over again. I was tired of being hurt and just wanted to be able to get into a consistent fitness rhythm without having to take prolonged breaks every few years because of some muscle strain or stress fracture. 

That’s when I started personal training via Zoom last spring. Every Monday morning I log on from my home gym to work with my trainer. We chat about how I’m feeling and the goals I’m looking to achieve. Each week she leads me through a new circuit of exercises, specifically designed to help me get stronger and work towards those goals. I continue to communicate with her throughout the week, sending her videos of me doing exercises for feedback and asking follow-up questions. Thanks to her help, I’m getting stronger in ways I never would have on my own. 

Doing personal training virtually means we rarely miss a beat. It doesn’t matter if my trainer or I am away from home – I’ve even done sessions from a public park when nowhere else was available to me! Sometimes my cat makes an appearance! I recently moved out of DC and began doing the training from my new apartment’s fitness center. It offers me access to more equipment and has made my overall experience even better even though I was still getting great workouts with my dumbbell and resistance band collection at home. 

Throughout the time I’ve worked with a MINT trainer, I’ve discovered a newfound love for strength training. I used to feel running was my favorite form of exercise and all other fitness felt like a chore. Now running is an exercise I do among many and I’m able to get the same positive feelings from lifting weights or using TRX bands that I used to only get through logging miles. Having someone who is solely dedicated to paying attention to my form has been huge. No one is born knowing the right way to do a squat or a bicep curl. Having her individualized guidance helps me get more out of the exercise while reducing injury risk. It’s completely revolutionized the way I work out and has built my confidence as well. 

• Natalie, MINT Member, Personal Training Client & Ambassador