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Dance Your Way to Better Health

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One of the most fun trends in fitness right now is the inclusion of dance into group exercise classes. In addition to being an amazing full-body cardio workout, dance-based exercise also has mental and emotional benefits. Learning new types of movements and choreography is a great way to keep the brain active, and listening to upbeat music can improve mood. And, when your workouts are joyful, you’re more likely to show up consistently. 

There are many forms of dance, from traditional ones like ballet and ballroom to more contemporary kinds like hip-hop. All of them are a great way to move your body and get fitter. MINT offers three types of dance-based classes each week:

MINT Dance Fitness

Doonya

Doonya is a Bollywood-inspired workout. Using the music and dance moves found in Indian films, this upbeat workout includes cardio and conditioning intervals of varying intensities. By activating muscle groups in the core, arms, and legs, you’ll burn calories while learning dance and fitness fundamentals. You’ll leave feeling strong, stretched, and invigorated. 

Hip Hop

MINT Dance—Hip Hop is a dance party and cardio workout in one! Featuring top-40 music and hip hop-inspired moves, the follow-the-leader format of this class requires no dance background, just a willingness to get your heart rate up and have fun. Interval-based routines will simultaneously improve your cardiovascular strength, and deliver an incredible full-body workout. 

Zumba

Zumba is a type of cardio-based fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance. Originally created in the 1990s by dancer and choreographer Beto Pérez, Zumba gets its name from the word “rumba,” a genre of Cuban music. You can expect to hear lots of upbeat Latin American music as you move your feet to a mix of salsa, reggaeton, merengue, and cumbia dance moves. 

MINT Dance classes strive to make movement inclusive, empowering, and fun for all – regardless of whether you’re brand new to class or have been dancing for years. Movement isn’t about being the best in the room, it’s about having some fun as you step, turn, and groove through a workout. 

Important Notice: ACH (credit card fee)

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Effective in May, we are forced to implement an additional $1 to the credit card fee as those charges continue to increase, for a total of $5. We don’t want to charge this fee at all! You can avoid the entire CC upcharge by switching to ACH via this secure form here.  

Your membership remains monthly; we hope to see you for many years.  

Thank you for your business, your commitment, and your part in maintaining this healthy community inside and outside MINT’s walls.

Patrick & Melissa John

Local Founders and Owners

Important Notice Regarding Third-Party Partnerships

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As we continually strive to enhance the MINT experience for our community, we have an important update to share.

After careful consideration and with a commitment to providing the highest quality wellness experience possible, we have made the decision to end our partnerships with all third-party services, including ClassPass. This decision was not made lightly but stems from our dedication to prioritizing the member experience.

For anyone who currently enjoys our facilities through a non-membership platform, we genuinely appreciate your support and participation in our community. However, this shift maximizes the attention, resources, and amenities for each member.

For those of you who are currently using ClassPass or another third-party service and are interested in continuing your fitness journey with us at MINT, we extend a warm invitation to join our community directly. We would love to welcome you as official MINT members and continue supporting you in achieving your health and wellness goals.

If you would like more information on transitioning to a MINT membership, please reach out to us at accounting@mintdc.com. Our team will be more than happy to assist you with any inquiries you may have and guide you through the process of becoming a valued member of the MINT family.

We recognize that change can sometimes be challenging, but we firmly believe that this decision will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and personalized experience for all MINT members. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support as we evolve and grow together.

At MINT, our mission remains unchanged: to inspire and empower everyone we touch to lead healthier, happier lives. We look forward to continuing this journey with you side by side.

With gratitude,

The MINT Management Team

Important Dues Notices for May/June Forward

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Everything has transformed over recent years, and we at MINT are as thankful as ever to be in the position to continue to serve this amazing community.  Our members have inspired us every day for 18 years and counting! 

The cost of doing business increases yearly, and while that fact has been greatly accelerated lately, only new member rates have recently increased.  Every so often, we are forced to reevaluate current member rates and make adjustments to ensure that MINT remains the top-notch experience you expect.  

Since 2019, we have remodeled much of the club, including new fitness equipment and classes, entirely new HVAC and air filtration systems, and upgraded conveniences, ambiance, and aesthetic features. And we have much more in store! Look for significant facility and other upgrades to continue over the next two years.

Older membership dues plans will be increased over May and June, 30+ days from when you receive your notice.  While we try to avoid dues increases for current members, we’re content that the last such adjustment was in 2019. 

Watch your inbox for notifications, or feel free to email us at mintcondition@mintdc.com to inquire about your membership account. 

ALSO:

We are also forced to implement an additional $1 to the credit card fee as those charges continue to increase, for a total of $5. We don’t want to charge this fee at all! You can avoid the entire CC upcharge by switching to ACH via this secure form here.  

Your membership remains monthly; we hope to see you for many years.  

Thank you for your business, your commitment, and your part in maintaining this healthy community inside and outside MINT’s walls.

Patrick & Melissa John

Local Founders and Owners

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!