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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.

Introducing Seara Mainor: Our New Yoga Instructor

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Yoga has the power to heal, transform, and uplift both body and soul. It’s a practice that brings physical and mental wellness together in a harmonious dance. At MINT, we are delighted to introduce our newest yoga instructor, Seara Mainor, whose journey through yoga embodies the essence of this ancient practice.

Seara Mainor

Seara Mainor’s introduction to yoga came during her high school years, a time when her body endured the rigors of competitive sports. She initially embraced the 26×2 sequence, formerly known as Bikram yoga, as a means to counterbalance the physical toll her athletic pursuits had taken on her. While she quickly recognized the physical benefits of yoga, it was the immediate sense of peace, connection, and self-compassion that truly resonated with her during those moments of intense focus.

What makes Seara’s approach to yoga unique is her commitment to being a “lifetime learner.” She is driven by the belief that yoga is not just a series of poses but a path to self-discovery and personal growth. She encourages her students to listen to their bodies and express themselves fully on and off the mat. In her classes, Seara cultivates an environment of compassion and kindness where students feel safe, welcomed, and deeply connected to their own bodies.

With a strong athletic background and a daily Mysore practice, Seara offers a unique perspective on yoga sequences, making her a perfect fit for those seeking powerful Power and Vinyasa flows. However, she’s also skilled at tailoring classes to the individual needs of her students, ensuring that yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level or physical condition.

Seara’s journey to becoming a yoga instructor is a testament to her dedication and passion for the practice. After completing her undergraduate studies with dual degrees in Biology and Cognitive Science with a concentration in Philosophy at the University of Virginia (UVA), where she was a decorated athlete in soccer and field hockey, she went on to earn a Master of Public Policy Degree. In April 2023, she received her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification from Flow Yoga Center under the guidance of Debra Perlson-Mishalove and Marie Belle Riviera Perez.

Beyond her role as a yoga instructor, Seara is a true adventurer at heart. When she’s not guiding students through their yoga practice, you can find her immersed in the great outdoors, playing soccer, running, reading, or painting with friends and family.

At MINT, we are thrilled to have Seara Mainor as a part of our yoga community. Her dedication to the practice, commitment to her students’ well-being, and her multifaceted background make her a remarkable addition to our team. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking to embark on a transformative journey, Seara’s classes at MINT will leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to the power of yoga.

Join us in welcoming Seara Mainor to MINT, and let’s embark on this yoga journey together, one breath at a time.