If you’re serious about getting to know your body, tracking your progress, and setting yourself up for long-term success, it’s time to meet one of MINT’s most powerful tools: the Fit3D Body Scanner.
This cutting-edge technology goes way beyond the scale. In just 40 seconds, Fit3D creates a full 3D image of your body and provides hundreds of measurements, including posture analysis, body composition, balance, and more. Think of it as your personal fitness dashboard — giving you the data you need to understand where you are today and how to get where you want to go.
Why Fit3D is a Game-Changer
- See more than a number: Forget relying on the scale alone. Fit3D gives you the full picture with accurate, detailed insights.
- Track real progress: Watch your posture, muscle symmetry, and body composition evolve over time. It’s the most motivating way to see the results of your hard work.
- Set smarter goals: Whether you want to get stronger, leaner, or simply feel better, the data from Fit3D helps you (and your trainer) create a personalized plan to get there.
- Next-level workouts: With clearer insight into your body, you and your trainer can fine-tune your training to maximize results and minimize risk of injury.
Who Has Access?
Here’s the best part:
- All active personal training clients at MINT have access to Fit3D at no added cost. Just ask your trainer to schedule a scan.
- MINT Condition members also enjoy unlimited access to Fit3D scans as part of their membership benefits.
Not sure if your membership includes Fit3D? Good news — your first session is free. And if you have questions, you can always reach out to Skip at Skip@mintdc.com.
Take the Guesswork Out of Your Fitness Journey
Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all — and neither are results. With the Fit3D Body Scanner, you’ll finally have the insights you need to understand your body, track your progress, and crush your goals.
Ready to level up your workouts and get data that actually makes a difference? Ask your trainer about Fit3D today, or email Skip to get started.
Members,
This year, MINT celebrated 19 years! Our gratitude for your continued support only grows deeper. The community you’ve helped create here inspires us every day and allows us to keep MINT a vibrant, welcoming retreat in the heart of DC.
This past year, we’ve reinvested in your experience with exciting upgrades, including fully refreshed locker rooms with new showers and saunas, our cutting-edge Fit3D Body Scanner, front door facial recognition security, and expanded class offerings. Paired with our team of top-tier instructors and trainers, these enhancements ensure MINT remains DC’s premier health club. And we’re not slowing down—new equipment upgrades are already on the horizon.
As part of these ongoing efforts, please note that the annual Facility Fee will run on or about October 4. This fee helps support a portion of the continuous improvements that keep MINT thriving and evolving.
Thank you for being such an essential part of MINT. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have you with us on this journey.
Patrick and Melissa John
Founders, Owners, and Operators
Looking for free things to do in Washington, DC this October? Want a fun, high-energy fitness class outdoors with the community? MINT is excited to bring back one of DC’s favorite free fitness events — the 7th Annual Outdoor Power Playground!
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Registration Opens at 10:30am, Class Starts at 11am
50 min workout
Marie Reed Field (Adams Morgan, DC)
This free outdoor workout is open to everyone — MINT members and non-members alike. All you need to do is register in advance and bring your energy!
What is Power Playground?
MINT’s signature Power Playground classes combine strength and cardio in an interval-based format with 8–12 stations. Think of it as recess for adults — but with kettlebells, ropes, TRX, resistance bands, and creative exercises that will challenge your entire body.
Our incredible instructors will guide you through each station, offering encouragement and modifications so all fitness levels can participate. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun, new way to get moving, Power Playground is a perfect fit.
Why Join This Free Fitness Event in DC?
- ✅ It’s free! No cost to join, just register ahead.
- Outdoor fun. A perfect way to enjoy the DC fall weather.
- All levels welcome. The workout is scalable for beginners to advanced athletes.
- Community energy. Rally your friends, coworkers, or neighbors for a Sunday sweat session.
- ️ Led by MINT pros. Our expert instructors make it challenging, motivating, and fun.
What to Bring
- Water
- Sneakers & comfortable workout clothes
- Friends!
Keep the Momentum Going
Can’t wait until the event? MINT offers group fitness classes every day of the week at our club located in Adams Morgan. Come check one out in-studio and keep your training strong long after the outdoor event ends.
➡️ Don’t miss this free community fitness event in DC.
There’s room for everyone, but we do need you to register for the event using this link. We can’t wait for you to join us at Marie Reed on October 19 for a workout you won’t forget.
We’re excited to introduce Charlie Martel, the newest addition to our talented team of MINT personal trainers. With a background rooted in strength training and a passion for helping people feel stronger—inside and outside the gym—Charlie brings an empowering, encouraging approach to every session.
How Charlie Got Started
Charlie’s fitness journey began when he worked with personal trainers as a teenager. Their impact went far beyond physical results. “They had such a positive effect on me inside and outside the gym,” Charlie shares. “I thought to myself that it would be an amazing career for me, and I hope I can have the same positive effect on people.”
After exploring other career paths, Charlie realized personal training was where he belonged. He began studying for his NASM certification and hasn’t looked back since.
Why Personal Training?
Charlie discovered early on that he loved helping people build confidence through fitness. He started by informally training friends and family and quickly saw how much it boosted their self-esteem. “I’ve always been passionate about working out, and helping people with that journey seemed like the perfect fit,” he explains.
Charlie’s Training Style
Charlie’s training style is empowering and encouraging. His goal? To set clients up for success with habits that build confidence and long-term physical performance. Whether you’re brand new to training or chasing new personal records, Charlie meets you where you are and helps you move forward safely and effectively.
His Specialty: Strength Training
Charlie specializes in strength training, the very thing that first got him hooked on fitness. He works with clients to build strength and muscle mass while managing fatigue and prioritizing safety. “Whether it’s adding more muscle or increasing bench press numbers, I can be a big help in performance and keeping the lifter safe,” he says.
Advice for First-Timers
For anyone considering personal training for the first time, Charlie has simple advice:
- Be yourself, and know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Remember that training is not one-dimensional—there are countless ways to improve performance.
- Always be curious and ask questions, whether you’re a client or a fellow trainer.
Life Outside the Gym
When he’s not training at MINT, you can often find Charlie outdoors with his dog, walking through Rock Creek Park or along the National Mall. He also enjoys biking around the monuments with friends.
Charlie’s go-to spot for a healthy, affordable meal in DC is TEASHI Café downtown, where he loves the chicken and rice bowls packed with vegetables. And at home, he’s been experimenting in the kitchen with a new culinary project: perfecting the art of making Peking duck.
Train with Charlie at MINT
Whether your goal is to get stronger, build muscle, or feel more confident in the gym, Charlie is here to help you every step of the way. His empowering approach and strength-training expertise make him a great partner for anyone looking to take their fitness journey to the next level.
Do you set specific goals for your workouts, or do you go with the flow? If you’re more of a flow type, consider incorporating some goal-setting into your routine. Your goals can be big or small, and based on consistency, reps, weight, distance, or speed. Read ahead to see how this can benefit you.
Short-term goals become long-term habits
Setting short-term goals that you know you can accomplish (e.g., working out twice a week, adding one more rep to your next set) can increase satisfaction and encourage long-term commitment and discipline. Having a clear reason to show up for your workout makes you more likely to do it. Think of short-term goals like a to-do list. You get that accomplished feeling of crossing something off, which leads to better long-term satisfaction in your routine.
Structure leads to success
Creating goals can help you understand your “why” and hone in on your objectives, leading to more focused and tailored plans and results. If your overall goal is to run a marathon, you’ll create shorter-term plans to increase your running mileage or incorporate cross-training or targeted stretching.
Track your progress
It can be hard to see incremental changes to your fitness on a day-to-day basis. By setting and accomplishing goals, you’ll see progress in real time. This is rewarding and motivates you to keep going. It also helps break you out of plateaus; when you see your strength or endurance increasing, you know it’s time to move to the next milestone.
What are some of your fitness goals? Let us know, and be sure to tag us in your sweaty selfies!
Our popular discounted MINT gift cards are back now through Friday, September 5th.
Use your gift card for all regular-priced membership dues, personal training sessions, Pilates training, class packages, and MINTy swag! Reminder that discounted gift cards cannot be used to purchase promotion packages.
Purchasing a gift card instantly adds you to our MINTy Insider Program, which gives you early access to limited-time deals and more!
Both current members and non-members may purchase these gift cards.
If you’ve ever thought Pilates was just about stretching on a mat, think again. At MINT, Pilates is a powerful, versatile practice that builds strength, balance, and body awareness—all while being kind to your joints. Whether you’re stepping into a mat class or booking 1-on-1 reformer Pilates training, you’ll discover a workout that meets you exactly where you are and challenges you to go further.
Why Pilates? The Benefits Go Beyond the Core
Pilates is famous for sculpting lean, strong core muscles—but that’s just the beginning. When practiced regularly, Pilates offers:
- Full-body strength & stability: Movements are designed to target small, often-overlooked muscles that support posture and balance.
- Improved flexibility & mobility: Gentle yet precise stretches increase your range of motion without the strain of traditional flexibility training.
- Injury prevention & recovery: Pilates focuses on alignment and muscle balance, making it a favorite for athletes, runners, and anyone bouncing back from injuries.
- Mind-body connection: Every movement is intentional, helping you stay present while reducing stress and tension.
At MINT, we believe Pilates isn’t just an exercise—it’s a reset for your body and mind.
Mat Pilates at MINT: Strength in Simplicity
Don’t let the word “mat” fool you. These classes are anything but basic. Using your own bodyweight (and sometimes props like rings or bands), mat Pilates delivers a surprisingly challenging workout. You’ll move through flowing sequences that build endurance, strengthen stabilizing muscles, and leave you feeling taller, lighter, and more energized.
Mat Pilates is perfect for all levels—whether you’re a beginner looking for a strong foundation or an experienced mover craving deeper core strength.
Reformer Pilates: Your 1-on-1 Training Upgrade
Want to take Pilates to the next level? That’s where the reformer comes in. A reformer is a specialized Pilates machine with springs and pulleys that add resistance and support, creating endless options for building strength and mobility.
At MINT, our 1-on-1 reformer Pilates personal training sessions give you a completely customized experience. Your trainer will design a program to match your goals—whether it’s improving posture, recovering from injury, boosting athletic performance, or simply creating a lean, powerful physique.
Reformer Pilates offers benefits you can’t get from the mat alone:
- Adjustable resistance for progressive training
- Deeper core engagement and muscle isolation
- Support for safe movement, even if you’re rehabbing
- A fun, dynamic workout that feels fresh every time
Why Choose MINT for Pilates in Washington, DC?
Our studios are bright, welcoming spaces where you can focus on your practice without distraction. MINT’s Pilates instructors are not only highly trained but also passionate about helping every member unlock the benefits of this method. Whether you’re in a small group mat class or a private reformer session, you’ll receive expert guidance and encouragement in every movement.
At MINT, Pilates isn’t just another fitness trend—it’s part of our holistic approach to strength, wellness, and community.
Ready to Experience Pilates at MINT?
Looking for Pilates classes in Washington, DC or curious about Pilates personal training on the reformer? We’ve got you covered. Join us for a mat Pilates class to connect with your core in a supportive group environment, or book a 1-on-1 reformer Pilates session for personalized training.
Your strongest, most balanced self is waiting—one mindful movement at a time.
Have you ever gotten into a workout rut? Suddenly your usual routine feels stale, you’re slogging through classes you normally love, maybe your energy is lower, and your motivation drops. While a bummer, this happens to everyone from time to time. Mixing up your workout routine is a great way to reinvigorate yourself – and it can also be really great for your fitness! Both your body and your brain reap the benefits of trying new activities. Here are X positive outcomes to switching things up.
- Prevent injury
Overuse injury or “repetitive strain injury” can occur if you work the same muscles over and over. This happens from putting your body repetitive motions. When you change the type of workout you’re doing, you give your most-used muscles a chance to rest and recover. Which leads us to the next benefit…
- Build new muscles
When you mix up the types of exercise you do, you naturally engage different muscles that might not always get as much attention. Unless you have specific targeted fitness goals or are a professional athlete, a good approach is to do a little of everything. Up your stamina with cardiovascular activity, put those muscles to work with some weights, and increase your flexibility with low-impact body weight movement. It’s all beneficial to your overall health.
- Get results
People come to the gym with all different goals for their workout. Whether you’re aiming to hit a certain rep count, lift at a heavier weight, or just want to move your body in ways that feel good, changing things up can push you in the right direction. When you do the same activity consistently over time, your body gets used to it. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, introducing new movement will challenge you and help you grow.
- Discover a new passion
Your new favorite workout could be the next new thing you try! While routines are great, they can also prevent us from branching out. Are you normally a high-intensity exerciser? Maybe a lower-impact activity like barre or pilates will engage your brain and body in a totally new and welcome way (and trust us, you will feel the burn). Usually hit the gym solo and do your own thing? Try a class, maybe you’ll be your new best workout bud!
MINT offers over 60 classes per week in a variety of formats. Offerings include cycling, HITT, rowing, strength training, barre, pilates, yoga, dance, and more. Equipment in the open gym is updated consistently as well, with new machines being added regularly. We encourage you to try one new thing this week! Whether a new-to-you class (check out our new stretching workshop on the weekends!), a different time of day, or a higher/lower intensity workout, let us know how it goes.
Do you love a routine? Or are you more of a “try something new every week” kind of person? However you choose to move your body, we’re here for it!
As a back pain expert, I talk to folks numerous times per day about the best things they can do to get rid of their back pain. The most common topic that comes up? Core Strengthening. Everyone wants to learn how to strengthen their core properly and more effectively – in hopes that it will put an end to their back pain.
Unfortunately, getting rid of back pain is not as simple as strengthening your core.
I wish it was. Don’t get me wrong – strengthening your core does have its role in both helping and preventing back pain – but core strengthening alone is rarely enough. In fact, sometimes, it can even make your back pain worse, especially if introduced too soon
So why isn’t core strengthening enough? Even when your Medical Doctor, Google, and YouTube all seem to allude that it should be?
Because 80% of the time, your back pain is due to something we call “mechanical” – meaning the source is way underneath all of those core muscles. While strengthening your core muscles will often make you feel better, and may even temporarily relieve your back pain, strengthening your core muscles will never address the mechanical problem underneath. And it will continue to rear its ugly head until it’s finally resolved.
So how do you solve mechanical low back pain so that core strengthening can actually do its job?
First… Let’s talk about what mechanical low back pain is… and isn’t.
Mechanical low back pain is caused by poor postural habits and repetitive movements and stress that occur slowly over time – and eventually lead to movement dysfunction within the spine. It arises from things like having a job where you sit for 8 hours a day, 5 days per week. Perhaps you’re a new mom and are constantly bending over to care for your new baby. You love to garden, or you’re an avid golfer, and have been doing these things for years. All of these “lifestyle” habits and requirements can be responsible for mechanical low back pain.
But what back pain is often blamed on are structures. Things like herniated or bulging discs, arthritis, stenosis, and pinched nerves. What you have to understand is that most of these ailments occur normally as you age. The majority of the population over the age of 50 will have one or more of these “abnormalities” show up on an MRI – even when they don’t have any back pain. But when you’ve got a mechanical back pain problem – one where your spine isn’t moving as well or as normally as it should – these structures become susceptible for irritation. So yes, the structures cause the pain, but the underlying mechanical problem is what’s responsible for irritating the structures.
If you’re confused – I don’t blame you. All you need to understand is that strengthening muscles of any kind – including your core muscles – will not resolve a mechanical back pain problem. You have to address the mechanical “fault” with very specialized and corrective movements that are prescribed to you. They aren’t cookie-cutter and you can’t find them on YouTube.
So when should you focus on strengthening your core?
After the mechanical back problem is identified and resolved. You’ll need to work with a mechanical back pain specialist to do this. But once you do – core strengthening plays a critical role in keeping you strong, healthy, and balanced. A good core strengthening regimen helps you prevent the mechanical back problem from coming back.
Moral of this story – if you’ve been at core strengthening for a while now and disappointed that it hasn’t yet “cured” your back pain – then you must consider that you’re in the 80% and have a mechanical back pain problem. Fix what’s underneath first – and then strengthen away.
CLICK HERE to request a Back Pain Strategy Session from a back pain specialist at my clinic, or email at trupti@mmsspt.com, or CALL (202) 670 8874 for a FREE telephone consultation so we can ask you some questions and help you better.
Trupti Mehta PT, MS, OCSManual Medicine, Spine & Sports Physical Therapy, Washington DC
MINT strives to offer members new classes and opportunities to build strength and confidence in their bodies. One of our newest offerings is a Strength Training for Runners Workshop. The workshop takes place biweekly on alternating Saturdays at 8am. In the 30 minute class, MINT trainer and runner Dallas McClendon will lead participants through exercises that build strength and mobility, as well as improve running form, mechanics, and power. There will be a focus on single leg exercises for stability and balance as well. Curious? Read more below.
Who should take this workshop?
In short, anyone who runs! Movements covered in the workshop can be adjusted to a variety of fitness levels and ages.
Do I need special equipment or gear?
No, all equipment will be provided, and might include kettlebells, resistance bands, TRX, or free weights. Whatever clothes and shoes you usually find comfortable for exercise are fine.
Does it matter if I’m a treadmill runner vs. road runner?
Nope! We encourage anyone who runs on any surface, for any distance, at any pace to explore strength training.
Why is strength training important for runners?
Strength training has many benefits for runners! It can enhance performance, improves overall fitness, and is a critical step in reducing the risk of injury. Strength training not only builds muscle; it also strengthens tendons and ligaments, which are crucial to safe running form. Of course there is benefit to building muscle as well, as this can lead to faster paces and longer strides. Weight-based exercises have also been shown to increase bone density, which helps prevent stress fractures – a common runner’s injury.
I already cross-train; why should I take this workshop?
MINT trainer Dallas McClendon leads this special workshop series. While cross-training is important for runners, working with a dedicated trainer will allow for more specialized exercises catered to your specific running goals. Dallas brings professional and personal experience to his strength training plans. As a dedicated runner himself—having competed in distances from 5Ks to full marathons—Dallas supports runners with custom programming that builds endurance, power, and injury resistance. His sessions bring energy, variety, and challenge, so you’ll never be bored—and you’ll always feel like you’re getting closer to your goals.
Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the running world or have marathons and ultras under your belt, the strength training for runners workshop will help build a solid foundation to keep you on the road for years to come. If you’re curious what strength training can do for you, try the Strength Training for Runners Workshop and let us know what you think.
