How the Daylight Savings Shift Affects Our Health

November 1, 2024 by mint-sk

We are quickly approaching the time of year when daylight hours dwindle, and the temperature begins to drop. On November 3rd the clocks “fall back,” and for many, especially those with a 9 to 5 office schedule, that means a significant drop in exposure to natural light. This change in time and decrease in daylight can affect our mental and physical health. Here are some things to look out for and tips on managing.

Sleep disruption

Even though we’ll technically “gain” an hour overnight, disruption or loss of sleep is a common side effect of the time change. Luckily, if you stick with consistent bed and wake times, you should adjust within about a week. It also might help to slowly shift your usual schedule back in 15-minute increments over a few days. If you have trouble falling asleep, try dimming the lights at least one hour before your desired bedtime. Avoiding phone use and other screens might help as well.

Lower energy

It takes some time for our bodies’ internal clocks to adjust to the shift in time. Be prepared to feel slightly more tired for a few days, and be patient with yourself as your circadian rhythm adjusts. If you’re lower in energy than usual, try moving your body restoratively. While it can be tempting to double down on caffeine to power through (and we wouldn’t judge you for that extra cup of coffee Monday morning!), be sure to hydrate adequately, too.

Depressed mood

Seasonal affective disorder is a common ailment triggered by changing seasons and waning daylight in winter months. It’s believed that reduced daylight affects how the body produces serotonin. A balanced diet, including protein, carbs, and healthy fats, can help balance hormonal disruptions. Getting as much sunlight as possible during the day may also alleviate symptoms of SAD. Light exposure in the morning and afternoon will help realign circadian rhythm and help alleviate evening energy and mood dips.

It’s not all bad – the time change will be welcome for early risers since it allows more sunlight in the early morning hours. If you prefer to move your body in daylight, consider shifting your workout schedule earlier in the morning. MINT opens at 5:30am on weekdays and offers classes at 6am, 6:30am, and 7am Monday through Friday.

There are also ways to embrace the darker afternoons and evenings. Try a candlelight yoga class, offered on Mondays at 6pm and Sundays at 4:30pm. Other restorative and flow yoga classes are offered on weekday evenings.

Let us know how MINT can help with your winter wellness!

Benefits of Low Impact Exercise

October 23, 2024 by mint-sk

Do you prefer the rush of a high-intensity workout or the slow burn of a lower-impact one?

If you love the rush of a high-impact, high-intensity workout every day, we get it! Those types of exercises get your heart pumping and boost endorphins. But it might be worth incorporating a couple of lower-impact days into your routine. The benefits will be felt in your body and your mind.

Low-impact workouts at MINT gym and stuido

Low-impact exercises are movements that avoid heavy jarring, slamming, or jumping, resulting in little to no impact on your joints. Working out in this gentle manner can still result in a great workout with many of the same benefits as a high-intensity workout.

Low-impact exercises, like pilates, yoga, barre, rowing, cycling and strength training, are accessible and healthy for people of all ages. Engaging in these activities throughout your life is a great way to ensure you can continue being active as you age.

Another benefit is that many low-impact exercises are apartment-friendly! If you can’t get to the gym, rolling out a mat and doing a pilates or light strength routine at home is a great way to move your body without bothering your downstairs neighbors.

A low-impact workout doesn’t have to mean giving up cardio. Many options, such as cycling and elliptical exercise, offer the same health benefits as higher-intensity activities. Low-impact cardio is efficient for burning fat, strengthening the heart, and increasing metabolism. It also reduces the chance of injury by being gentler on the joints and helps improve balance and stability.

Whether you’re taking a class in one of MINT’s fitness studios or rolling out your mat at home, we encourage you to be gentle with your body and pursue movements that feel good for you!

2024 Facility Fee Update

October 1, 2024 by mint-sk

Members,

A note on the 2024 facility fee and upcoming locker room remodeling.

First, a huge thanks for being a MINT fan, we are happy to be celebrating almost 19 years with you. Over the past few years, we have invested heavily in the facility, by replacing the HVAC and building filtration systems, completely updating the reception area, installing new cycle bikes, replacing multiple strength pieces, new flooring and paint throughout, and most importantly investing in the amazing staff that keep MINT the best fitness and wellness experience in DC.

Second, MINT has been remodeling on an almost continuous basis for over two years now. Our goal is to always maximize your experience as a member, so we’ve spread out this work to minimize disruptions. We have just gotten started, we have A LOT more in store over this year and well beyond, and we promise to continue to make our best efforts to stay out of your way!

IMPORTANT! Next up are the locker rooms! Learn more about our updates here.

Both locker rooms will get new saunas! Each sauna will be closed starting early October until late December.
Both Locker rooms will undergo updates between mid-November and late December:
- The men’s room showers and lockers will be completely replaced and those two areas will be closed during this time.
- The men’s lavatory area will remain open, and we will make lockers available for use in the main club area, please plan your club visits accordingly during this time.
The women’s room will only experience brief disruptions over this time, each of which will be announced at least a week ahead of time.

The 2024 annual facility fee will run in early October as usual. Please know that this fee covers only a fraction of remodeling work, we are continuously committed to reinvesting in your experience.

As always, thank you for your support of MINT, locally founded and owned since 2005.

Patrick and Melissa John

Founders, Owners, and Operators

Power Up at MINT’s 6th Annual Outdoor Power Playground Event – 09.15.24

September 5, 2024 by mint-sk

MINT’s signature Power Playground classes are some of the most popular offered at the studio. And for good reason – Power Playground blends cardio endurance and strength in a high intensity interval style class that is organized in 8-12 circuits. Instructors will coach you through a mix of familiar and more creative, “fun” exercises. Think recess for adults, with a bonus of gaining strength and learning about your body. Incorporating kettlebells, ropes, TRX, weights, resistance bands and more, it’s a great way to learn how to use different types of equipment and perform new-to-you total body movements.

On Sunday, September 15th MINT will host its annual outdoor Power Playground event, led by all-star instructors Braegan Padley and Myke Nicholson. Whether you’re an avid Power Playground attendee, totally new to the class, or someone who just likes having fun and getting sweaty outside – no matter who you are or what level of fitness you have, join us at Marie Reed at 10:30am for a playful group workout. This class is open to everyone and you do not need to be a MINT member to attend, so it’s the perfect opportunity to rally your friends, coworkers, promising Hinge date – anyone who’s willing to get a little sweaty and have a good time.

Bring water and wear comfortable sneakers and clothing, and get ready for a fun, fast-paced workout. The class is free but you do need to register in advance. It’s always a popular so we recommend getting it on your calendar now, and getting ready for some summer workout fun with your favorite MINT instructors.
If you want to checkout a Power Playground class at MINT ahead of the event, or if this event inspires you to keep up the power momentum, you’re in luck – there are Power Playground classes on the schedule every day of the week!