Blog Archives - Page 57 of 66

Join the MINT Ambassador team for a MINTy pre-holiday happy hour

at Sauf Haus (one of our new community partners)!

Here are the details: Where: Sauf Haus (1216 18th Street NW) When: Tuesday, December 20 Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm What: A MINTy happy hour to celebrate our newest community partnership! You’ll also have a chance to meet MINT Ambassadors and other MINT members! And enjoy drink specials!

Sauf Haus Happy Hour Specials:

Monday-Friday,

4pm – 7pm

$2 off all pretzels, beer, wine, and spirits!

*Good news! Beginning December 20, Sauf Haus is extending their happy hour specials (through 9pm!) for MINT members *every* Tuesday and Wednesday. Looks like you’ve found your new post-work happy hour spot. All you need to do is show your MINT keytag to get the discount when you order! Cheers to that!

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Sauf Haus is also hosting a NYE party and they want you to be there! MINT members can use promo code ‘RAINBOW’ to get $5 off their ticket purchase. Buy tickets here. Group rates are also available — email Shana at events@saufhausdc.com for details. Disclaimers: Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime. Never force a pose. Stop if you feel pain or intense discomfort. Yoga is meant to be yummy. I love vinyasa yoga and I am obsessed with good alignment. This obsession doesn’t stem from a need for perfection, which would be very “un-yoga-like” of me, but from a passion for protecting the body from injury. Most bodies can safely practice yoga on a daily basis, but maintaining sound alignment is essential to your physical wellbeing. In this series, I will break down some common poses—explaining how to stay safe and fully enjoy each posture. Finally, remember to BREATHE consistently while practicing yoga to receive the full benefits of the practice … otherwise, you’re just stretching in Sanskrit. Today’s pose is Boat Pose, or Navasana.

Boat Pose, Navasana

Sit on the mat, stretching the legs straight out in front of you.

Engage uddiyanabandha, bringing the belly button in and up towards the spine. This is not an instruction to hold the breath. Continue to breathe fully.

Raise the legs, bringing your body into a “V” shape. If this is too intense on your back, generously bend your knees. If this is still too intense, you can gently rest your feet on the floor, keeping your knees bent.

Toes are spread wide and feet are flexed.

Arms are stretched out in front, palms face up.

Spin is straight, shoulders roll back and down the spin, should blades come together at the midline. The heart shines towards the ceiling.

Release any unnecessary tension in your neck and face.

This pose is a great for abdominal toning, and also helps improve back strength.

Practicing yoga on your own can be a ton of fun, but taking a class is a great way to explore new poses under the tutelage of a trained yoga instructor; check out MINT’s yoga offerings, here.

Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador.

Did you know?

We’ve got tons of community partners (all around the district) that offer discounts and deals to MINT members! Just show your MINT key tag! And… exciting news… we’ve got two new community partners to introduce!

Claudia’s Steakhouse

Location: 1501 K Street, NW (near MINT Downtown) About Claudia’s: Claudia’s Steakhouse started in Washington, D.C. three blocks from the White House. Established in 2013, Adams Restaurant Group (ARG) and Claudia’s operate full-service restaurants and catering kitchens with the mission to introduce the flavor, emotion, history, and overall Latin culture to the community. Drop by for lunch, dinner, special occasions or just take advantage of DC’s Happiest Hour. MINT member discount: One complimentary house appetizer or amuse per table and 15% off entrées

DC Grill Express

Location: 1917 18th St NW (near MINT Dupont) About DC Grill Express: DC Grill is a family-run restaurant with delicious food (burgers are their specialty!), which is prepared in-house. They’re in the process of expanding their menu to include a greater variety of healthy options! MINT member discount: 10% off

Now introducing [Small Group] classes at MINT.

Classes will launch January 9!

[Small Group] class will be 25-minute workshops focused on fitness fundamentals. The goal of these classes will be to help you gain a basic working knowledge of the physiology and kinetics of key exercises. These classes are definitely must-adds to your weekly fitness routine. Complete schedules (with times, locations and instructors) are forthcoming! [Small Group] class offerings will include:

Squat Basics (Levels 1 and 2)
Cycle Class Basics
Yoga Basics
Foam Rolling Fundamentals
Bench Press Basics
Barre Fundamentals
Power Playground Fundamentals
The Perfect Pushup
Core Workout Basics

[Small Group] classes will start in January

and are included with all class-access memberships.

Meet featured MINT member, Shaila!

MINT member since: April 2016 Which MINT location is your favorite? MINT Dupont Favorite type of exercise? Strength training, yoga, pilates, barre, dance cardio, cycling, playing sports, swimming What is your favorite exercise? Hiking with the dog What is your favorite group fitness class at MINT? Why? Barre-Lates! But also love the theme-ride spinning classes (Calvin Harris vs Taylor Swift? Keep em coming!!) Who is your favorite MINT trainer/instructor/concierge and why? Everyone has been great. What motivates you to hit the gym and stay healthy? I’m seeing results! After years sitting at my desk, working 14-hr days and living on takeout, I made a commitment to take better care of myself, and my MINT membership is a huge part of that. I deserve this. I need this. Why do you love MINT? It’s a great gym – never too crowded, clean (this is impt), nice vibe, interesting classes and very convenient for me. All this helps make it a good habit.

Keep it up, Shaila! You’re serious #MondayMotivation.

Want to be featured? Fill out this form!

Sometimes you need a little extra push to get you pumped for a workout… we get it! Here are 10 great Instagram pages to get you motivated and pumped for your next sweat session!

1. Roberto Bolle dancer at American Ballet Theatre

Instagram handle: @robertobolle | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BM6w6K0A2OG/

2. Misty Copeland dancer at American Ballet Theatre

Instagram handle: @mistyonpointe | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BNNWjpIB6do/

3. Shaun T.: Personal trainer

Instagram handle: @shauntfitness | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BLeDLr5D-1G/

4. Kevin McHugh: StrongMan and weightlifter

Instagram handle: @mchuge655 | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BNAJIJnhuVq/

5. Laurie Hernandez: Olympic gymnast and winner of Dancing with the Stars

Instagram handle: @lauriehernandez_ | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BMJ0PhIFVEs/

6. Facts of Fitness: fitness videos

Instagram handle: @factsoffitness | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BCoD_l6rHc1/

7. Explosive Performance: elite and extreme fitness training

Instagram handle: @explosiveperformance | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/8BKjElu53w/

8. Capoeira Arte martial arts culture collective

Instagram handle: @capoeiraarte | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BIuI5BlAXGA/

9. Home Squats: fitness videos and testimonials

Instagram handle: @homesquats | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BNUbvz_BN0m/

10. SELF healthy living and lifestyle magazine

Instagram handle: @Selfmagazine | Fave post: https://instagram.com/p/BMq7mLuh4uL/

By MINT Ambassador Erika Gude

Treat yourself and look MINTy fresh with some MINT gear! We’ve got *new* thermal long sleeved tops… plus more tanks and tees!

Disclaimers: Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime. Never force a pose. Stop if you feel pain or intense discomfort. Yoga is meant to be yummy. I love vinyasa yoga and I am obsessed with good alignment. This obsession doesn’t stem from a need for perfection, which would be very “un-yoga-like” of me, but from a passion for protecting the body from injury. Most bodies can safely practice yoga on a daily basis, but maintaining sound alignment is essential to your physical wellbeing. In this series, I will break down some common poses—explaining how to stay safe and fully enjoy each posture. Finally, remember to BREATHE consistently while practicing yoga to receive the full benefits of the practice … otherwise, you’re just stretching in Sanskrit. Today’s pose is Tree Pose, or Vrksasana.

Tree Pose, Vrksasana

Stand in tadasana at the top of your mat.

Bend the right leg, and place the foot at the left ankle, calf, or upper thigh. Never rest the foot directly on the knee.

Raise your arms towards the sky. Shoulders roll up and down the spin, away from the ears. Shoulder blades come together at the midline.

Arms slightly externally rotate, meaning that palms begin to face towards the back of the mat.

Hip points should face out equally in front of you, and your bent knee should extend towards the right.

Release any unnecessary tension in your neck and face.

For a challenge, try balancing while closing your eyes, and/or gently swaying your arms like a tree in the wind.

After you are done, try the pose on the other side to even out the body.

Practicing yoga on your own can be a ton of fun, but taking a class is a great way to explore new poses under the tutelage of a trained yoga instructor; check out MINT’s yoga offerings, here. Ashley Binetti received her 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Saraswatis’s Yoga Joint in Norwalk, CT in 2011. Her favorite pose is Triangle. When she’s not doing yoga, Ashley works as a nonprofit attorney. She is also a MINT Ambassador. FYI: Personal training increases are coming January 1! All 50-minute sessions will increase by $2/session and all 30-minute sessions will increase by $1/session. Members on an active, current FLEX plan enjoy 2016 rates through May 2017. If you’re not on a FLEX plan, start one in December to take advantage! PURCHASE HERE! (Please note that any disruption to a FLEX plan resets the plan to new rates.) Stock up before the prices increase! Buy 50-packs ASAP!

BUY 50 sessions with Master Trainer (50-minute sessions)

$4,450 ($89/session)

BUY 50 sessions with Trainer (50-minute sessions)

$3,950 ($79/session)

You’re too busy to mess with anything less than the best

The holidays are right around the corner! Make sure you know our holiday hours so you can plan your workouts accordingly!

MINT Dupont Holiday Hours:

Friday, Dec 23rd (CLOSED)*
Saturday, Dec 24th (CLOSED)*
Sunday, Dec 25th (CLOSED)*
Monday, Dec 26th (normal hours)

NOTE: MINT Dupont will be closed for extensive floor refinishing work.

NYE:

Saturday, Dec 31st (7am – 4pm)
Sunday, Jan 1st (10am – 8pm)
Monday, Jan 2nd (normal hours)

MINT Downtown Holiday Hours

Saturday, Dec 24th (7am – 4pm)
Sunday, Dec 25th (7am – 12pm)
Monday, Dec 26th (normal hours)

NYE Hours

Saturday, Dec 31st (7am – 4pm)
Sunday, Jan 1st (7am – 4pm)
Monday, Jan 2nd (normal hours)

*Since MINT Dupont will be closed Dec 24, 25 and 26… we are offering a transportation subsidy to help you get to MINT Downtown for your workout! Here’s how it works. Uber transportation subsidy conditions:

Current active members only (account must be current)
Trip must be taken within MINT Downtown hours from the front of MINT Dupont directly to the front of MINT Downtown using only UBER.
Member must have checked in at MINT Downtown within 10 minutes of trip ending.
One way south only, one trip maximum per day.
Email your detailed UBER receipt(s) with map showing the route to accounting@mintdc.com before 6am Monday, December 26 and we will credit your card on file. Receipt must contain the route information per above.
Please understand that we cannot make any exceptions to the above conditions. Enjoy!