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Benefits of Low Impact Exercise

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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

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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

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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!

MINT Member “Open House” Week – Aug 11-17

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We are excited to share that from August 11th through August 17th, we will be hosting a MINT Member “Open House” week.

What does that mean? Class access to ALL members, regardless of membership type, will be FREE.

BONUS: Members can register up to 3 guests to join you! You must register them using this form by 8/10/24.

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August 2024 Personal Training Promo – Go Big or Go Small

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MINT_Personal_TrainingStock up on your personal training sessions. We have a deal for everyone – go BIG or go SMALL.

Go Small

10pack in-club 50min (Trainer) –$840

10pack in-club 50min (Master Trainer) – $940

10pack in-club 50min (Advanced Master Trainer) – $1,090

Go Big

50pack in-club 50min (Trainer) – $3,950

50pack in-club 50min (Master Trainer) – $4,450

50pack in-club 50min (Advanced Master Trainer) – $5,200

Get Into the Olympics at MINT

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The summer Olympics are here, and we all have our eyes glued to the incredible feats of athleticism of this year’s athletes. If you’re inspired by Paris 2024, check out these MINT classes for an Olympian-worthy workout. 

Rowing 

Did you know that rowing has been an Olympic sport for over 100 years? The inaugural event for men’s teams occurred in 1900, with a women’s event added in 1976. It’s also one of the oldest collegiate sports in America. There’s a reason that rowing is so popular – it builds strength and endurance with very little impact. Though not quite as scenic as rowing on the Seine, MINT’s erg-based classes simulate the movements required to man a boat. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Power Row classes focus on short but intense bursts of power. You’ll learn proper rowing form and build power and speed. In Endurance Row, a 90-minute class offered only on Saturday mornings, you’ll slow down the pace, refine your form, and build stamina. 

Cycling 

There are four types of cycling events at the summer Olympics: BMX, mountain biking, track, and road. Road cycling races are probably the best known of the sport – these are endurance races that traverse hundreds of kilometers. For just a small taste of what the Olympians face, try a MINT Ride or Rhythm Ride class. You’ll be guided through varying resistances and speeds throughout each class, making you feel like you’re traversing the hills and streets of Paris. 

Weightlifting

In Olympic weightlifting, athletes compete in two barbell-based moves: the “snatch,” and the “clean and jerk.” Learn both these moves and more in one of MINT’s signature FLEX classes. These classes will teach you the basics of strength training, using barbells, dumbbells, TRX, battle ropes, and more. Bonus: many of the exercises you’ll do in FLEX act as a base for building the muscles needed for other sports! 

Breaking

Breaking (also known as breakdancing) is one of two new events introduced at Paris 2024. With improvised choreography, break athletes use a combination of moves including windmills, 6-steps, and freezing. Many breakdance moves are based on the fundamentals of hip hop-style dance. If watching these breakers makes you want to get up and move, try out a MINT Dance Hip Hop class. Zumba and Doonya classes are also on the schedule if you can’t get enough of dance-based exercise. 

Do you prefer the summer or winter Olympics? And what’s your favorite event to watch?