How has your experience been with MINT? When I first started working out at Mint (the Downtown Studio, RIP) I was incredibly out of shape, had not worked out in a very long time, had very little confidence and was terrified of being judged by… well, everyone. Kathryn’s Barre class was the first one I walked into on a April evening, and from that first class, I knew that this gym felt different. From the first steps you take into any of the locations, you are greeted by welcoming, smiling people who seem to be in your corner right away. Every single instructor I have worked with has been engaging, fun to work with, and kind. That judgment I feared so palpably my first time stepping into the studio has never been felt within any interaction I have with any other member. In short, I’ve never had a gym experience where I’ve felt so supported and encouraged, even by people I’ve only met once or a couple of times. I went from going a couple of times a week to going six days a week, and know that Mint is my “safe space” – no matter what noise or ridiculous thing is going on in my life or in DC in general, I can go to Mint, breathe and re-center myself, all while being around a bunch of genuinely great people. And ten months following that first Barre class, I not only know that I have grown in leaps and bounds health wise, but my confidence has risen in ways I could never imagine.

Fitness goals and how you have started working your way towards them? When I first started, my main goal was to lose weight and get healthy in all areas. I am still working toward my “goal number”, but I really am placing more focus on maintaining the work that I have accomplished while gaining more confidence to try out more of the HIIT classes and challenge myself more in the areas of cardio endurance and strength training.

Classes you like? Kathryn’s Barre class was my first introduction to Mint and remains my favorite – her enthusiasm and support are what ultimately made me want to become a member. All of the Barre classes are fantastic and speak to me really well as a former dancer, and I love that each instructor has their own style while retaining the integrity of the method. I have also started taking the Power Pilates classes every week and love how centering and peaceful they are, while still providing a great challenge to my core and leg muscles. Mariam’s Cardio Belly Dance class is SO fun, and I am thrilled that it was added last month – to anyone who is curious, take it! Its so fun, and works both my brain AND my core my crazy! I also really enjoy the TRX Bootcamp classes when my confidence in myself is up, and Braegan makes something that looks incredibly intimidating easy to follow (if exhausting but gratifying as all get out by the end of the class).

How has your experience been with MINT? Mint has been an integral part of my DC life – I became a member within month of moving here 4 years ago and haven’t looked back! I love the instructors and the community feel. There are so many members we see on a regular basis in class and around the neighborhood. I particularly love the Flexguest option so that I can always bring a friend to workout with and keep motivated.

Fitness goals and how you have started working your way towards them? My goals have evolved over the years. I joined to lose the weight I’d gained finishing my PhD dissertation. Then I pledged to get into great shape for my wedding and introduced my then fiancee Trevor to MINT and he’s been my most frequent gym buddy since then. Most recently I vowed to stay in shape during pregnancy and kept it up right until 2 days before delivery, earning a spot in the winners of the latest “Maintain Don’t Gain” challenge. Now, I’m looking forward to shedding the baby weight healthily and took my first step with my first classes back, though I do need the doctor’s clearance before I really hit it hard!

How is your personal training experience (if working with a trainer): I’ve mainly taken classes and done cardio on my own, I did just buy a three pack of PT with Myke because he has such a positive reassuring personality. I’m looking forward to working with him to figure out what exercises work best in my new postpartum body.

Classes you like? I particularly enjoy Colleen’s style of timed-circuit obstacle course Power Playground and . There’s no better way to jump start your Saturday morning than Power Playground and/or MintCore with Mike. And when I’m running a little late in for a weekday morning, I’ll catch Braegan’s half of Fuse and then cardio on my own