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Weatherproof Workouts at MINT 

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Even though Potomac Phil predicted an early spring this year, DCers know that the weather in February and March can swing from 30 to 70 to 50 degrees – a year’s worth of weather in one week! And, of course, there are those spring rainstorms that seem to come out of nowhere and always hit when you’ve left your umbrella at home. Luckily, MINT guarantees weatherproof workouts every day of the week, and there are options for every type of fitness fan. If you love to exercise outdoors but need bad weather alternatives, here are some fun workouts to try at MINT. 

For the runners: 

There is truly nothing better than the first t-shirt run of spring when you finally shed the winter layers and feel the sun on your arms for the first time in months. Until then, try a treadmill workout to maintain cardio fitness. Pounding out miles on a stationary machine can get boring fast, so mix it up with speed and hill intervals for a challenge that will engage your muscles and mind. After warming up, set the treadmill to a low-medium incline and jog for 2 minutes. Then, decline to flatter ground and increase your speed for 1 minute. Repeat until drenched in sweat. 

For the cyclists: 

You’ll find MINT’s signature Rhythm Ride class, a beat-based ride with on-bike choreography and upper body work, on the schedule five days a week. While it’s not quite the same as cruising through Rock Creek Park or taking laps around Haines Point, these classes are available rain or shine and are a great off-season option for cyclists. When classes aren’t in session, members are welcome to use the MATRIX bikes in the cycling studio for their own workouts. 

For the yogis:

While our member favorite outdoor yoga class is on winter hiatus, step into one of MINT’s cozy indoor classes. As seasons transition, it’s good to feel grounded in your body. Restorative yoga classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, while other practices are on the schedule Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Pilates and barre classes are also great low-impact options. 

If classes are not currently included in your MINT membership, now is a great time to switch to the All Access membership – don’t forget to check out our latest membership deal!

The Sauna: A Warm Winter Oasis at MINT

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As outdoor temperatures drop, let MINT be your cozy winter oasis. In addition to the amazing instructor-led workouts and various machines and weights, MINT offers special member amenities that will keep you warm all season long. 

Saunas are available in the men’s and women’s locker rooms – have you tried them yet? Saunas produce dry heat. Unlike a steam room, humidity levels remain low, but the heated room is designed to make you sweat. 

There are many benefits to a quick sauna session after working out: 

  • The steady heat can help improve blood flow and cardiovascular function. 
  • The sauna can also decrease recovery time after intense exercise, alleviating pain and soreness. 
  • There are also benefits to skin health. Increased blood circulation can make the skin appear firmer and draws nutrients to the surface. At the same time, heat helps open up pores, expelling toxins. 
  • Looking beyond the physical benefits, it’s simply relaxing. Taking a few minutes of your day to sit in a warm, quiet room can help boost mental health in the winter months when it’s cold and dark outside. 

While we encourage you to try the sauna for yourself, there are a few important things to keep in mind: 

  • It is not recommended to use the sauna for longer than 15-20 minutes, though a shorter session (5-10 minutes) is recommended if you are new to it. 
  • Be sure to pay extra attention to your hydration when you use the sauna, and increase water intake if you sweat more than usual. 
  • If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, fatigued, or nauseous, exit the sauna immediately. 
  • People who are pregnant or have certain health conditions should not use a sauna. Always check with a medical practitioner before using a sauna if you are unsure about any health effects. 

To access the sauna and all the other amazing benefits MINT has to offer, find the membership option that works best for you. From unlimited gym time + classes to monthly class packs, there’s something for everyone. 

Welcome MINT’s newest community partner: Others Coffee

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MINT has a new neighbor! Welcome to our newest community partner, Others Coffee. Located just across the street at 1722 Florida Ave., Others Coffee is a new pop-up cafe open on weekends from 9am-4pm. 

Like MINT, Others Coffee is a small, community-oriented, family-owned business. Started in 2020 by founders Ashley May and Brian Raupp, the shop offers whole bean and ground coffee, specialty brewed coffee, home goods (designed in-house!), and even a monthly coffee subscription club. According to May and Raupp, the name “Others” signifies an acknowledgment of the interconnectivity inherent to specialty coffee. 

The founders of Others Coffee really know their beans. Their website lists detailed information about the coffees on offer, so you can learn more about each cup’s process, taste profile, and geographic origins. As the company grows, it aims to help tell the stories of all the “others” involved in bringing us our favorite beverage, coffee.

And just in case you need another excuse to treat yourself to a cup of joe, the New York Times found that caffeine can improve your athletic performance by an average of 2 to 5 percent! Caffeine blocks adenosine, the neurotransmitter that can make us drowsy; this, in turn, releases hormones like dopamine and epinephrine, resulting in a stimulating effect. The article also states that caffeine might also help our muscles produce more force. Turns out that your morning or afternoon cup of coffee may be leading to stronger workouts! 

It’s MINT to be! All MINT members get $1 off any drink on the Others Coffee menu. Just show your membership card at checkout to get the community discount. Check out our other community partners for additional discounts at local businesses.

Introducing Seara Mainor: Our New Yoga Instructor

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Yoga has the power to heal, transform, and uplift both body and soul. It’s a practice that brings physical and mental wellness together in a harmonious dance. At MINT, we are delighted to introduce our newest yoga instructor, Seara Mainor, whose journey through yoga embodies the essence of this ancient practice.

Seara Mainor

Seara Mainor’s introduction to yoga came during her high school years, a time when her body endured the rigors of competitive sports. She initially embraced the 26×2 sequence, formerly known as Bikram yoga, as a means to counterbalance the physical toll her athletic pursuits had taken on her. While she quickly recognized the physical benefits of yoga, it was the immediate sense of peace, connection, and self-compassion that truly resonated with her during those moments of intense focus.

What makes Seara’s approach to yoga unique is her commitment to being a “lifetime learner.” She is driven by the belief that yoga is not just a series of poses but a path to self-discovery and personal growth. She encourages her students to listen to their bodies and express themselves fully on and off the mat. In her classes, Seara cultivates an environment of compassion and kindness where students feel safe, welcomed, and deeply connected to their own bodies.

With a strong athletic background and a daily Mysore practice, Seara offers a unique perspective on yoga sequences, making her a perfect fit for those seeking powerful Power and Vinyasa flows. However, she’s also skilled at tailoring classes to the individual needs of her students, ensuring that yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level or physical condition.

Seara’s journey to becoming a yoga instructor is a testament to her dedication and passion for the practice. After completing her undergraduate studies with dual degrees in Biology and Cognitive Science with a concentration in Philosophy at the University of Virginia (UVA), where she was a decorated athlete in soccer and field hockey, she went on to earn a Master of Public Policy Degree. In April 2023, she received her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification from Flow Yoga Center under the guidance of Debra Perlson-Mishalove and Marie Belle Riviera Perez.

Beyond her role as a yoga instructor, Seara is a true adventurer at heart. When she’s not guiding students through their yoga practice, you can find her immersed in the great outdoors, playing soccer, running, reading, or painting with friends and family.

At MINT, we are thrilled to have Seara Mainor as a part of our yoga community. Her dedication to the practice, commitment to her students’ well-being, and her multifaceted background make her a remarkable addition to our team. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking to embark on a transformative journey, Seara’s classes at MINT will leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to the power of yoga.

Join us in welcoming Seara Mainor to MINT, and let’s embark on this yoga journey together, one breath at a time.

Welcome to 2024 at MINT!

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New Year’s resolutions – some people love them, some people hate them, but regardless of your feelings, they are always a popular topic come January. Whether you want to call them resolutions, intentions, goals, or anything else, here are some ideas to kick-start 2024 with energy and motivation. 

  1. Rest

This might not be at the top of your “new year, new me” list, but getting adequate rest is so important to your body, energy level, and overall health. If you already work out regularly, try to include 1-3 rest days into your week. If you’re new to working out, maybe aim for every other day so your body adjusts at a realistic pace to increase movement. Sleep is important, too – it’s ok to skip that morning workout if you had a late night! Your body might benefit more from sleep than pushing it when you’re low on fuel. 

  1. Hydrate

Proper hydration is important whether you’re working out or not. The general guideline for water intake is half your weight in ounces, though if you’re active and sweating, you should add ~12 ounces for every 30 minutes of activity. Fill up that brand-new Stanley cup and get sipping. 

  1. Try different foods or cuisines 

While there is always a lot of diet talk around the new year, I want to encourage you instead to focus on incorporating new-to-you foods into your meals. Maybe there’s an ingredient you always see but don’t know what to do with. Maybe a new restaurant opened in your neighborhood. Whatever it is, mixing up your go-to meals with new options makes fueling your body enjoyable and exciting. (Also, did you know that the MINT newsletter occasionally features new recipes? Check it out and get cooking!) 

  1. Find new ways to move your body 

Will this be the year that you join a recreational sports league? Learn to swim or ride a bike? Train for a race? MINT has added many new classes to the schedule – try them and let us know what you think. There are endless ways to move your body, so find what brings you joy! 

With any of these ideas, take the pressure off – for many, the thought of starting a whole new routine all at once is daunting and leads to failure. If you incorporate any new habit or change even once throughout the week, it’s better than not at all. And most importantly, do what feels right for your body and your routine. Movement should be fun and positive, not punitive. 

The start of the year is always a busy time at MINT. While walk-ins are accommodated when space is available, we strongly recommend booking ahead for classes and gym time. We look forward to seeing you in the gym!

Slow Burn Sculpt: Challenge Yourself with Deliberate and Engaged Movement

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If you’ve perused MINT’s schedule recently, you might have noticed a new class offering: Slow Burn Sculpt. This full-body workout combines endurance and strength training with deliberate, measured movements emphasizing control, balance, and muscle building. Exercises are performed slower to allow for precise, deep muscle engagement and a focus on correct form. 

According to instructor Tali Israeli, Slow Burn Sculpt “blends the time-tested principles of traditional strength training with the grace and precision of barre and pilates-inspired exercises. It focuses on building often overlooked and weaker muscles, improving stability, precision, and control of your body, building core strength, and improving the mind-body connection – while still providing a full body workout.” 

The class is suitable for all levels, and modifications are offered and encouraged as needed. Tali gives demos on each exercise and guides to ensure the right muscles are being activated. Most moves use bodyweight to engage the core, glutes, shoulders, and chest, though sliders, light dumbbells, and a pilates ball are also frequently used. Expect lots of plank variations, too! 

With a focus on tempo training, the class will challenge your body with slow, controlled movements and targeted muscle activation, resulting in a challenging but lower-impact workout. If you enjoy the intensity of a Power Playground or Flex class and the intentionality of a Pilates or barre class, give Slow Burn Sculpt a try. 

Slow Burn Sculpt is offered on Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Sign up today!