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5 Creative Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays

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Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, etc, etc, etc. Whatever it is you celebrate, we hope you truly enjoy it and spend time with family and friends. But that doesn’t make you have to halt your active lifestyle.

MINT Ambassador, Erika, rounded up some creative ways to stay active during the holiday season!

5 Creative Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays

1. If you’re staying in DC, check out an indoor neighborhood pool.

2. Play with the kids! Got cousins, nieces and nephews? Put them to work!

  • Play TAG! volunteer to be “IT” for a few rounds and see how many steps you can rack up.
  • Everyone (read: kiddos) love a good human jungle gym! Get low, offer piggy back rides and superman flights  (Note: Some height and weight restrictions may apply!)

3. Make your holiday gatherings a game!

  • Every time you get asked an awkward question, do 5 pushups. (You know what we’re talking about! “When will you two get married?” “No kids yet?” “Do you really need another glass of egg nog?” and on, and on, and on….)
  • Every time you go to a retail store, do 5 burpees
  • Every time you hear a child crying, do 5 squats
  • Every time you get asked, “Did you eat yet?” do a 60-second plank
  • Every time you meet a new relative (baby, spouse, distant cousin…), do 5 jumping jacks
  • Every time you go to a bar, 50 crunches

4. Dust off mom and dad’s throwback VHS/DVD workout videos and get your sweat on, old school style. Jazzercise, anyone?

5. If you’re heading out of town, or back to your hometown, pop into your local fitness club or studio (solo or grab a family member or friend) and ask about a visitor pass or short-term access membership.

Enjoy the upcoming holiday season – no matter what you’re celebrating!

Get FREE sweetgreen!

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A new sweetgreen is coming to town!

sweet green

The new location will be at 888 17th Street NW… just around the corner from MINT Downtown!

And what’s better, is during their soft-opening, MINT members can get FREE salads! RSVP here to redeem your free salad (and bring a friend)!

(They will open officially on December 23rd! Stop by, say “hello,” enjoy your free salad and welcome them to the neighborhood!)

[Small Group] Classes at MINT

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Now introducing [Small Group] classes at MINT.

Classes will launch January 9!

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[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.

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Featured Member: Shaila M.

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Meet featured MINT member, Shaila!

Shaila M

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!

Yoga Alignment Alignment Series: Tree Pose, Vrksasana

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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
Tree Pose, Vrksasana
  • 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. 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.

6 Tips for Eating Healthy During the Holidays

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Photo credit: Kristina Servant on Flickr
Photo credit: Kristina Servant on Flickr

Holidays are approaching, and that means one thing… holiday parties. At first, seeing your loved ones, coworkers, or friends gathered around an endless buffet and bar sounds enticing.

But after two months of nonstop celebrations, it may be a frustrating struggle to fit into your favorite jeans. Well, we have a couple solutions for you to avoid packing on those pounds throughout the holidays!

1. Eat Before Going to a Party.

Before you head out, enjoy a healthy snack (or meal) to curb your appetite. Eating a healthy, substantial breakfast in the morning can prevent overeating later on in the day. Right before a party, eat a filling snack with protein and complex carbohydrates, such as peanut butter with whole wheat crackers or hummus and carrots, to hold you over.

2. Everything in Moderation.

It is totally fine to indulge in a piece of pumpkin pie—just not the third or fourth slice. Feel free to enjoy the dessert, but try using a smaller plate. Studies have shown that when smaller plates or bowls are used, a smaller portion is viewed as “more filling.” Choose your indulgences wisely!

3. Keep Up the Exercise.

Even if you do not have time for your normal gym routine, try and fit in exercise wherever you can in your busy day. Shovel snow, clean for houseguests, dash through the stores in search of presents, or even just go for a walk after dinner.

4. Provide a Healthy Dish to the Party.

Photo credit: Amazing Almonds on Flickr
Photo credit: Amazing Almonds on Flickr

Instead of bringing yet another dessert, offer to bring a healthy dish to the party. There are tons of holiday recipes that are modified to be a bit more health conscious. For example, if your signature dish is “Green Bean Casserole,” slim it down with fresh mushrooms and vegetable broth—instead of the cream of mushroom.

5. Stay Away from the Table.

If engaging in conversation, try to stand more than an arm’s length away from the snacks that may be out before the meal. While chatting, you may not notice yourself even reaching for the nuts or chips on display. Therefore, stay as far away (as possible) to avoid temptation.

6. Colors First!

Fill your plate with vegetables and fruit first before moving onto the creamy mashed potatoes and honey-glazed ham. The fruits and vegetables may fill you up first, and remember—everything else in moderation!

These are just a few suggestions to keep you on track throughout the holiday season. It may seem impossible to prevent any weight gain, but all the more reason to stay active at MINT Health Club & Studio!

Johanna is a MINT Ambassador. Fitness as well as eating right have always been two major passions of hers -- her first degree was even in Nutrition! After finishing up her Master's this past summer, she now work as a Registered Nurse, but when she's off, you can find her running or lifting at the gym.Johanna is a MINT Ambassador. Fitness as well as eating right have always been two major passions of hers — her first degree was even in Nutrition! After finishing up her Master’s this past summer, she now works as a Registered Nurse, but when she’s off, you can find her running or lifting at the gym.