April 29th, 2013 / Around DC, News

-From Director of Operations and Sales, Chris Carnecchia

MINT is opening its doors to the public this weekend, starting with a Spring Open House at the Downtown location this Friday May 3, 2013 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm and at MINT Dupont this Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Join The MINT Team for a day filled with fitness events, nutrition consultations,  a taste of our programming with mini classes, and spa samples!  We will be offering chair massage and facial mapping, complimentary food from some of our community partners Gouter and Relay Foods, as well a raffle give-away!

Guests are free all day, and of course invited to celebrate at a Happy Hour for members, guest and staff alike after each event!

Happy hours are at the following locations:

The Bottom Line :

1716 I St NW  Washington, DC 20006

Friday May 3rd, 3pm-6pm

 Jack Rose Saloon “Tiki Bar” (on the roof deck)

2007 18th St NW  Washington, DC 20009

Saturday May 4th, 3pm-6pm.

February 6th, 2013 / Around DC, Health & Wellness, News

from Area Program Director, Vanessa Hailes

Hi Friends at MINT! As some of you may know, I am a part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s TEAM in Training.  I, along with my “Team 10*acious” have put together several events in the month of February I to help reach our fundraising goal of $18,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!  We are running the Nike Women’s Half-Marathon in Washington DC on April 28th with Team in Training and the ten of us have accepted the awesome challenge of raising money for a cause that matters to every one of us – your support is priceless!

So what are we doing this month?  FITNESS FRIDAYS!  

MINT has generously donated their luxury studio space and allowed us to host both Yoga and Spin classes on Friday nights in February at MINT Downtown (1001 16th St NW, Washington D.C. 20036).

The instructors have also graciously donated their time in an effort to help us with our cause!   We have brought together a great team to provide our friends with a great workout to thank you for your support! Your donations are tax deductible, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Fitness Fridays Class Schedule:
Friday, Feb 8th
7-8pm SPIN
7-8pm YOGA

Friday, Feb 15th
7-8pm SPIN
7-8pm YOGA

Friday, Feb 22nd
7-8pm SPIN
7-8pm YOGA

How do you register?

1.) Go to our team website - http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/nikewhlf13/team10acious

2.) Make a donation!

If you want to take 1 class, please donate $20
If you want to take 2 classes, please donate $35
If you want to take 3 classes, please donate $50

3.) In the comments section, please indicate which date(s) and class(es) you would like to register for, and your email address so we are able to send you confirmation of your registration.

i.e. Feb 15, Yoga, GIJane@awesome.com 

4.) Arrive at MINT for your class and have the ride – or down dog – of your life….No need to bring a yoga mat or towels – MINT has it all

5.) Join us for a cocktail!  We have partnered with the Capital Hilton (MINT’s neighbor!), and they have graciously extended their Happy Hour Drink Specials until 9pm – JUST FOR US!

Space is limited for all classes, so sign up ASAP!  

We appreciate your generosity and support of our efforts to help raise money to END cancer!

January 31st, 2012 / Around DC, Uncategorized

MINT member Kayvon Sarmadi shares his member experience with us:

I moved to DC about a year ago and I was looking for a gym with a convenient location, nice equipment, clean locker rooms and workout space, and a great staff.  MINT has satisfied and exceeded my expectations on every level.

Let’s start with the club itself.  The gym is always extremely clean and the staff feels more like family.  I never have to wait on equipment which is a nice change of pace from other gyms considering I usually go in peak hours.  The trainers are excellent and membership is very reasonable for what you get.  The members also make the club great because they are so respectful of the other people in the gym.

MINT really differentiates itself with the level of classes and training that is available to its members.  As a guy who was a collegiate athlete and takes fitness very seriously, I have never really been into taking classes at gyms.  I viewed them as very cookie cutter ways to get in mediocre shape until I came to MINT.  I was skeptical at first, but since the first time I tried “Men’s Intensity” with Chris Barnes, who is without a question the best trainer I have worked with, I have been hooked.  I really enjoy the creativity of the class and how it challenges me each week with its constantly changing exercises.  Primetime Boxing is my other favorite and is far from your average “boxing” class.  Rather than being a cardio class where you throw random punches with no real technique or purpose, you get to work with real boxers who stress technique and boxing related fitness.

Overall, I recommend MINT to people of every fitness level, there is something at MINT for everyone!

Thanks Kayvon for putting your experience at MINT down in writing for us – we LOVE to hear what MINT means to our members.  We hope we’re fulfilling our promise to you – to be the best health club you’ll ever join.

January 10th, 2012 / Around DC, Health & Wellness

Before you travel down the rabbit hole of setting you eye on an ideal weight or a minimum number of times per week that you expect to get to the gym during 2012 – Stop and think with us…. Why is fitness a means to an end towards a better, more enjoyed life?

Before you set SMART (Specific, Meaningful, Adaptive, Realistic & Time-bound) goals for yourself take a step back with us and let’s build the value in the bigger picture.  Having a crystal clear mission will always give you cause to take action.

Why does having an active lifestyle matter? Here are four fundamental reasons WHY movement matters:

• Exercise boosts brainpower
• Movement melts away stress
• Exercise gives you energy
• Exercise Helps ward off disease and strengthens your heart

Put the experts at MINT to work for you this year. Recruit us and we’ll make your personal mission a priority. See how the team at MINT is ready to make 2012 YOUR year!

September 21st, 2011 / Around DC, Health & Wellness

We are surrounded by endless opportunities for excess.  Living in the nation’s capitol affords DC residents the pleasure of a continually changing landscape of wonderful restaurants.  Yet – that landscape varies dramatically across the District’s eight wards.

Did you know that a recently released report revealed Washington, DC is home to one of the nation’s lowest obesity rates?  The “F as in Fat 2011: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011” research was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America’s Health.  Yet, despite this “winning” ranking, the statistics within the district are still startling, in fact, 21.7% of the District’s population is considered obese.  This alarming number that begs the question, what is being done to improve access to grocery stores, farmers markets and other outlets for healthy food across the city?

According to the US Department of Agriculture any neighborhood within the District where residents are farther than one mile from a grocery store, is considered a food dessert.  Some exemplary wheels have been put into motion by local businesses and individuals to improve access to fresh foods.  Arcadia Foods recently launched its’ mobile market, which rolls a farmers market into neighborhoods traditionally deprived of such luxuries.  Residents can also now enjoy a weekly farmers market at the Southwest waterfront, the September schedule even boasts live music and neighborhood yoga.  While these two examples won’t rectify the District’s obesity rate overnight, they are a step in the right direction.

For residents who are fortunate enough to live or work in the vibrant neighborhoods that abound with options, embrace the opportunity to be selective.  Choose meaningful places to indulge.  A recent article in the Washington Post highlighted Bobby Flay’s philosophy on indulgence – one with which DC nutritionist Katherine Tallmage agrees: “Eat only the best.  …When every calorie counts, you should be getting something for every bite you eat.”

June 24th, 2011 / Around DC, Workouts

Do you pack a little attitude and feel inspired to bust a move when your favorite song comes on?  Do you secretly watch ‘So you think you can dance’ or did you catch ‘Step up to the Streets 3D’ in theaters last year?  Dancing is more than just a fun way to end a night out….and it’s a lot more than those Cotillion classes your Mom signed you up for in middle school – it’s a great way to get in a workout!

Join Lauren Shmalo tomorrow night at MINT Dupont for the Hip Hop/Jazz class at 6:00 PM – the session is open to members and non-members ($30).  Lauren’s a pro, she’ll make you laugh while you stretch to get that leg in the air and the tough-guy expression on your face.

June 6th, 2011 / Around DC, News

Friday June 10, 2011

2:00pm-4:30pm

MINT DOWNTOWN Health Club and Spa

1001 16^th St., NW Washington, DC

202-638-6468

Join us for an afternoon of movement-based yoga and Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation). These multilevel classes are open to all Veterans and Active Duty Servicemen. No previous experience is required.

• Please RSVP to yoga@thomasnassif.com
• All attendees must bring a photo ID and sign a standard waiver form to enter MINT.
• Lockers are available onsite to store personal belongings.
• Wear comfortable clothes that will allow for movement.

MINT is located in downtown Washington, conveniently close to the Red Line at Farragut North, and on the Orange line between Farragut West and Macpherson Square. Public transportation is highly recommended as only street parking/metered is available.

April 8th, 2011 / Around DC, Health & Wellness, Workouts

Do you have friends and family heading to town over the next few months? Encourage your guests to explore options outside of the obvious.  Aside from the complimentary guest passes that come with your MINT membership there are a handful of active tourism businesses in DC.

City Running Tours

Offers six tours year-round with additional options available based on the season

Starting at 3.8 miles distances vary based on tour chosen, tours can be extended with optional add on loops

Prices start at $60.00

Bike and Roll DC Bike Tours

Offers nine tours including two night tours and two self guided tours, ranging from four miles to eighteen miles in length

Prices start at $40.00

Atlantic Kayak Company

Offers three hour kayak tours down the Potomac with a stop at Roosevelt Island

Prices start at $65.00 per person

For something slower paced and easier on the wallet, walking tours provided by Walk of the Town come very highly recommended and are free.

March 3rd, 2011 / Around DC, Health & Wellness

Slightly longer days and the sight of crocuses blooming are sure signs that we will soon be able to pack away the parkas and spend more time outdoors.  Find a way to spring into action with one of DCs many upcoming events.  A MINT personal trainer can partner with you so you’re ready to cross the finish line with ease.

^{March 13th St. Patrick’s Day 8K}

^{9:00 AM start from Freedom Plaza, benefiting Special Olympics and Back on my Feet}

^{March 26th SunTrust National Marathon & ½ Marathon}

7:00 AM start from RFK Stadium

United Way Team Half Marathon

Split the distance of the ½ marathon with a relay team of 3 people

^{April 23rd Urban Dare DC}

12:00 PM start at 18^th Amendment, the race includes trivia and physical challenges

^{April 30th Runamuck Festival}

Various Times, Rockville, MD, 5K run with tire obstacles, river crossings and mud

^{April 30th – May 1st Avon Walk for Breast Cancer}

Walk 26.2 miles on Saturday and 13.1 miles Sunday, raising money to treat cancer patients regardless of their ability to pay

May 20th Bike to Work Day

Across Washington DC, various pit stops and meeting points organized throughout the city

^{June 19th Washington DC Triathlon}

Sprint and International distance races, swim in the Potomac, bike and run through downtown DC, benefiting Achieve Summer Camp

February 17th, 2011 / Around DC, Health & Wellness, News

Have you heard about Pat Farmer? He is preparing to run from the North Pole to the South Pole, a distance of over 13,000 miles in total. He is making the journey across 14 countries to raise money towards increasing the supply of clean water worldwide. The Australian native was in Washington, DC last month to train for his upcoming trek that begins in March.

You may have heard about Farmer’s mission last fall, more details were revealed in a Washingtonian article that profiled his current training regimen and diet. His plan, which includes running 26 miles a day and drinking olive oil, may be just what you need to file away for extra motivation when you’re feeling the burn during your next TRX Intensity class.

However, beyond the gross intrigue of Farmer’s goal, his journey sends a strong message about the amazing strength that comes from one of the world’s most fundamental resources. As someone who came of age in a country with access to clean water, Farmer is proving that clean water is life-giving and empowering to people in the most basic of ways. His journey will be a testament to the incredible power of the human body.