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.

December 10th, 2010 / Around DC, Health & Wellness

It seems as if the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday season is one long, tempting food fest designed to make us gain weight. It is possible to keep the holiday food fests to a minimum by spending some time with us and following these helpful tips.

Healthy Lifestyle Tip: Preventing holiday weight gain
It’s commonly thought that the typical holiday weight gain is around 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms). In reality, it’s probably less. The catch is that even a small holiday weight gain is seldom lost – adding to the cumulative weight gain that happens over time. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the upcoming season and avoid holiday weight gain:

Take it a Day at a Time. Strive to balance out your calories over the day or at least over a couple of days. If you’ll be consuming extra calories at a social event in the evening, make adjustments earlier in the day. Focus on fruits and veggies along with some lean protein and high-fiber grains to keep your appetite in check.

Spurn the Party Snacks. Don’t waste your calories mindlessly by munching salty or sugary snack foods. Save your calories for the big event – dinner and dessert.

Be Selective. Buffets don’t have to be all you can eat. Survey the offerings. What looks too good to pass up? What can you live without? Focus on what you’ll enjoy, not how much you can squeeze on your plate.

Decorate Your Plate. Fill half to three-quarters of your plate with colorful raw veggies, fruits or items that have these as their main ingredient. Creamy sauces and cheesy toppings are going to add calories, so take smaller portions. Fill the rest of your plate with lean meat or seafood choices.

Mind Your Manners and Portions. At sit-down affairs, sample all foods for your own experience and to please your host. However, you don’t have to clean your plate to demonstrate your appreciation.

Practice Discretion. Identify the added calorie culprits, such as cheese or cream sauces and fillings, and discretely move some or all to the side of your plate. You’ll still get the flavor just not all the unnecessary calories and fat.

Plan for Indulgence. If you want to indulge in a homemade holiday treat or luscious dessert, ask yourself what you’re willing to give up in exchange. Will it be something at lunch or dinner, or your afternoon snack? Or, are willing to put in the extra time at the gym?
Source: MayoClinic.com

Over the next few weeks notice what is in your hand, on your plate and what you are about to eat. Resolve to not feel tired and sluggish. Always look for opportunities to move! Keep in mind that celebrations are really about family and friends.

November 16th, 2010 / Around DC, Health & Wellness

There are lots of folks out there who do not sleep well. I hear about it everyday… another person who cannot catch those needed Zzzzs, restless nights of tossing and turning, awake at 3am and not able to get back to sleep… you name it and it’s happening… and to far too many people.

This is a problem as poor sleep can lead to low energy, weight gain, health problems and myriad other not-so-awesome things. One way to help is to develop a nighttime routine, a bedtime ritual. We all had one when we were children. You remember “bedtime.” This is important because often the cause of poor sleep is not being able to get our minds to stop or our bodies’ sensitivity to light.

Here are some ideas to try 1-2 hours before bedtime:

1. Start dimming the lights
2. Turn off the TV and try to stay away from the computer
3. Listen to some calming music – for me it’s low jazz, classical or “sounds of nature”
4. Stretch or try foam rolling to loosen up muscle tension
5. Eat a small snack – something appropriate for your metabolic type; this prevents overnight blood sugar crashes
6. Read a book that is not overly stimulating

Oh, look at the time! I better shut down and practice what I preach.
Good night.