April 2nd, 2010 / Workouts

I woke up this morning feeling my TRX workout from yesterday at MINT. It’s an all-over feeling, not real sore, but just very aware that I had a great workout yesterday. Fernanda trained me on TRX and here’s my take on the program. Basically, it’s Plyometrics meets Pilates. Plyo because it’s very intense- one move to the next, my heart rate was in Zone 3 most of the time. My workout was circuit-style- which I love because it just flies by and it’s fun. Pilates because it’s all about using your body’s own resistance to train, requires coordination and is VERY core focused. The combination is not for everyone, but if you’re looking for a unique and intense workout, you really need to try this. Fernanda is incredible, she really knows and loves the TRX system. I envision a TRX workout as another tool to build into a well-rounded workout schedule- maybe once a week, or once every two weeks.

-Patrick

Tags: DC gym, intensity training, MINT, suspension training, TRX DC, TRX group training DC, TRX training, zone 3 heart rate

March 27th, 2010 / Health & Wellness

Tanya on the Foam Roller at MINT in DC

Our director of education was interviewed in the Washington Post about one of her absolute favorite (fitness) subjects-foam rolling. An excerpt:

Tanya Colucci, the director of education at Adams Morgan’s MINT Fitness, specializes in improving movement, and she has been preaching to her clients for years about the benefits of self-myofascial release, which uses balls and other tools to break up these adhesions.

Working out with Colucci involves performing a warm-up that starts with lying on your side, propped up on one arm with your feet on top of a foam roller (a firm cylinder). You gradually shift your weight to make the roller slide up your body at a rate of an inch per second, with 20- to 30-second pauses on tight spots. It’s slightly painful while you hold, but when you move the roller past the spot, blood rushes to the area, helping it return to its original state. The idea is to make every exercise you’re going to do more effective. (more…)

Tags: DC gym, dc trainer, fascial release, foam roller, foam rolling, improve muscle function, myofascial release, personal trainer dc, release muscle pain, Tanya Colucci

February 25th, 2010 / Uncategorized

Cross post from Lance! Lifestyle Training with a Twist!

The best pre-workout meal is one that works best for the individual and is not digested too rapidly.
Try these ideas:

• A banana with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• Low-fat yogurt and a piece of fruit
• Oatmeal made with skim milk and fruit
• Trail mix with nuts and fruit
• Granola with low-fat milk and fruit
• A smoothie made with low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit, and wheat germ or flax meal (more…)

Tags: before exercise eating, before workout, dc bootcamp, dc dietitian, dc fitness, DC gym, dc nutrition, dc private trainers, dc private training, dc training, exercise eating, food exercise, pre-workout meal, workout meals, workout nutrition, workout tips

July 3rd, 2009 / Uncategorized

Tags: adams morgan gym, adams morgan pilates, dc fitness, DC gym, dupont pilates, health, mint condition yourself, mint gym, Pilates, pilates dc, pilates reformer, pilates studio, reformer pilates dc, reformer pilates studio dc, stott pilates, timea presley

June 15th, 2009 / Uncategorized

By Patrick John, Co-Founder of MINT

You’ve seen the lists: “10 ways to save money during this bad economy.” Gym memberships are often put at the top of the list, right alongside cable television subscriptions. But I’m of the mindset that you shouldn’t even consider giving up your gym membership, in ANY economy. Your gym is an incredible value from your entertainment dollar- on average, a single meal out costs well over half what your gym membership costs per month- and your gym doesn’t limit your time:log more time there and less time eating out. Do the math! (more…)

Tags: adams morgan gym, best gym dc, budget tips, cost cutting tips, cut costs recession, DC gym, gym memberhip save money, gym recession, keep gym membership, mint condition yourself, mint gym, recession tips

April 28th, 2009 / Uncategorized

Senate Bill 870 was introduced to the Massachusetts Senate by State Senator Richard Moore, and if approved, the bill will place a variety of costly, requirements on personal trainers wishing to practice in the state of Massachusetts. In order to offer personal training services in the State, a personal trainer would need to:

• Obtain a degree from an approved educational program;

• Hold a certification from a national certifying organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA); and

• Pass an exam developed and administered biannually by the Board of Allied Health Professionals.

ALL MINT Trainers possess their 4- year degree with most of our trainers holding B.S. degree in the field of Exercise Science and a Masters Degree. All of our trainers are certified with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM.org), one of the highest accredited certifying bodies for Personal Trainers in which our very own Tanya Colucci is a Master Instructor for, teaching workshops around the country.

Tags: DC gym, dc health club, dc personal trainer, educated personal trainer, fitness, health, personal trainers