Exercise, determination and a positive attitude can do wonders for your health, fitness and athletic goals. MINT Piloxing instructor Shenandoah Sowash is a testament to committing to a healthy lifestyle for positive change. We had to hear Shenandoah’s story on how she went from a pack-a-day smoker to a Piloxing instructor at MINT.
Let’s flashback to six years ago. Shenandoah was a smoker and hadn’t really worked out before outside of her dance training. She decided to quit smoking who used exercise and a way to help keep her away from cigarettes. Shenandoah took a Piloxing class at the YMCA and was hooked.
Piloxing is a non-stop, HIIT fusion workout that combines boxing, Pilates and dance for a truly unique experience that can burn up to 700 calories in just 50 minutes. Shenandoah describes it as “high-energy, accessible, and super fun.” It’s a workout like no other with a huge sense of community.
For Shenandoah, Piloxing was exactly what she was looking for because “it had everything: Pilates, strength, cardio, conditioning, flexibility, balance, and an empowering message.” She eventually lost 55 pounds and, most importantly, started to feel better about herself.
Shenandoah was so inspired by her Piloxing classes, that she wanted to inspire others the way her trainer, Jennifer Hopkins, inspired her. She says “I love watching people get stronger and fiercer with each class.”
Community is a big part of Piloxing and of MINT. Shenandoah said, “I love the MINT community. MINT is just the right size –big enough to offer a variety of classes and services, but small enough for people to still know your name.” At Piloxing, everyone is powering through the workout together with positive energy.
When Shenandoah isn’t teaching at MINT, she’s teaching Barre, working out, or hiking in Rock Creek Park with her chocolate lab, Winston, which she says “is basically a HIIT class because he sprints for squirrels.”
Shenandoah teaches Piloxing on Tuesday at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 11:30am at MINT Dupont. Sign up for a class today!
