Are you ready to take your spin workouts to a whole new level? Look no further than MINT, where we’re thrilled to introduce our newest cycle instructor, Bridget  Murdoch. With her passion for fitness and infectious energy, Bridget is set to bring a unique and exhilarating experience to your indoor cycling sessions.

Bridget’s journey as a fitness instructor began in high school when she started attending spin classes with her parents at a local studio. Inspired by the energetic atmosphere and the sense of community, she soon found herself teaching the studio’s “Teen Spin” rides geared towards younger participants. Since then, Bridget has been honing her teaching skills and sharing her love for group fitness with riders of all ages.

So, what drove Bridget to become a fitness instructor? As a lifelong athlete and former college volleyball player, she thrives on the camaraderie and teamwork that group fitness provides. With her big personality and enthusiasm for motivating others, teaching fitness classes was a natural fit for Bridget.

When you attend one of Bridget’s classes, you can expect a teaching style that is all about the fun factor. She brings the energy of a dance party to the cycling studio, incorporating elements like dancing, singing, and even imagining yourself in a music video or at a concert. Her carefully curated playlists feature dance EDM and pop tracks with upbeat choruses that keep you engaged and motivated throughout the ride. You won’t just be spinning; you’ll be experiencing a full-on adrenaline-fueled adventure.

While Bridget’s specialty lies in indoor cycling, she has also taught a mixed martial arts and kickboxing class, showcasing her versatility as an instructor. Whether you’re looking for a heart-pumping cycling workout or a high-intensity martial arts session, Bridget has the expertise to guide you toward your fitness goals.

For those who are new to spin, Bridget offers some valuable advice. Arriving early to class is essential to ensure you get a proper bike setup and learn the fundamentals of riding with good form. Once you’re ready to go, Bridget’s top tip is to challenge yourself with resistance. While riding quickly with minimal resistance may be tempting, the real gains in strength and endurance come from pushing yourself with heavier wheels and incorporating seated climbs into your workout.

When she’s not leading exhilarating spin classes, Bridget enjoys spending time outdoors in Washington, D.C. One of her favorite activities is taking leisurely walks in Rock Creek or gathering with friends for a relaxing picnic in the park. It’s all about balance and enjoying the vibrant city she calls home.

Beyond her work at MINT and her passion for fitness, Bridget has built a successful career in Recruiting and People Strategy for high-growth tech startups. You can find her on LinkedIn if you’re interested in connecting with her for consulting or project-based work.

Make sure to follow Bridget’s fitness journey and stay up to date with his upcoming classes by following her on Instagram: @bcmurdoch. 

Are you ready to elevate your spin game? Join Bridget Murdoch at MINT and get ready to experience an unforgettable ride combining energy, music, and a lot of fun. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to spin your way to fitness success with one of the most passionate instructors in the D.C. fitness scene!

We connected with our long-time cycle instructor, Chuck Harney, to share the benefits of indoor cycling! Even though cycling can be referred to as a whole-body workout, cycling is the ultimate leg workout that not only targets your lower body but also delivers a host of other incredible benefits. If you’re looking to strengthen and tone those leg muscles while getting your heart pumping, cycling is the way to go.

1. Pump Up Your Leg Muscles: When you exercise for a significant length of time, it toughens and revitalizes muscles and acts as effective strength training. The constant relaxation and contraction of muscles while cycling is a strong exercise that aids in muscle toning.
2. Strength Training with a Twist: Cycling is like strength training in disguise. Stationary bikes are an excellent option if you want to build strength and endurance. Biking targets most of the muscles in your lower body and can create quite an impact, depending on the resistance settings.  
3. A Heart-Pumping Cardio Adventure: Cycling isn’t just about those legs—it’s a whole-heart affair. One of the main benefits of exercise bikes is that they provide an excellent cardiovascular workout. Cycling on an exercise bike can help to strengthen your heart, increase lung capacity, and improve circulation. They also help to tone and strengthen your muscles, targeting your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. By adjusting the resistance and incline on your exercise bike, you can increase the intensity of your workout and target specific muscle groups.
4. Uphill Challenges for Your Muscles: Cranking up the resistance on your exercise bike or conquering uphill routes takes your leg workout to a whole new level. Riding uphill is hard work and it places a high amount of stress on both your glutes and thigh muscles, giving them a hard time, a harder workout, and stimulating muscle fiber damage. This damage is what your body needs to tone those leg muscles. Once they recover from the stress, you’ll be rocking some serious strength and definition.
5. Hello, Gluteus Maximus Muscles: Cycling has a special surprise for you—the ultimate gluteal workout. Your gluteus maximus, the star of the show, is hard at work during each pedal stroke. It’s responsible for kicking off the downward phase of your cycling motion, making your rear end firmer and more lifted. Who can say no to that extra toning and lift? Get ready to give your glutes some well-deserved attention.
6. Low-Impact, High-Intensity: Here’s the best part: cycling is a low-impact exercise that’s gentle on your joints. Cycling offers a lower risk of injuries while giving your leg muscles a thorough workout. So, pedal away without worrying about your joints and enjoy the benefits of a challenging yet safe leg-toning activity.

If you haven’t tried an indoor cycling class yet, it’s time to jump on that bike and explore a variety of classes via our class schedule. Find an instructor who pushes you to your limits and makes you question your sanity (in a good way), and stick with it. Trust us, the rewards will be worth every pedal stroke. So, let’s embrace the awesomeness of cycling and pedal our way to greatness!

Are you on the lookout for a workout that not only challenges your body but also empowers your mind? Look no further, because Audrey Magnuson, the newest addition to the MINT Fam, is here to guide you through the exciting world of barre fitness. With nearly four years of teaching experience under her belt, Audrey’s passion for barre and her unique teaching style makes her the perfect instructor to help you achieve your fitness goals. Get ready to embark on a thrilling fitness journey that combines traditional barre movements with an element of “choose your own adventure” making every class one of a kind.

Unveiling the Power of Barre

Audrey’s love affair with Barre began during her teenage years when she was searching for a workout that would challenge her while being fun and empowering. Barre proved to be the perfect fit, offering a comprehensive workout that benefits both your body and mind. From sculpting long, lean muscles to improving flexibility and posture, barre encompasses a wide range of exercises that work in harmony to enhance your overall well-being.

A Class Tailored to You

Audrey understands the importance of individuality and personalization in fitness. She believes that each participant should find their own rhythm and embrace their unique fitness journey. That’s why she provides numerous “choose your own adventure” options during her classes, allowing you to tailor the experience to your specific needs. With Audrey as your guide, no two classes will be the same, ensuring that every session feels fresh and invigorating.

Challenging Your Mind and Body

One of Audrey’s specialties lies in incorporating traditional barre movements that not only challenge your body but also engage your mind. By combining graceful and precise movements, Audrey’s classes offer a dynamic and stimulating workout that keeps you mentally and physically on your toes. Prepare to awaken your brain-body connection and discover new levels of strength and coordination.

Tips for Barre Newbies

If you’re new to the world of barre, Audrey has some valuable advice for you. She encourages newcomers to approach the practice with a light-hearted attitude and not to take it too seriously. Barre’s unique form and movements may take a few classes to master, but with each session, you’ll notice improvements and feel more confident. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the journey and embracing the process of growth.

When Audrey isn’t leading invigorating barre classes at MINT, she indulges in one of her favorite outdoor activities—trekking through Rock Creek Park. Especially during the vibrant fall season, the park offers a breathtaking backdrop for exploration and rejuvenation. Audrey’s passion for nature and her commitment to a sustainable future also extend beyond fitness, as she actively works on climate change when she’s not teaching. Connect with Audrey by following her on Instagram @audreym.24.

Are you ready to embark on a fitness adventure like no other? Sign up for a class with Audrey and experience the empowering and fun world of barre. With her unique teaching style, personalized approach, and commitment to challenging your mind and body, Audrey is the perfect guide to help you reach your fitness goals.

Anyone who’s sweat alongside their fellow cyclers in a Rhythm Ride class, passed a 20lb medicine ball to their partner in Power Playground, or given an enthusiastic high five after a killer workout knows that the MINT community feels like family. But did you know that MINT actually is a family-owned and operated small business? 

In 2004, MINT founders Patrick and Melissa John were sitting in their favorite 18th Street cafe thinking about the future. A casual conversation led to a vision for a new type of fitness club: one focusing on community, with boutique amenities that would feel like a refreshing and joyful retreat from the daily grind. “Looking back on our travels and exposure to other cultures, we also talked about how residents of other places reward themselves with facilities aimed at achieving balance amidst the demands of life,” they explain. “We felt that hard-working and health-devoted Washingtonians deserved the same. Working with our network of wellness professionals, we planned the creation of something new: a natural, energizing boutique environment, built from the ground up with amenities and conveniences that went beyond the expected.” By February 2006, MINT was born and has been offering a diverse slate of classes, equipment, and spa amenities ever since. 

We’ve been so grateful for all our members’ support over the past few years. As we come out of the cloud of the pandemic, you, our loyal members, are key in helping us rebuild. We can’t wait to see you (and your referrals!) at the club!