Every other week, this column will review a D.C. gym and one or more trial classes.
This week, I took a zumba class in one of the most elite gyms in D.C. – for free! MINT DC Dupont is a luxury health spa and fitness center located on 1724 California Street, just a 10 minute walk from the Dupont Circle metro stop. The gym offers prospective members a free five day pass to try all of their equipment and classes. By going to their website and scrolling down, you can sign up for your free trial.
How is the gym?
Upon entering the gym, the most striking thing was the upscale atmosphere. Unfortunately, in meeting with the General Manager of the club, he informed me of the out-of-my-price-range monthly fee for the gym. So on a college student’s budget, the five-day free trial is all I pursued.
The gym included a steam room, sauna, spin room and various exercise sections. Some of the perks of being a member include discounts at the juice bar, free coffee and tea, free mint infused water available in jugs throughout the gym and unlimited classes. Apart from the gym itself, the locker rooms are gorgeous and offered complimentary soap, shampoo, towels, Q-tips, tampons and razors – just in case your forgot yours at home. Above all, one of the most unique parts of the MINT DC experience is the small fridge holding rolled towels infused with eucalyptus, which someone recommended I put over my face as I sat in the sauna.
Try this class.
I took this free gym opportunity to try out my personal favorite workout: Zumba. The class was held in the gym’s large group room, with windows that overlooked D.C. and a big mirror that allowed you to watch yourself as you shake to the music. The class itself was a lot of fun and incorporated a variety of Spanish-style dancing. It was an intimate Zumba session with only about 15 women of various ages, who all seemed like they were regulars.
The downside was that as a first time participant the footing was extremely hard to follow and would take a good four or five classes to pick up. Despite this, the instructor was very animated when she danced and really picked a great music selection of Spanish music.
The class ended with a great cool down and stretch period that was relaxing and left me ache-free in the morning. The session was a great cardio workout, and It was a lot of fun participating in it. I highly recommend trying MINT gym out for the full five days.
Things to know before you go.
Dress appropriately for the gym. Make sure you have proper work out attire, including closed-toe sneakers and a water bottle.
Also, pack your headphones if you plan to utilize any of the cardio equipment while watching TV.
Remember to bring a change of clothes for yourself. The gym provides free towels and soap in the shower, so all you need is a fresh outfit. The gym is in a great location, so you may want to be clean to meet up with friends after for shopping or dinner.
MINT DC has tons of great classes besides ZUMBA. Time your visit accordingly, giving yourself a half hour before the class to meet with gym’s manager to get a tour. Check out the schedule here.
Remember the metro stops a 10-15 minute walk from the gym itself. Have an idea of where you are going, and give yourself enough time to make it there before your meeting or class.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
