The city is full of opportunities when it comes to staying healthy. Clean-eating restaurants abound, fitness studios are plentiful, and many hiking trails and swimming areas are open to the public. Training in any restorative discipline, from dance to yoga or martial arts, is easy to find. 

Outdoor fitness classes are a fun option when weather permits. They also provide a slew of health benefits in addition to physical activity. This easy-to-follow guide details some of the best outdoor fitness classes in D.C.

Benefits of Outdoor Fitness Classes 

Exercising outside has several proven health benefits. Even short spans of 10 to 15 minutes in the open air can be beneficial. Some unique benefits that often surprise people include:

• Outdoor activity is a natural antidepressant 

• Exercising on outdoor terrain can be more challenging

• Exercising outdoors is usually cheaper

• Assess to outdoor activities is typically easier

There are many types of outdoor fitness classes available in D.C., depending on the season. Warm months have the most to offer, but there are options for the cold weather buffs too.

Outdoor Fitness Classes in D.C.

Fitness classes held outdoors in the D.C. area include yoga, strength training, running, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). No matter how you want to work out, you can find a way to do it outside in D.C.

FIT360 DC

3058 Mt. Pleasant St. NW

Washington, DC 20009

202-588-0988

This D.C. gym has everything you’d expect a gym to have, and sometimes they take it outside. The folks at FIT360 DC provide an array of outdoor classes, including strength training, HIIT, Yoga, and athletic conditioning. They also have certified personal trainers who work with clients’ strengths and weaknesses to build a better body in an outdoor environment. Classes are held outdoors in the summer and fall.

YOKO Fitness

3058 Mt. Pleasant St. NW

Washington, DC 20009

202-487-5741

Yoko Fitness is personal training from NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified trainer Cornelius Yoko. He offers services tailored to his clients’ needs to achieve a specific result, such as boxing, boot camps, body sculpting, and sport-specific training. He also provides classes for pre and post-natal women. All classes are offered indoors or outdoors when weather permits. 

Past Tense

3221 Mt Pleasant St. NW

Washington, DC 20010

202-462-9642

Past Tense is a community-oriented yoga studio.  They offer an online community and on-demand videos in addition to a full spectrum of yoga classes indoors and out. Classes are based on vinyasa yoga and are available for all skill levels. Their sessions are held in the studio, outdoors, or at clients’ workplaces. 

Cut Seven

1401 Swann St. NW

Washington, DC 20001

202-599-6772‬

This full-service gym focuses on total body fitness. Clients target specific muscle groups with a wide array of gym equipment and fitness classes. The 2,000-square-foot open-air studio is used for yoga, Pilates, HIIT, spin, and cardio classes. 

Hustle

101 District Square SW

Washington, DC 20024

Sunny Miller of SoulCycle fame launched her own workout group in Hustle DC, where members participate in high-impact workouts and strength training. She also offers outdoor classes in HIIT and cycling at The Wharf’s pier. Members also have access to virtual and on-demand courses. 

The REACH at the Kennedy Center

700 F St., NW

Washington, DC 20566

202-416-8000

Saturdays in summer are for outdoor vinyasa yoga classes at The REACH at the Kennedy Center. It’s limited to 50 participants, and although there is no registration, a waiver is required. Instructors are yogis from various D.C. yoga studios. 

Barry’s

1345 19th St. NW

Washington, DC 20036

202-758-0789

This upscale gym offers daily outdoor classes in their signature high-intensity workout using weights and bands. Participants enjoy curated playlists from silent headphones during every activity. This gym provides many extras such as clean towels, toiletries, and a fuel bar full of protein-packed snacks, shakes, and water. 

Mint DC

1724 California St. NW

Washington, DC 20009

202-470-5238

The D.C. gym offers outdoor class packages in HIIT, Zumba, Pilates, cycling, rowing, barre, strength training, and boxing. Class packages include gym use and virtual and on-demand classes. It holds its outdoor classes at the Marie Reed Community Center’s field in Adams Morgan.

Boot Camp With Jenny

100 Potomac Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20009

Fitness trainer Jenny Harper hosts her signature boot camps outside Audi Field on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Participants can catch two classes each day – either an hour-long session or a 45-minute version. The workouts include a blend of strength training and cardio blasts using bodyweight and neighboring stairs and benches. All participants are required to bring resistance bands and mats.

Rock Creek National Park

5200 Glover Road NW

Washington, DC 20015

202-895-6000

Rock Creek National Park is a perfect environment for any outdoor exercise. There are 1,754 acres of beautiful flora and fauna to enjoy while running, hiking, and biking. Visitors enjoy the civil war relics and opportunities to learn about boating, horseback riding, tennis, and golf.

D.C. is a beautiful place to live a life of urban wellness. Enjoying its splendor during a fitness class is an excellent perk of local life and a fun way to meet the neighbors. 

Life at The Vintage on 16th Couldn’t Be Sweeter

Savoring every moment of life isn’t hard in D.C., but it helps when you have a community aligned with that approach. DARO Management Apartments offers a collection of boutique and vintage apartment buildings in Maryland and Washington, D.C., with modern finishes. 

Our long list of amenities includes a 24-hour fitness center and a bike room with a repair station because we want to further your wellness pursuits. Contact The Vintage on 16th to speak with a leasing agent about available apartment homes.

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In fact, a collection of 11 studies reviewed by Johns Hopkins researchers have shown that practicing yoga may reduce the risk of heart disease, aid in smoking cessation, and relieve discomfort for people with arthritis. Yoga is also known for helping reduce pain and inflammation and increasing energy and vitality. 

And that’s before you even consider the powerful mental and cognitive benefits associated with yoga. Many people who practice yoga describe it as a spiritual journey that helps them better understand the connection between their minds and body. Practicing yoga can also help create mental clarity and calmness, center your attention, and sharpen concentration. 

Whether you’re looking for another avenue for your exercise routine, searching for a fun and healthy excuse to get out of the apartment, or are looking for a new way to manage stress, you’re in luck. Mt. Pleasant is home to five of DC’s top-tier yoga studios, and you can take a class today. 

Mt. Pleasant Yoga Studios 

The DC area is home to yoga studios serving people of all ages and abilities with a wide variety of classes. As we talk about the studios operating in the area, you’ll see that most are just a quick walk, jog, or bike ride from 16th St. NW, right at the center of Mount Pleasant. 

Here are five yoga studios offering classes in and around Mt. Pleasant, Washington DC. 

Past Tense Yoga 

A true neighborhood mainstay, Past Tense Yoga, sits right in the heart of Mount Pleasant. For Vintage residents, it’s just a 3-minute walk from our front doors via Lamont st. 

Past Tense provides a welcoming and open atmosphere for students to find joy and support in their yoga practice. To that end, they offer classes for anyone, whether they are seeking greater flexibility, stress management, or even looking to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves. 

They even offer pre-natal classes where moms-to-be can enjoy some safe and healthy exercise and achieve a greater connection with their body. Of course, these classes are a great way to meet other expecting moms, too. 

Dragon’s Breath Yoga

Another neighborhood favorite, Dragon’s Breath Yoga, is less than 10 minutes on foot from the Vintage Apartments on 16th St NW. Dragon’s Breath Yoga invites students of all levels to come and enjoy high-quality yoga instruction from passionate teachers. 

Their focus is on offering mindful yoga based on the foundations of Forrest, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa. In addition, they emphasize creating a community where members can explore their connection to one another and feel supported and guided through their journey with yoga. 

If you’re looking for a local yoga studio in DC, check out Dragon’s Breath Yoga and find a class that’s right for you. 

Embrace Yoga DC 

Located in Adams Morgan, literal footsteps away from Mount Pleasant, is Embrace Yoga DC, a passionate studio offering a wide variety of in-person and live-streamed classes for students of all abilities and skill levels. 

Looking to guide their students on a divine journey of personal growth, exploration, and freedom, Embrace Yoga DC invites you to come, roll out your mat, and join a community of talented and inspiring healing guides and instructors. 

If you’re a passionate yoga practitioner and are looking to take your journey to the next level, Embrace offers 200-hour and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. These courses will give you all the skills you need to become an inspiring yoga instructor. Become a leader in your community by learning from some of the best in the business. 

CorePower Yoga

CorePowerYoga brings the experience of a nationwide yoga enterprise to the DC area. With a massive variety of classes aimed at all kinds of Yogis, you’re sure to find a class that facilitates achieving your physical or spiritual goals. 

For those interested in attending virtual classes, it’s hard to beat CorePower’s $19.99/month membership giving you access to unlimited live and on-demand courses. These classes bring experienced yoga instructors right into your home seven days a week for the most convenient yoga experience imaginable. 

Yoga Heights Georgia Ave. 

About a 20-minute walk (or 7-minute bike ride) away from The Vintage’s doors, Yoga Heights on Georgie Avenue is another option for yoga and wellness in the Mount Pleasant area. Offering live and in-person classes for everybody, every skill level, and every budget, you can attend a class, workshop, or even a private lesson today. 

Yoga Heights emphasizes creating an inclusive environment where anybody can strengthen their mind and body through their journey with yoga. 

Strengthen Your Mind and Body with Yoga in DC 

No matter how busy or how stressful life gets, it’s essential to take the time to focus on your wellbeing. Yoga offers a fun and healthy way to improve your physical and mental health while being part of a tight-knit community that values diversity, inclusiveness, spirituality, and creating real and lasting connections with one another. 

And those who live in Mount Pleasant are spoiled for options for taking their journey with yoga to the next level. 

Get in touch with any of the studios mentioned above and schedule a class today! Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned Yogi, each of these studios offers classes that will fit your goals, schedule, and budget. 

New to the Area? 

If you’re new to Mount Pleasant or the DC area, check out our blog for more information about all the wonderful amenities the neighborhood has to offer, tips for moving to DC, and more. Of course, if you’re looking for an apartment in DC, don’t hesitate to get in touch! The Vintage gives its residents the best DC living experience by putting them right in the center of all the action.

The post 5 Yoga Studios in the Mt Pleasant Neighborhood Area of Washington D.C. appeared first on The Vintage on 16th.

Unfortunately, many or these lofty goals become distant memories by February. We all like to go into January with hope for the future and a belief that the coming year will be better than the last, but many of us set ourselves up for failure by setting unrealistic goals that are nearly impossible to achieve.

Your health should be one of your top priorities, so here is what you need to know to create a workout plan that will last you through 2021 and beyond.

Understanding Realistic and Unrealistic Goals

Setting unrealistic workout program goals is a recipe for self-sabotage. One helpful tool is the SMART goal setting strategy, which means making sure yours are:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Attainable

• Relevant

• Time-Bound 

A realistic goal is one you can conceivably achieve within a specific time frame. Unrealistic goals may sound impressive, but they often involve more time than you can devote or don't take your current fitness level into consideration. 

If your end goal is to run a marathon but you haven't started training, you wouldn't want to sign up for a race next month. You would want to set short-term goals to run a mile, then build up the time or distance you run consecutively, then work to improve your speed by a set number of minutes, however. If you're a beginner, set a goal of X days per week for at least 30 minutes. 

5 Tips for Creating Solid Workout Plans

Starting out is one of the most difficult parts of training or building workout routines, especially if you're a beginner or just getting back into the fitness space after some time off. Here are a few tricks to help you create a training plan you can stick to and enjoy.

1. Remove the guesswork.

Getting to the gym after a long day of juggling work, family, and additional responsibilities can be daunting without preparation. Stay motivated by taking out the questions that may derail your efforts.

• First, know where you're planning to exercise, whether in your apartment community's 24-hour gym, the comfort of your own apartment, at a local gym, or outside in a park. Have a backup plan in place should the intended location be too busy or experience inclement weather.
   

• Second, write out your workouts for the entire week. Include stretching and a warm up, a time limit on whatever cardio machine, time for strength training, and a cool down.
   

• Third, know which days you're taking classes or need a plan to do your own thing. Perhaps you want to take yoga twice a week so your body has time to recover. Maybe you want to run three times a week as part of a half-marathon training regimen. Factor these into your weekly schedule.

Lastly, pack your bag the day before. Shoes, workout clothes, dry clothes for after, a water bottle, personal products to freshen up, headphones, yoga mat, snacks, and whatever else you need should be ready to go so there are no reasons to skip.

2. Utilize the time you have.

One of the biggest factors that prevent people from sticking to a workout routine is time. We're all busy, so it's important to utilize the time you can control. If you're a morning person, it may be easiest to hit the gym before work. If you prefer the pick-me-up of an afternoon/evening workout after your workday is over, set that as your go-to. Stick to the same slot every single day to create healthy habits.

3. Choose exercises you like. 

You're already juggling a ton of to-do items, so the last thing you want is to feel like your workout is one more thing on that list. Your workouts should be something you like doing, at least to start. It's probably best not to start out assuming you'll only be doing 10-mile runs if you hate running, for example. If you enjoy high high-intensity exercise, devoting yourself to just yoga is probably not a good fit right off the bat. Doing something you enjoy will be easier to maintain, especially on the inevitable days you don't feel like working out.

4. Mix it up.

If you thrive on the same thing every day, this one can be tricky. Variation is the spice of life, and changing up your exercise can be great for making sure you see results. Mixing in full-body cardio and strength exercises like squats with overhead press, jumping jacks, and burpees will be good for cardiovascular and respiratory health, aid in fat loss, and improve your muscle groups' definition, among other benefits. You'll want to use moves that raise your heart rate as well as help you build muscle mass in every category, including upper body groups like biceps, chest, shoulders, and arms or lower body muscles like quads, glutes, and calves.

5. Find a workout buddy to keep you accountable.

We're a lot more likely to stick to something when someone is checking up on us. A gym buddy can be a fun way to stay on task, plus give you a boost when you need encouragement to try something new or harder than normal.

Bonus tip: Don't feel like you're committed to what you wrote down in January to get started. You might find out you love muscle building moves like bench press in April, learn that your gym is doing a squat challenge that you want to join in June, develop a passion for exercise videos, or progress faster than anticipated and need harder options. Be open to shifting to get the most out of your training plan.

4 Don’ts When Planning Your Workout Schedule

It's easy to get overly ambitious when planning a workout. Just remember, some things look good on paper that are not so good in actuality. Here's some information to keep in mind.

1. Don't do too much too soon.

Keep your routine and goals manageable. Set a realistic time frame for small, attainable goals that build up to bigger ones.

2. Don't go all-in on one type of exercise.

Variety helps keep things balanced and gives you the best opportunity to experience growth and results. Be sure to include different types of exercises like cardio, strength training, and stretching.

3. Don't forget nutrition and hydration.

Making sure you are staying well hydrated is crucial to keeping your body healthy both at the gym and throughout your day. Your diet helps you build strong and healthy muscles, so it doesn't hurt to have a meal plan to keep your energy up — or at least be mindful of what you're consuming.

4. Don't ignore stress relief.

Exercising relieves stress, so keep that in mind when you've had a long day and consider skipping your workout. It may take an extra push, but it will help you relieve some of that stress.

Taking the time to create a balanced and achievable workout plan will set you up to reach your goals. Look for the amenities available in your community to help you on your road to success, and get excited about the new year full of opportunities ahead.

Are you looking for an apartment community in the D.C. area to call home? Contact The Vintage on 16th today to speak with an expert about any leasing questions you may have.

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