WellcommDC [01.20.25]

WellcommDC is the email newsletter bringing you the best of the DMV’s wellness community. Transform your self, transform your community, and transform your world. Join the list, and get WellcommDC sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who would love WellcommDC? Then please forward our email or tag them on one of our IG posts. Email your tips to [email protected] or slide into our DMs.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Steve Ballesteros (@steve.renee) who is currently training for The Speed Project LALV in late March, an ultra endurance race from the Santa Monica pier to the iconic Las Vegas sign.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Steve Ballesteros: I recently started coaching at FLEX where I’ve been working out for 2.5 years. Sometimes I pop into Barry’s for a class with Kevin Albert DiMichele (@kziilla) or OrangeTheory to take a class coached by my friends Alexa Schmitt (@alexajschmitt), Natalie Fuccillo (@natalie_fuccillo), or Kristof Kertesz (@kkertesz5151). Most of all I run. I bounce around between the run clubs Northeast Run Club, The Ballston Runaways, The Dojo of Pain, and Arc'teryx Washington DC. As a manager at Pacers Running and an ambassador with On I love building friendships with fellow runners across the DMV.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

SB: Cultivating balance and happiness. Wellness is a practice—consistently taking care of our health in a holistic way. It involves complementing physical gains and mental resilience with emotional stability and spiritual development.

WDC: What are your wellness goals over the next twelve months?

SB: After my ultra running race in March, I’ll run less and focus on functional strength training and increased mobility. Taking on huge endurance goals can come at a cost—I’m excited to prioritize these areas without race goals compromising my attention. I’m sure the.lab.dc, Norton Physical Therapy and Wellness, and Mimi Rieger will all play essential roles. Beyond that, I plan to volunteer more in the running community by educating runners, organizing races, and training with differently-abled athletes.

WDC: Who are some people who inspire you, motivate you, or keep you accountable when it comes to your wellness?

SB: I love working with Elyse Braner (@elyse.braner) at Pacers Running as she cultivates community engagement with runners throughout the DMV. I admire how she spreads her love for movement through fun social runs, relay races, and social events in a way that is both accessible and collaborative, partnering with local gyms and restaurants. It’s inspiring to watch Elyse accomplish all this with a smile while regularly competing in triathlons.

If you’ve ever met Dakota Butler (@daoud_real_x), you know he is a charismatic and thoughtful individual who excels as an endurance runner. Amidst training for races and guiding trail runs, you’ll often find him introducing friends to local artists, musicians, and chefs. Dakota not only a dedicated Arc'teryx Washington DC ambassador and mainstay in local run clubs, but also a proud DMV native who deeply values fostering connections within the community.

When I think of a coach who keeps it real, exemplifies incredible hybrid athleticism, and gives back to the community through fun events and by highlighting other athletes, I think of HYROX ambassador Alex Shabo (@alshabes). I’m grateful for her friendship, her optimistic leadership, and the inspiring testimony shared through The Hybrid Letter. Alex is as disciplined as they come—it’s amazing to see her compete and a joy to watch her cheer on her athletes. She excels as a coach at The Lab, working in partnership with Sarah Cotter (@sarahcttr), Jihad Watt (@jihad_watt), and Marcus Lowe (@marcusxlowe).

WDC: What advice would you share with someone looking to change their wellness routine?

SB: Focus your energy on a community that not only improves your fitness but also fosters genuine friendships. It truly is that meaningful. Our wellness thrives when we’re surrounded by hardworking, kind people who prioritize a culture of safety and respect—those who celebrate our wins and support us through our losses, both in and outside the gym. Wellness is a team effort, and life is short—nurture joy and uplift your people.

Know someone who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can feature them in a future WellcommDC High Five profile.

[HYROX] Kickstart your HYROX training journey with an exclusive fitness workshop on Saturday, January 25th at Elevate Interval Fitness with Plan A Wellness led by Eric Williams (@runricrun).  Crush your Saturday with an introduction to HYROX and a race simulation. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and connect with other HYROX enthusiasts. [Train Stronger, Compete Better]

[OPENING] Barry’s Navy Yard opens its doors on Saturday, February 1st. Reservations open for the brand-new Navy Yard Red Room go live on Saturday, January 25th at 12 pm ET. Be among the first to experience this incredible new Navy Yard space and stick around to party all day with light brunch bites and drinks. More information here. [Navy Yard Red Room]

[CONGRATULATIONS] Coach Raine McKeython (@rainemckeython) is now a certified instructor trainer at Barry's Arlington and ready to bring the storm to Barry's Red Room. Check out Coach Raine Storm’s WellcommDC profile from this summer. [Bring the Heat]

[VALENTINE’S] Celebrate love, growth, and community at Up Dog Yoga and Rewild’s Valentine’s Day Flow + Grow event on Friday, February 14th, starting at 6 pm. Enjoy an uplifting yoga session, followed by a hands-on plant workshop where you’ll pot and take home a beautiful new green companion. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now to make this Valentine’s Day uniquely memorable! [Grow Love Here]

That’s this edition of WellcommDC. Like what you read? Join the list, and get future editions sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who needs WellcommDC? Then please forward our email or tag them on one of our IG posts. Got tips? Drop us a line at [email protected] or slide in. Until next time, take care of yourself, and take care of each other.

Go For It,

Your WellcommDC Team (@wellcommdc)

Transform Your Self. Transform Your Community. Transform Your World.