WellcommDC [01.27.25]

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 Kelly Combs (@freeyoursoulfit), a Registered Dietitian and Group Fitness Instructor at F45 Shirlington.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Kelly Combs: I spend most of my days at F45 Shirlington, which I joined as a member way back in 2021 when I first moved to the area, and now I’m lucky enough to also coach there!

I also love to bop around to try new studios & gyms - some of my favorites are CUT SEVEN and Lifetime Clarendon with Juan Marcano (@juanmrcn), Barry’s, Nectar Yoga Studios, Rising Sol Yoga, and you can find me at Clarendon Run Club (CRC) on most Monday nights!

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

KC: Wellness, to me, is a form of wholeness. It’s more than just physical activity or nutrition—it encompasses the thoughts, emotions, and attitudes surrounding those things. True wellness balances the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms, and it should look different for everyone.

I used to think wellness meant extremes: never missing a gym session or meditation practice, following a perfect diet, sleeping eight hours every night, etc. But I’ve come to learn that while those things are important to prioritize and do support my well-being, it’s impossible to be truly well if you’re constantly stressed by your pursuit of wellness. Wellness also means being gentle and forgiving with yourself.

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

KC: I spur of the moment competed in my first HYROX solo in Chicago in November, and I’m signed up to do my first doubles event with my partner Rebecca Marshall (@beccamarshall) in DC in March. I also would like to improve my endurance running and take on my first ever half marathon this year. 

But more than anything, I’m trying build back into my life the balance that got a little lost these past few months, which for me, will include a heavy focus on slowing down through meditation, breathwork, and getting back to my yoga practice.

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

KC: I’m so lucky to be surrounded by incredible humans who inspire me every day. There’s so many people I could include here, but most importantly: Misha Lee (@hangrymother), Madeline Schwartz (@madelineroza), Juan Marcano (@juanmrcn), Samantha Johannesen (@sam_johannesen), Milica Kremenovic (@milikrem), Andria Winger (@anjthisanjthat), Caroline Ruckstuhl (@c_rucky), Jasmine Dilworth (@jasmine_dilworth), Rebecca Marshall (@beccamarshall), Natalie Coppola (@natalieecoppola), and the entire team of coaches and members at F45 Shirlington.

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

KC: Do what you love. If you don’t love it, try something else. 

Wellness isn’t always easy or comfortable - you sometimes have to do the hard thing - but you get to choose your hard things. When you find the right hard thing, you’ll actually stick with it and hopefully look forward to it! Wellness is not about forcing yourself to do things that you don’t like simply because you feel like that’s what you should be doing or that’s what others are doing. There’s something for everyone, and that something is worth finding. Keep trying new things until you do

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.

[RUMBLE + FLOW] Get ready to punch, flow, and grow at Rumble + Flow, hosted by Yoga Six Courthouse and Rumble Boxing Falls Church on Saturday, February 1st, starting at 2:30 pm. This high-energy class combines boxing and yoga for the ultimate sweat and stretch session, led by Nicole Mazaran (@nicole_mazaran). Reserve your spot today. [Sweat + Stretch Combo]

[OPENINGS] Glow up with Rachel Martel (@rachelmartell) at Dupont’s new Vitalify Med Spa. Say hello to Nazinga Thomas (@carnelian.zing_) at Barry’s Navy Yard as they’re hosting VIP Sneak Peeks this week. Rachel Yep (@dcdimsumgirl) continues to dart around the DMV looking for a bullseye.

[FREE] Hey WellcommDC family, we’ve got something special for you—a FREE pass to a Barry’s Navy Yard class! You’ve earned it for sticking with us through this chilly Monday, so let’s heat things up in the Red Room. Sign up here and let Barry’s know that WellcommDC has their back. [Red Room Perks]

[ALCHEMY] This past weekend, Alchemy delivered the perfect blend of high-energy fitness and deep recovery, leaving everyone inspired and rejuvenated who attended The January (Re)Set. Coach Timbo Williams (@timbowilliams) kicked things off with his lively personality and a HIIT circuit that had participants sweating and strong, seamlessly transitioning into Coach Sara Hoenes’s (@sara.hoenes) calming yoga flow that grounded and inspired the group. Guided breathwork, sound meditation, and journaling—led by local wellness leaders like the team at Bash Boxing—brought a holistic touch to the experience. Held in the cool, open space of Union Market’s AutoShop, with its natural light and welcoming energy, the class fostered connections both during and after, with local DC vendors offering tea, body lotion, and nutrition tips that enhanced the wellness journey. The unique combination of cardio and calm, paired with the sense of community, made Alchemy stand out as a space for growth, mindfulness, and support. 

WellcommDC salutes Tim and Sara for the incredible community they have developed and continue to nurture—it’s clear that Alchemy is more than just a class; it’s a movement for anyone seeking balance, connection, and inspiration. Coverage provided by Aitana Wieg-Mondejar (@coachaitana), who attended and shared this thoughtful summary for the WellcommDC community. [Transformative Wellness]

*Want to host a WellcommDC Community Class? Whether you’re a trainer looking to connect with other instructors, a studio eager to showcase your vibe, or opening a new gym and ready to spread the word, we want to hear from you. Let’s work together to hype your space, build connections, and energize the DMV wellness community. Hit us up. 

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.

Thank you for reading until the end, Peter. =)

Go For It,

Your WellcommDC Team (@wellcommdc)

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