WellcommDC [02.10.25]

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 David Lambert-McMichael (@davidintheredroom) a trainer at Sweatbox, Equinox, and Barry's.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

David Lambert-McMichael: I love a mix of group and solo fitness. When I take a class, it's either at Sweatbox, or Barry's. When I do my own thing, it's at VIDA. I love the variety I get from all of these modalities (lifting, cycling, running), and I enjoy taking classes where I coach to better understand the client experience.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

David: For me, wellness is an aggregate of enjoyable and sustainable habits that make you feel good. If it's something you like, something that benefits your mind or body, and something you can reasonably maintain in the long run, it's a valuable addition to your personal wellness repertoire. Personally, I engage with people in the movement sector of wellness. As a coach and trainer, I've always been mindful not to prescribe reasons for exercise—everyone has different goals and motivations for showing up. My job is to help you move safely while having fun along the way. It's a privilege to be part of someone's fitness journey—people place a lot of trust in their coaches, and I work hard to be worthy of that trust.

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

David: I come from a professional dance background, so my perspective on wellness—both generally and personally—has evolved over the years. I used to define wellness as the ability to push my body to its maximum output at all times. These days, my goal is to move without pain, with power when I want it, and with endurance when I need it. A well-balanced and diversified training regimen keeps me ready and able to move the way I want to, which becomes more challenging with age and wear. This year and beyond, my focus is on moving well and feeling strong.

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

David: I've worked in group fitness for quite a while, and what I consistently find inspiring are the coaches who can still make me go "wow!" even though I do the same job they do. I've encountered a lot of incredible instructors over the years, but some highlights are Christie Horan (@christiehoran), Lydia Pappas (@lcpappas), Jorge Cardozo (@jocardz), Jasmine Bowden (@jasminebowdenfitness), Izzi Lynn (@izzilynn), Lauren Cederstrom (she's not on IG anymore but iykyk), Hannah Bornstein (@hanroseb), Carrie Lebel (@carrie_lebel), and Brad Golson (@jbgolson). That list is hugely incomplete and includes some coaches who have since moved on from the industry, but it runs the gamut from HIIT to cycling to barre and beyond and I've learned things from every one of them.

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

David: Just go for it! As someone who tends to resist change, I know how daunting it can feel to try something new. But some of the best things in my life have come from simply saying, “Screw it,” and taking the leap. Sign up for a new class, try a different format, or train with a new instructor—the worst that can happen is realizing, “Okay, that wasn’t for me.” If you're looking for a change, throw yourself into new experiences until you find something you enjoy, that makes you feel good, and that you can sustain.

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.

[MINDFULNESS] Today, February 10th at 6:30 pm, the Whitney Stringer PR & Events (@whitneystringerpr) Wellness Series is hosting ‘Breathe. A Pop-up Breathwork + Journaling Session.’ Enjoy a rejuvenating experience offering a moment to pause, connect with your breath, and dive deep into your thoughts and emotions through writing prompts. Leave with tools to help you curb anxiety, beat burnout and manage stress. Soul To Surface® Coaching founder Nasreen Elizabeth (@nasreen.elizabeth) will lead the session. [Calm Confidence] 

[RUNNING] Join the Ballston Run Club (BRC) on Tuesday, February 11th at 6:30 pm for another BRC Run featuring HOKA and Superfeet. Ready to run? BRC is based out of the Potomac River Running in the Ballston Mall. A little snow is in the forecast for Tuesday, so check the weather before heading out. Stay warm, stay safe, and plan accordingly.[Bondi 9 FTW]

[UNDIES] Make sure you do your laundry after Valentine’s Day, because the Cupid's Undie Run is scheduled for Saturday, February 15th  from noon to 4:00 PM at Union Stage. Visit here to register and for more information. [Dance in Front Your Mirror While You're On the Phone] 

[REVIEW] Barry’s Navy Yard opening day was electric—packed with high-energy classes featuring your favorite Barry’s DMV instructors, plus a special 10:45 am class led by Barry’s Co-CEO Joey Gonzalez (@joeygonzalez). The vibes were strong with branded Barry’s lattes, breakfast snacks, and Fuel Bar essentials keeping everyone powered up. Coverage provided by Reilly Knecht (@reillykathrynn), who rocked her 100th class (!)  and shared her experiences for the WellcommDC community. [Work(out) Hard and Be Nice to People]

*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.

Go For It,

Your WellcommDC Team (@wellcommdc)

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