WellcommDC [03.24.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Tom Looney (@thomaslooney), an Instructor at SweatBox.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Tom Looney: You can catch me coaching SweatBox on Fridays and Sundays and taking class there throughout the week. Caitlin Downs (@sweatbosscaitlin) you’ve been one of my day ones since I started teaching cycle at VIDA in 2015!
 I’ve also been refocusing my strength training in 2025 and Work DC Fitness has been a fantastic community.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t shout out other frequented studios and members of the DC #fitfam community. Elevate Interval Fitness – shout out to David Magida (@davidmagida) and Eric Williams (@runricrun) for their top tier Hyrox programming (even though I’ve slacked a bit lately going to Wednesday run club. Also shout out to SoulFire Collective Yoga and the team there – vibes are always immaculate. Who knew house music and yoga paired together feels so liberating?! Shout to the greats Brooke Wyman (@_b.wyman_), Kat Wyman (@_katwyman_), Michelle Martini (@michellexmartini), Carly Ohlrich (@carlyohlrich), and Kaitlyn Doyle (@k8lyn_doyle). CUT Seven is also another personal favorite with theirconsistently solid programming. Alex Perrin (@alex.perrin7) and Chris Perrin (@chrisperrin7) have truly built an incredible community.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

TL: To me, wellness is all about finding balance. I love a 5 am alarm and an early morning workout as Gwen Broerman (@sweatbossgwen) knows, but I also make time for other activities, whether that means going on day trips, checking out new restaurants around town, or just unwinding. Wellness means taking care of myself through movement and nutrition while also making space for fun, social connections, and rest. It is not about being perfect. It is about feeling your best, both physically and mentally.

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

TL: I have two HYROX races planned for the first half of the year and would love to sign up for a Pro race by the end of the year. I am also looking to leverage my recent CPT certification in new and different ways this year. Lately, I have really leaned into my yoga era, and it has truly helped me feel my best.

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

TL: I wouldn’t be at SweatBox unless it weren’t for Gwen Broerman (@sweatbossgwen) and Colleen Palomaa (@colleenpalomaa). Both continually give me more opportunities to push myself and grow as a coach. I also want to shout out our lead Sweatboss David McMichael (@davidinthedistrict) for being the boss and inspiration he is! 

The ladies of Plan A. Wellness are a constant encouragement with their monthly challenges (push ups or ice bath anyone?!) and positive, uplifting energy they bring to life. Seriously, if you’re not following them and doing their monthly challenges then you’re missing out! 

Also, high five to Russell Towner (@rgtown) for always being down to try out a new fitness studio around town… even if it’s out in Northern Virginia. Have you been to his cycle class at VIDA yet?!

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

TL: Find what brings you joy. Growing up, I was always active but wouldn’t have described myself as athletic by any means. It wasn’t until my friend Bill Sokolove (@nvm_its_bill_again) brought me to my first spin class at VIDA in 2014 that I truly fell in love with group fitness and the community. Fitness isn’t a “one size fits all” approach and there are many different ways to stay healthy and fit depending on your interests and passions. Create a routine, but don’t be too hard on yourself as you find what works best for your health and wellness journey.

Know someone in the DMV who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future WellcommDC High Five profile!

[CONGRATULATIONS] The great Andria Winger (@anjthisanjthat) is stepping into a new era as a coach at Life Time Clarendon. She’s now leading group classes and taking on personal training and breathwork clients for one-on-one sessions inside this stunning new space. Congratulations, Andria! [Elevate Your Wellness]

RELATED: Andria Winger | WellcommDC High Five interview [12.09.24]

[SPOTLIGHT] OAK Pilates Club partnered with Aston Martin Washington DC to create an unforgettable celebration for International Women's Day. The sold-out event fused movement, luxury, and intention in a one-of-a-kind wellness experience inside the Aston Martin showroom. Special shout to Shalynn Burrill (@pilatesbaeshay), the ultimate super-connector, whose energy and vision continue to elevate the community in every room she enters. [On Our Radar]

[BRIGHT LIGHTS] DC’s own Jordan Ciminelli (@jordanciminelli) just took her energy to the next level by filming a ride with SoulCycle @ Home in NYC. The entire DMV is cheering her on as she brings her signature style and strength to riders across the country. From the Beltway to the virtual bike, this is a major moment for one of DC’s favorite instructors. [Next Stop: Everywhere]

[SPRINGTIME] DC is about to explode in pink as the cherry blossoms bloom and Rock Creek Parkway traffic turns into a bumper-to-bumper parade of blossom-chasers. But while your feed fills with florals, the real energy is on the move with the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile & 5K, happening the weekend of April 4th. Keep an eye on race ambassadors Sharon Schwei, (@sharbear914) and Fernanda Ruiz (@fernarf) as they lead the charge. This is peak DC, and we are here for it. [Run Through the Blooms]

That’s this week’s edition of WellcommDC. Like what you read? Get On The List and get future editions sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who needs to read WellcommDC? Forward our email to them. Drop us a line at [email protected] or slide in with tips. 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.