WellcommDC [03.31.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Ryan Rabac (@rkrabac), an ACE certified personal trainer and [solidcore] coach in Washington, DC.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Ryan Rabac: Most of my weekly routine is group fitness – I enjoy the music, the community, and the peer pressure. When I’m not under the blue lights with the incredible team at [solidcore] Cathedral Commons with Toni Apollaro (@toniapollaro), Alethea (@nothing_but__flowers), Sam Musser (@sam_musser), Mimi Coghlan (@mimicoghlan), Anne Callas (@annecallas), Julia Brunner (@julia_brunner), Mary Kate Jaworowski (@marykatejaaws), Julie Blaze (@julieblaze), Liddy Kasraian (@liddy.k), Sarah Paige (@sarapaige__) you can catch me at Barry’s Dupont Circle or Arlington with Jorge Cardozo (@jocardz), Kevin DiMichelle (@kziilla), Chris (@cbsev), Nazinga Thomas (@carnelian.zing_), Kate Hastings (@katee_hastings), Lydia Pappas (@lcpappas), Elanna Bellofatto (@elannabellofatto), Stephen Klagholz (@stephen.klagholz), Jasmine Bowden (@jasminebowdenfitness), Phillip Goo (@2goo4you), Coach K (@callmebigkaaye), and others! My wife Clara Goldfield (@cggoldfield) and I are also big fans of long walks with our golden retriever, Scooter. Last but not least, I recently added a mini gym setup in our basement so I can blast emo music without judgement.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

RR: I think wellness is about how you feel. Fitness is a fantastic tool to reduce anxiety and improve your quality of life, but it needs to be part of a whole toolbox that includes sleep, rest days, nutrition, time with friends, hobbies, therapy, etc. The perpetual journey is finding that balance and our needs will change over time.

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

RR: My goal this year is to find that balance. Overtraining can be counterproductive, and sometimes a rest day is exactly what you need. I’m also committing to regular wellness exams and preventative visits—I avoided them for a while, but trust me, you’ll feel so much better if you just go instead of worrying about what might be wrong. And finally, I’m making it a priority not to skip the stretches this year, because flexibility and injury prevention really do matter.

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

RR: Our clients! Every single person who decides to spend an hour under the blue lights with me helps me feel whole. I especially love working with first-time or beginner clients in our Starter50 format—this workout changed my life, and I want to share it with as many people as I can. I also love taking classes with all of the coaches mentioned above for inspiration, and joining other coaches in class adds a little fun competition.

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

RR: The right time is now. I didn’t get serious about fitness until my late twenties, and now that I’m in my thirties, I feel better than I did in my twenties in so many ways. I truly believe this transformation can happen at any age. Intro-level fitness classes are a great way to start—they help you build a foundation of safety, proper form, and technique. I also think walking every day is a powerful habit to build.

As a coach, I try to show that you can work full-time, show up for your family and friends, and still carve out time for a fitness routine. I know it’s not easy—but I’m right there with you. It’s not perfect every week, but it doesn’t have to be! Find something you enjoy, and keep switching it up to stay challenged and engaged. If it’s group fitness, turn to your left or right and introduce yourself to the person next to you—because for the next hour and beyond, we’re all on the same team.

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!

[FAREWELL] After nearly 8 years of inspiration, challenge, and growth, Meghan Gifford (@yourfrqncy) is riding off from CycleBar NoMa — her final class is Friday, April 25th at 4:15 pm. Her goodbye ride wraps up a month-long Friday series including Taylor Swift (April 4th), Strength (April 11th), and Migos vs. Metro Boomin (April 18th). If you’ve ever been moved by Meg’s energy, this is your chance to clip in one last time and ride it out together. We are always moved by the appreciation shown at the end of an instructor’s run. [Thank You, Meg]

RELATED: WCDC High Five interview with Meghan Gifford (@yourfrqncy)

[COMING SOON] Club Pilates Navy Yard is opening soon in Washington, DC; and Founding Club Memberships are live with 20% off for life. This Reformer-based studio will offer classes for all levels, whether you're brand new to Pilates or ready to level up your flow. Tap the link in their IG bio to claim your spot and stay tuned for grand opening updates. We fully anticipate Kory Angelin (@koryfit) will join the first classes during opening weekend. Who will open first: Club Pilates Navy Yard or Club Pilates Potomac? [Springboard Navy Yard]

[CULTURE] SPIN THE BLOCK returns home to D.C. on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, with a community run powered by PYNRS, District Running Collective, and Sidney Baptista (@sidbap). Meet at Pacers Running Navy Yard at 6:30 PM for a run that fuses culture, style, and the streets of Southeast. Join the great Sidney Baptista (@sidbap), founder of PYNRS, and the District Running Collective for this special DC event. Plus, Freaks of Nature will be there to help you protect ya neck (and face). [Run The Culture]​

[SHOUTS] Tell Yazzy Reid (@yazzyreed) congratulations on The Method Room turning one-year old! Coach Aitana Wieg-Mondejar (@coachaitana) celebrated two years with Orangetheory Rosslyn. YogaSix Courthouse is hiring Wellness Advisors. Go work with Ali Schragger (@alischragger) at F45 Navy Yard as they’re hiring a new Head Coach. And WellcommDC salutes everyone who crushed HYROX DC - including Andria Winger (@anjthisanjthat) who did three (3!) races.

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 WellcommDC@gmail.com 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.