WellcommDC [1.1.24]

Wellcomm, DC. WellcommDC is your source for 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 IG. Email your tips/questions/comments to [email protected] or slide into our DMs.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Zaina Barakat (@zanybarre), a DC area fitness instructor.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Zaina Barakat: I teach at VIDA Pilates, VIDA Fitness, and Good Space (previously know as Sukha Center). I also workout at these spaces and all over the DMV.

WDC: What does “wellness” mean to you?

ZB: Wellness is my heart, soul, and passion! Wellness is taking care of one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is learning to listen to yourself, understand what your mind and body need, and taking care of yourself by building a consistent routine that feeds these needs.

WDC: What motivates you to take care of your wellness?

ZB: I always want to be my best self: not just for me, but for my family, friends, and anyone I set an example for. With that, I want to be healthy through and through and share my experiences and process along the way. Also, let’s be real: when you look good, you feel good, but more importantly, when you feel good, you look good!

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

ZB: First and foremost, I want to learn even more about Pilates and how to be the best teacher I can be. I received some of the best training in the DC area, and I want to continue to work with my Pilates community and mentors to grow and evolve. I also want to try something new and step out of my comfort zone. I’ve never quite understood or explored strength training, but now I’m curious. Lastly, I want to work hard to eat cleaner. I cut out alcohol over a year ago, and I am much more full of life, but recently I’ve been getting a lot of sugar hangovers from going a little too crazy with the sweets (my weakness).

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

ZB: You can be anyone and do anything you want if you commit to it. There are no limits, and the most beautiful thing is you have the power and control to make it happen. Listen to yourself: allow yourself to envision who you want to be. You will know what you need to do to get there. Three years ago, I was a completely different person. I knew there were things I needed to change and drop in order to get to where I am today, and slowly but surely, I did. Anyone can do this!

Want to nominate someone for a future High Five? Reach out to us and share why you’re nominating them!

[MOVES] BASH Coach Brandi Elyse (@brandikrytysa) announced she’s starting a new post BASH boxing chapter. We can’t wait to hear what her next move is! [It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See Ya Later]

[IRL] We finished the last Saturday of 2023 in a yoga class led by Caren Plummer (@care_plummer) at the Equinox Sports Club DC. Caren leads an exceptional, dynamic class characterized by a rapid and vigorous flow, designed to challenge and invigorate students with her quick pace. [Namaste, Caren]

[EXCLUSIVE] Hilary Phelps (@hilaryphelps_), a speaker, entrepreneur, and addition recovery advocate who grew up in Maryland, shared an exclusive message with the WellcommDC community on mindfulness to help us all get into the right frame of mind as we enter 2024 together. Check it out here, and let us know what you think in the comments! [4-7-8]

[‘24 GOALS] Looking ahead to new year, what are your wellness goals? Here are what just a few members of the WellcommDC Community shared (anonymously):

“In 2023, for a variety of reasons, I fell out of my routine of meditating daily. In the new year, I will get back to this routine and make the time to meditate. No matter how busy I am, I know I can set aside 5-10 minutes to do this, and doing so will improve the other 1430-1435 minutes of my day.”

“Next year, my wellness routine will focus on daily repetition. Can ten minutes of morning focus change the trajectory of my overall year? This year will include more daily fitness goals met (close the rings!) and one huge challenge of a multi-state cycling adventure.”

Want to share your 2024 wellness goal with the WellcommDC Community? Reply to this email or send us a note at [email protected] with your first and last name, Instagram handle, and goal to be featured. Let us know if you prefer to stay anonymous!

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 IG. Tips/questions/comments? 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.