WellcommDC [1.29.24]

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 Sara Hoenes (@sara.hoenes), Co-Founder of Alchemy DC and an instructor at Equinox and ALKŌVA.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Sara Hoenes: I teach barre, pilates, sculpt, yoga and yoga sculpt at Equinox and ALKŌVA and I started my own wellness company, Alchemy DC, last year. I like to take my colleagues' classes as often as possible. My partner, Timbo Williams (@timbowilliams) teaches amazing, high-energy HIIT classes, and we've combined our teaching styles to create an innovative and holistic HIIT, yoga, and breathwork class.

WDC: What does “wellness” mean to you?

SH: To me, wellness means taking care of my mind, body, and spirit. I workout and practice yoga not just for the physical benefits, but also for the mental health benefits. Getting outside as often as possible has also become a big part of my wellness routine. I think the more connected we are to nature, the more we connect to what's really important in life. Wellness also means staying connected to a circle of friends who support you in good times and bad. Finding community is so important to wellbeing.

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

SH: I know I'm a better friend, partner, and coworker when I'm taking care of my physical and mental health. I take care of my wellness because my quality of life is so much better when my energy levels are high and I'm feeling strong.

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

SH: I'm launching my first retreat this year! My goal with the retreat is to deepen my own wellness practice and create a meaningful experience for others to step into a healthier and more balanced way of life. The retreat will include daily workouts, yoga, and mindfulness practices and connecting to nature. We'll be staying at a beach-side jungle villa in Nicaragua with daily trail running and hiking and surf lessons. I'm really excited to share this beautiful place with a very special group of people.

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

SH: Find something you love to do, and working out will become easy and enjoyable.

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

[CLASS REVIEW] We sweat it out at solidcore’s Mt. Vernon location for Austin Wilson’s (@austincalisthenics) first-ever DC class. A certified personal trainer who normally coaches in Alexandria, Austin is upbeat and funny, mixing optional hands-on adjustments with dad jokes (“You need to go slow, we’re in DC now where they’ve got traffic cameras”) to help you get the most out of your workout and stay positive while you’re shaking in pain.

The class was surprisingly packed for a mid-week evening (some first-time folks who’ve trained with Austin joined for the occasion), and class started promptly, so be sure to book his classes early and arrive early to not miss out on any of the action. He also shared that the Crystal City location is conducing some classes in Spanish, so we’ve gotta check one out soon! [Gracias, Austin]

[COMMUNITY] Freezing temperatures couldn’t stop DC Fray at Carlyle Crossing as participants took part in outdoor yoga in 25 degree weather with YogaSix. [Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop]

[CLASS REVIEW] We checked out the Power Flow 60 at SoulFire Collective Yoga in Arlington, led by the incomparable Katie Tigani (@dr.tigs). An absolute must-try for yoga enthusiasts and held in a spacious yet welcoming studio, the class consistently draws a full house, reflecting the high demand SouFire Collective is experiencing in the DMV.

Katie’s approach is both invigorating and nurturing, ensuring that each student, regardless of their level, feels supported and challenged. Her warmth and charisma enhance the ambiance, making every session with her a rejuvenating journey. SouFire Collective Yoga is not just a studio up the stairs near the Apple store: it's a vibrant community brought together by passionate and skilled instructors like Katie. [Flow First, Genius Bar After]

[RACE CALENDAR] Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to run a race in 2024? Here are a few coming up in February:

2024 Winter City Views 5K & 10K, Saturday, February 3rd

2024 Paradise Springs 5K & 10K, Sunday, February 4th

Cupid’s Chase 5K Silver Spring, Saturday, February 10th

[You Can Do It]

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.