WellcommDC [10.14.24]

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 Evelyn Lugo (@evey_j4), a trainer at Barry’s and Equinox.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Evelyn Lugo: You can find me coaching in the Red Room at Barry's and throwing punches at Equinox. I sweat it out at Barry's, practice at Toolbox Pilates and Equinox, and take dance classes around DC.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

EL: Wellness to me is all about creating balance between my physical, emotional, and mental energies. It's finding peace in the chaos.

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

EL: I've always been active, so when I suffered a stroke 10 years ago, I was terrified that I might never move the way I was used to again. However, I found new ways to move my body, challenge myself, and find mental and emotional peace. I never want to feel anything but strong and capable, and that remains a huge motivator for me.

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

EL: Oh my gosh, so many reasons, but mainly to build community! I've been involved in group fitness for a while, both as a coach and a client, and many instructors don’t look like me. I want to continue creating safe spaces and occupying space for people who may feel they don’t belong. They do, we do, and I’m proof of that.

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

EL: Don’t be afraid to try different things. You’ll never know how you might surprise yourself or what you’ll end up really enjoying, so give yourself grace and time. Consistency is key, as corny as that sounds.

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.

[ANNIVERSARY] Elevate Celebrates 10 Years of Fitness. Join WellcommDC as we highlight Elevate’s 10th Anniversary, this week is packed with special events to commemorate their decade of growth. (h/t @rachel.s.hoffman) 

[MONDAY, 10/14] Kickoff the celebration with TEN-Themed Functional HIIT Class at Elevate.This high-energy, challenging workout will push your limits and set the tone for a week of fun.  

[TUESDAY, 10/15] Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Join us for Throwback Playlist Tuesday and sweat it out to the best tunes from 2014—the year it all began.  

[WEDNESDAY, 10/16] Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. Stop by for coffee and treats after your morning workout. Enjoy complimentary coffee and goodies as a thank-you for being such an essential part of Elevate’s journey.   

[THURSDAY, 10/17] It’s time to exercise your voting rights. From October 13th – October 16th, cast your votes on Instagram for your favorite Functional HIIT workout stations in preparation for Democratic Functional HIIT on Thursday, October 17th. YOUR votes will create the workout.

[FRIDAY, 10/18] The grand finale is here. Wrap up the week with a Team-Based Class & 10-Year Party. At 5:30 pm, get ready for a thrilling 3-person team challenge. Afterward, join the Elevate  champions for the Official 10-Year Anniversary Party starting at 6:30 pm. It’s BYOB, so grab your teammates and raise a glass to ten incredible years of community and fitness. This event is open to everyone—bring your A-game. 

[SPOTLIGHT] WellcommDC celebrates Elevate’s ten years in Washington, DC. To commemorate this milestone, we’re highlighting ten standout Elevate athletes who exemplify the heart of the community.

Tyson Greaves (@tysongreaves) A "day 1" athlete who is both kind and inspiring. Catch him in HYBRID sessions, on a HYROX course crushing it, or on the track. 

Mario Ramirez (@marioramirezbasora) Just crushed the Berlin Marathon at 2:46 (!), a frequent face in the strong runner and endurance classes. 

Jimmy White (@jamesarthurwhite) One of the nicest athletes you'll meet and the first to cheer for others at HYROX. We're always happy for his presence in functional HIIT, HYBRID and Power Athlete. 

Leslie Taylor (@lesliebtaylor) She's been with us through so many milestones: her wedding day, her family expanding, etc. We've loved seeing her strength grow over the years. Find her in any session - she's always down for a challenge.   

Jenny Luu  (@nurse_jennyluu) One of the hardest working people we know and an OG. She's a force to reckon with for HYROX and you can find her in most HYBRID sessions. 

Ajay Kori (@ajkori) A power athlete through and through. His kindness and strength over the years has been a huge attribute to our team. 

Eva Torres (@evsuto) Possibly the most resilient athlete we know. Eva has conquered so much with grit, determination and such grace. She's always in strength classes inspiring athletes. 

Jeff Sachse (@jesachse) We're grateful for his years of support and love watching him "go the distance" in all of our formats and at HYROX. A “real one” that we love to cheer for in all our formats.  

Kelsey Hochleitner (@khochleitner23) One of our "newer" athletes but an incredible representation of what we stand for: growth, positivity, kindness to others in our community. She's an ELITE athlete and we can't wait to see where she goes in HYROX. 

Candace Koman (@candacearm) Showing up for herself and others, Candace brings so much inspiration to every session and her enthusiasm on a HYROX course is infectious. 

[CELEBRATE] The Ballston Runaways are celebrating a birthday and inviting you to join the party on Friday, November 1st, from 7 to 10 pm on The Roof at Clarendon Ballroom. This spook-tacular evening will be packed with fun, dancing, raffle prizes, and more. Grab your best Halloween costume and RSVP on Strava [They Grow Up So Fast]

[CREATE] ArtsClub DC presents YOGA + YAYOI | Flow and Create on Saturday, October 19th, from 5 - 7 pm at ArtsClub DC (1506 19th Street NW). The evening will provide for an unforgettable wellness experience that blends yoga and art. Flow through a grounding Vinyasa practice led by Taylor Husereau (@sayhey.tay), followed by painting Kusama-inspired ceramic pumpkins, with a mini art history lesson on Yayoi Kusama (@yayoikusama_). [Flow and Create]

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.