WellcommDC [12.16.24]

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 Nicole (Nic) Pileri (@sweathavenfitness) a 5-Star ELI Performer/Coach at Life Time Fitness.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Nicole Pileri:  Life Time Fitness (Fairfax Location)! I love being on both sides—up on stage/coaching the fitness floor or sweating side by side with our members. If I’m not sweating it out there, I’m usually at one of our other Life Time locations learning from other instructors or in a body of water on my paddleboard.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

NP: Balance—in everything.

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

NP: I’m striving for more of the balance that I coach. As a busy fitness professional that pours into so many others each day, sometimes it’s a challenge to find the time/energy to pour into yourself.

I’m working on actually scheduling in: more consistent heavy lift days, more mobility training, more sleep (I tend to be a night owl and an early bird), and more time outside doing things like biking and paddle boarding with my two boys.

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

NP: I met Ana Al Atrash(@lifejourneyoga) as a participant in my classes and now I have become her student. She is forever my movement play partner. She’s the person who pushes me to try challenging things, but also encourages me to slow down. She’s awakened a love for yin yoga in me.

I admire Tammie Scott (@tammielynn_scott) because she exudes this aura of fierce confidence, compassion, and a faith in her team and the people she coaches that makes everyone feel valued, encouraged, and safe.

Lena Steiner (@runcoach_lena) is the disciplined runner I always wish I were. I ran track and cross-country in college, and I’m certain she can race me under the table. She knows how to turn up the intensity in a class (and will drop a dance move or hilarious cue to get you through it).

Heidi Burke (@heidibfit) recently retired after many years in the fitness industry and I’ve always been inspired by her depth of knowledge and incredible athleticism into her retirement years. When I grow up, I want to be like Heidi.

Lehla Olson (@studiolehla) is complete sunshine in a human, energy, and wisdom. She is a calming force and the first to tell me to breathe and be strategic when things feel out of balance. Somehow she can pivot from being that calming presence to the-room’s-about-to-blow, hair and sweat flying everywhere energy.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by a team of talented, knowledgeable, fun, creative, energetic individuals that all bring unique value to our team at Life Time Fairfax—this is my shout out to all of them since I can’t mention them all! Each one of them inspires and motivates me.

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

NP: Find a way to move your body that sets your soul on fire. If you can make exercise your play and play your exercise, you’ll never stop.

Discover healthy recipes and restaurant dishes that you actually crave. Just say “no” to dieting. Allow yourself treats in moderation.

Get outside. Spending time in nature improves mental health and sharpens cognition.

Schedule in time for self-care and slowing your pace. Read. Journal. Take a slower yoga class (I practice yin yoga regularly). Commit to 7-8 hours of sleep.

Build deep connections with people. Schedule that coffee date or play time with a friend (and yes, adults can and should play!). Human connection is good for the soul.

Sweaty High-fives!

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.

A MESSAGE FROM NIKE:

Conquer Winter in Style: Best Men’s Sneakers from Nike Air Max.

Winter is here, and it’s time to elevate your look while staying warm and comfortable. The Nike Air Max collection is perfect for the modern man ready to tackle the season. From the edgy Air Max Plus to the versatile AM1, these sneakers combine style with features designed to keep your feet happy all winter long.

Whether you're tackling holiday shopping or celebrating with friends, these kicks are your perfect companion. Find your ideal pair and effortlessly elevate your winter wardrobe this season.

Treat yourself or a loved one to a stylish pair from the collection this holiday season.

Shop the Men’s Collection

[COMMUNITY] cp:yoga invites you to their first-ever SIP + SHOP event at the NEW Sweaty Betty location in Georgetown on Wednesday, December 18th, from 5:30 - 7 pm. Celebrate a year of movement, love, and connection with exclusive discounts. Bring a friend or two for a night of shopping, sipping, and holiday cheer at 3251 M Street NW. RSVP via the link to secure your spot and enjoy this exclusive event—don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the great Caren Plummer (@care_plummer) and the cp:yoga community and get fitted for fitness in 2025. [Sip + Shop Holiday Joy]

[WALK] Join the Orange Street Walking Club on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024, at 10 am outside the International Baccalaureate Headquarters (3950 Wisconsin Ave NW). Walk for about an hour, enjoy good vibes, and build community—all while supporting rare cancer research. WellcommDC salutes Joe Barlia (@joebarlia) for organizing the walk in honor of his mom. Strollers, dogs, and casual walkers welcome. Register here. [Step Into Community]

[RUN] Did you get new running shoes? Need to escape the holiday family time? WellcommDC has you covered. Here are some festive races from around the DMV to close out your year on a high note. 

Saturday, December 21, 2024
Candy Cane 5k & 10k at Belle Haven Park, Alexandria, VA.
Rudolph’s Race 5k & Half Marathon at Georgetown & Fletcher's Boathouse, Washington, DC.
Santa’s Sprint 3k/6k at Barrel Oak Winery, Delaplane, VA.

Sunday, December 22, 2024
Winter Wonderland 5k & 10k at Great Falls Park, McLean, VA.
Santa’s Sleigh 5k & Half Marathon at Georgetown & Fletcher's Boathouse, Washington, DC.

Monday, December 23, 2024
Rudolph’s Rednose Race 5k, 10k, & 15k at Maryland Sportsplex, Boyds, MD.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Christmas Eve 5k & 10k at Hains Point, Washington, DC.
Mistletoe Madness 5k & 10k at Bon Air Gardens, Arlington, VA.

[REVIEW] Thank you to Barry’s Dupont Circle for hosting a WellcommDC Community Class led by Johnny Masarik (@callmeyiannis) this past Saturday. We bundled up, crushed the Red Room, and then walked over to Bluestone Lane after. Thank you to the super connector Reilly Knecht (@reillykathrynn) for convening. Props to Laur Hudson (@laurhudson_), Tristan Barros (@tristan_barros) and the Barry’s DMV team for their consistent contributions to our DMV fitness community.Are you a studio interested in hosting the WellcommDC community for an activation? If so, please reach out. [Find Your Strength]

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.