WellcommDC [5.6.24]

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 Shawn Yvette (@gotta_b_u) and Rebecca Haehnle (@curlmaestro), Co-Founders of Plan A Wellness, a transformative fitness journey for women over 50. They were nominated by WellcommDC subscriber Ari Lopez (@ayloe).

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Rebecca Haehnle: Everywhere it feels like! Currently, we’re training at Elevate Interval Fitness for HYROX Training and The LAB DC because no one motivates you more than Marcus Lowe (@marcusxlowe). Our go-to gym is VIDA. I also attend Power Athlete small group training at Elevate with Jamel Clark (@jameltc78). We hope to get in with Alex Shabo (@alshabes) at PACED DC soon.

Shawn Yvette: I currently train at Elevate Interval Fitness for HYROX Training and The LAB DC for total body with Coach Marcus Lowe (@marcusxlowe). He is a phenomenal motivator and has really pushed me to levels I thought were impossible. I enjoy rotating in Coach Kyle Suib (@ksuib_fitness) at Fhitting Room, Coach Josh Poole (@boss2bway) at SweatBox, and Coach Ron at Orangetheory Fitness into my training plan. My home gym is VIDA. I’m looking to add CUT SEVEN with Alex Shabo (@alshabes) and Clarence Stanfield (@clarence_stanfield) to my plan, as well.

WDC: What does “wellness” mean to you?

RH: An equal balance between physical wellbeing, personal growth, nutritional health, mental clarity, and a safe space with family and friends. Creating your core values are essential. Self care, self care, and more self care!

SY: Wellness for me is about taking care of my health as well as my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. My wellness is not only my priority, it’s my joy!

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

RH: I would love to do some research on implementing a more plant based diet into my nutritional routine. I want to get back to my Olympic Lifting training so I can compete.

SY: Focusing on my total body training. This will include equal parts cardio and strength as well as mobility.

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

RH: For inspiration, every athlete who wakes up at 4:30 in the morning like me to get to class at the crack of dawn. It’s not easy to do that and takes dedication and discipline. For motivation, Christine (@stine8585) and Abby (@roskabby): I’m constantly trying to keep up with them in class. For accountability, Shawn is always keeping me in check!

SY: My inspiration runs deep, all the way back to my high school coach who set a fire in me when it came to running and friend Robin Davis (@robinbird609). My mind always goes to one of the greatest females of all time, Florence Griffith-Joyner: she was amazing. Then there is Olympian Thea LaFond-Gadson (@thealafond) and my amazing friends over 50: Dawnmarie Calloway (@lovelygreenlady), who just ran the London Marathon, and Monica Duck (@monicaduck8), who is competing in the Philadelphia Triathlon this summer. My Fit Family here in DC keeps me moving and motivated, especially Pat Lon (@pat_lon), whose discipline helps to keep me focused. Alex Shabo’s (@alshabes) athleticism is admirable.

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

RH: If you want a new routine, you have to set a new goal for yourself. Find something new to work towards.

SY: I would say that wellness is a lifestyle that you choose. There are many ups and downs, but consistency is critical. I’m pretty self motivated, but I have to say that being in a supportive fitness community has really made a difference in how I show up for me!

Know someone who we should highlight? Click here to submit your nomination for a future WellcommDC High Five profile.

[COMMUNITY] Caren Plummer (@care_plummer) talks with Marcus Lowe (@marcusxlowe)⁠, Founder of The LAB DC. The two DC fitness rock stars explore the “ups and downs” of starting your own business and “becoming the brand." You can watch the video of their interview here. [Growth Is A Choice]

[KEGS + EGGS] Join Coach Katie (@katie_collard) and Coach Burns (@_coach.burns_) for a workout at the new WØRK inside Gables Union Market on Saturday, May 11th from 8:30 am to noon. Right after you work out, enjoy #eggyakipuffs from EGG YAKI and Chef Nicholas Joseph Martino (@phreshbytes), as well as Michelob ULTRA and Devils Backbone Brewing Co.’s #juicymagicipa. It all goes down at “The Plaza” behind Union Market. [Saturday Strong]

[EVENT] Join YogaSix South Alexandria for Yoga & Cider on Saturday, May 11th at 10 am at Lost Boy Cider. Find your balance during a blissful yoga session, then enjoy a locally crafted cider beverage. It’s just $25 per a spot, and you can sign up via the link in YogaSix’s bio. [Perfect Pairing]

[DMV ATHLETES] Yoga for Athletes continues to shine with We Want Wellness and WØRK with Nikisha Gordon (@nikishagordon) leading athletic classes that include “dynamic movements, targeted stretches, and breathwork tailored to the needs of athletes to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and promote recovery.” Their next class is on Sunday, May 19th at 11 am at Union Market. [Be Bold]

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.