WellcommDC [9.30.24]

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 Aitana Wieg Mondejar (@coachaitana), an Instructor at Orangetheory Fitness. 

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Aitana Wieg-Mondejar: Orangetheory Fitness classes in Tenleytown and Barry’s in Dupont Circle. Variety in fitness is important, so I alternate days at Soul Cycle and yoga classes Equinox at Anthem Row to stretch and recover. I also mix in Pilates twice a month at Solidcore.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

AW: Wellness is a journey toward achieving mental and physical health in order to live a fulfilling life and truly thrive. Physical health involves balancing the challenge of pushing yourself with the need to respect your body’s recovery. The mind-body connection is real, and there is tremendous power in your perception and mindset. Wellness is the result of many choices that contribute to the happiest, highest quality of life.

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

AW: Continue to cross-train by balancing high-intensity workouts and strength training with recovery and toning classes, such as Pilates and yoga.

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

AW: The coaches and others around me who push themselves in these group fitness settings encourage and force me to keep going. Seeing them continue and not stop gives me the support to keep trying. 

Especially Lower Body Focus Day at Barrys with Nazinga Thomas (@carnelian.zing_), Lydia Pappas (@lcpappas), Jorge Cardozo (@jocardz), and Chris Severini (@cbsev) are always friendly, sweet, and make me feel seen.

Kristyn Gaines (@kristyngaines15) and Lizzy Crouse (@sweat.with.lc) are so impressive and fun. Hot yoga classes at Equinox Anthem Row to wind down and recover with Camryn Bickham (@camryn_yogaflow) who always inspires an emotional release. 

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

AW: I suggest looking within yourself at your favorite hobbies or interests. How can you find a way to enjoy moving and being active? Do you enjoy taking walks, being outside, or do you love loud, club vibes? Start there. Instead of seeing fitness or physical health as intimidating or unfamiliar, begin with something comfortable, and if possible, bring a good friend along. Have fun with it! Another great motivator is to use the hardships or stresses in your life as a challenge and a way to productively release negative energy. Even deep breathing is a form of wellness. Start small, and know that YOU CAN DO IT. Don't ever stop trying.

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.

[INVITE] Come hang out with your fav F45 humans when they’re not in the studio. Join the F45 Navy Yard crew for a chill evening at Dacha Navy Yard at 6 pm on Friday, October 4th. Grab a drink and enjoy some fun convo outside. [Friday Fun]

[YOGA] Start October on a fun note with Allie Erenbaum (@dcyogawithallie) for an all-levels, vinyasa-style flow on Thursday, October 5th at 6:30 pm. Bring your mat, towel, and a beverage, and meet us in the upper part of Meridian Hill Park, behind the Joan of Arc statue. RSVP here. [Thursday Zen]

[REVIEW] We started our Monday morning with Mariel Kanene (@mariel.kanene) at Barry’s Dupont Circle. Once he cranked the studio speakers to the max, we powered through a mostly full class to kick off the week. Props to Tommy McFly (@mrtommymcfly) for sprinting at 11+ on the treadmill. Grab coffee at Blank Street Coffee nearby and dominate the red room. [Be Nice to People]

[RINGS] Coach Jamie Purtell (@ jamiesonpurtell/) needs some really big rings. She dominated in the ring for Haymakers for Hope and then BASH Boxing named her COACH 2. Wherever she goes, hard work follows, and we salute her wins. [Celebrate The Grind]

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.