WellcommDC [9.23.24]

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 Kelsea DeVries (@kelseamovespt), a Doctor of Physical Therapy at What Moves You? Physical Therapy, Yoga & Wellness, and Registered Yoga Teacher at sonder | studios.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Kelsea DeVries: When I am not teaching yoga and strength classes at sonder | studios, I'm probably taking one of the many classes I love, including Hot Power Yoga, Barre, TRX Yoga, and TRX flex (strength). I also love to run, so you'll find me running along the boardwalks in Chesapeake Beach and North Beach.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

KD: Wellness, to me, is giving attention to the whole body. You have to take care of both the physical body through exercise and nutrition, as well as the “inner stuff” - the emotional and psychological aspects. As a physical therapist, I spend a lot of time with patients and often have a chance to tap into the barriers, both physical and psychological, that stand in the way of meeting their wellness goals. In yoga, this process is a little more subtle, but it’s amazing what creating a safe and positive space in a yoga class does for all aspects of someone's wellness journey. 

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

KD: As I get older, I’m finding ways to stay active and consistent with my routine without overdoing it. In the past few years, I trained for a half marathon and a full marathon each year. I was also constantly pushing myself into advanced yoga poses that might not have been right or healthy for my body. This year, I’m giving myself grace for slower paces, gentler yoga (while still getting upside down), and being present in the moment. I'm listening to my body and resting when I need it. I'm also involving my kids by taking my son on runs with me or helping my daughter learn cartwheels and cheerleading moves. I’ll continue to push myself on days when I feel strong, but as I approach year 42 of my life, I choose peace and meeting myself where I am, day by day.

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

KD: My fellow staff members at sonder | studios and my supervisor Megan Twinning (@megan.twining) are huge cheerleaders. I love the staff—we’ve become close friends and motivate each other. I enjoy taking their classes and then seeing them walk through the door into mine!

I'm inspired by so many Instagrammers (too many to mention without leaving someone out). I discovered the Instagram yoga community after giving birth to my son, when I needed something to help me return to yoga and fitness while he was napping and my husband was deployed. This eventually led me to take the leap into completing a 200-hour YTT and becoming a yoga teacher. I would see poses online and work toward them in my home yoga practice, learning a lot about asana and how it related to my career as a physical therapist.

I'm always inspired by other health and wellness entrepreneurs doing their own thing. Lara Heimann (@lara.heimann) was a major influence for me early on, as a PT/Yoga Teacher who chose her own unique path. I chose my career in physical therapy because I wanted to help people, and I quickly realized that corporate therapy businesses didn’t align with my level of care. It’s not easy stepping away from the comfort of a guaranteed paycheck, but I can tell you with 100% confidence that I sleep better knowing I’m serving my community and clients my way. I’m finally starting to see the fruits of my labor and hard work.

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

KD: Just start. Take a walk (by yourself or with a friend). Sign up for that first class at the yoga or fitness studio you’ve been eyeing. Walk through the door and talk to people about it. Speak with the staff and other members (this is hard for my introverted self, but it’s important). Let your partner and friends know that you’re carving out time for yourself and will be unavailable during those times. Sharing this with others gives you a sense of community and accountability. Once you establish that, it’s hard to imagine your life without it. If you have pain or a physical limitation, ask for help with modifications or seek out physical therapy. There is always a way—you just have to start.

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.

[SOULFIRE] It’s time for “Bring a Friend” at Soulfire Collective starting Monday, September 23rd through October 27th Your first drop-in is on Soulfire, no friend required. Plus, every friend you bring gives you a chance to win a $200 gift card. Don’t miss out on meeting the strongest version of YOU—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Ask our friend Whit Murray (@hiwhit) how she landed a job after her first “Soulfire drop-in.”  [Humanhood]

[ULTRAFIT] Get ready to find your inner athlete on Wednesday, September 25 at 5:30 pm with Life Time Fairfax. ULTRAFIT combines sprint intervals with balance and stability movements to boost speed and core strength. Led by Coach Nic Pileri (@sweathavenfitness), a certified trainer and former Division 1 Track & Field athlete. [Move Strong]

[PICKLEBALL] Join Alana Latin (@alana.latin) and AEWELL for a Pickleball Social on Saturday, September 28th from 11 am - 1 pm at Kraken Kourts and Skates.  All equipment provided—just show up and play! More info here [All Levels Welcome]

[HYROX] Let’s run it back with HYROX Washington D.C. | Open North American Championships happening March 29th - 30th, 2025. Ready to push your limits and compete in the adrenaline-packed HYROX Championships? Whether you're chasing a personal record or challenging yourself in new ways, this is the race to mark on your 2025 calendar. Register here. [Train. Compete. Conquer.]

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.