WellcommDC [04.28.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Rachel Okotete (@rachel_okotete), an instructor at SoulFire Collective Yoga.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Rachel Okotete : I practice at SoulFire Collective Yoga at least four days a week, where I also teach! You’ll also find me strength training at Gold’s Gym | DC Metro, and hitting it hard [solidcore] with Abigail Wedding (@abigailwedding) and Kateleen Hall (@heyimkateleen) . Soon, I’ll be training at LifeTime Clarendon starting in March. On Thursdays, you can catch me country dancing at Clarendon Ballroom with Inspira Dance, a nonprofit offering high-quality dance programs for kids.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

RO: Wellness, to me, is about the mind, body, soul, and togetherness. I used to focus solely on physical wellness—exploring martial arts, dance, yoga, and more—but I struggled with anxiety and managing my mind. That changed when I discovered breathwork through Brooke Wyman (@_b.wyman_) and Kat Wyman (@_katwyman_) at SoulFire Collective Yoga. After completing a 10-day challenge, I made breathwork, grounding walks, and reading part of my daily routine, and it’s been transformative. These practices have helped me manage stress and emotional responses with greater balance. Wellness is also about connecting with a higher power—co-creating with the universe. This deeper awareness has strengthened my belief in spiritual connection. Togetherness is essential in wellness. While individual growth is important, the true power lies in shared experiences. When we train, heal, and grow together, we cultivate a resilient, supportive community that lifts us all.

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

RO: I’m excited to be returning to weightlifting after a few months of recharging. It’s always been a rewarding challenge, and I can’t wait to dive back in. I’ll also be dancing more, both Latin and country styles, with Inspira Dance as I reconnect with movement that brings me joy.

Last summer, I discovered the thrill of surfing, and this year I’m eager to refine my skills on the waves. At the same time, I’m deepening my breathwork practice through the monthly breathe75 classes at SoulFire Collective Yoga. In March, I plan to train with Erin Telford (@erintelford__) to strengthen my ability to lead and evolve within my breathwork journey.

My ultimate goal is to integrate these techniques into the classes I offer, empowering others to explore the power of nervous system regulation and build lasting resilience. I’m looking forward to sharing these tools with my community and creating a space rooted in mindful, balanced wellness.

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

RO: I’m deeply grateful for my husband, Vance Bart (@vancepoo382), whose unwavering support and presence at my classes inspire me daily. My SoulFire Collective Yoga team constantly pushes me to grow with their self-motivation, authenticity, and unapologetic voices. Their love, vulnerability, and courage empower me to rise above challenges. A special shoutout to Bonnie Weeks (@carrot_bowl_bonnie) whose radical vulnerability and leadership create an empowering space for all. Her energy is a continuous source of inspiration. I’m also thankful for my Inspira Dance crew, Jonah Kest (@kestyoga) for helping me grow as a teacher, Anh Craver (@wave.cravers) for becoming a close friend and constant inspiration, and Country Scene DC run by my dear friend Maggie, for always supporting my endeavors, both dance and beyond.

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

RO: I recently listened to Mel Robbins’ podcast 7 Day Reset for More Time, Energy, and Happiness, and the 7 steps she shared really helped me organize my life better. While these steps are from the podcast, here’s how I’d apply them to shifting your wellness routine:

1. Do a brain dump. Write down everything you’d like to change or add to your wellness routine. This isn’t a to-do list—just let your thoughts flow and don’t worry about how it will all happen.

2. Assess your current routine. Write down what your daily routine looks like now, so you have a baseline.

3. Pick one small change. From your list, choose something you can easily add to your current routine without feeling overwhelmed—whether it’s eating healthier, prepping meals, or taking one class per week.

4. Tell a supportive friend. Share your plan with someone who encourages you. This helps build accountability.

5. Schedule it. Put the new habit into your calendar to make it real and non-negotiable.

6. Practice gratitude. Set aside a few minutes each week to reflect on the changes you’re making. Change can be tough, and we often get discouraged by our inner critics when things don’t go as planned. Gratitude helps you recognize your progress, even when it feels small.

7. Stay consistent. This is the key to making lasting change. Keep going, even if it’s not perfect. Starting small and staying consistent is the way to set yourself up for long-term success!

Know someone in the DMV who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future WellcommDC High Five profile!

[COMMUNITY] Join Club Pilates Navy Yard at Gregory’s Coffee on April 30th from noon to 7 pm for an outdoor celebration of fitness, flavor, and fun. Sample delicious bites and connect with the local wellness scene. It all goes down at 1111 New Jersey Ave SE outside. Club Pilates always brings out the best and we predict Angela Hervig (@angelahervig) sightings all summer long. [Navy Yard IRL]

[MINI MOVES] Lauren Cook (@laurencook29) and  barre3 14th Street are teaming up with Amore Learning for a special barre3 + Mini Me event on Saturday, May 3rd from 2 - 3:30 pm at their 14th Street studio (1832 14th St NW). This 90-minute experience is made for parents and kiddos ages 5–11, featuring 30 minutes of barre3 movement followed by a creative enrichment activity led by Amore Learning—DC’s beloved champions of joyful, heart-led learning. Tickets are $40 per adult and kids attend for free. [Mini + Me Magic]

ICYMI: Lauren Cook (@laurencook29) HF ‘24

[RUN DMV] Finding your run crew in DC just got easier. Jessica Hood (@jessrhood) is on a summer-long tour of the city's most beloved run clubs—showing love to every pace, vibe, and post-run hang along the way. Meanwhile, Kim Habicht dropped the ultimate run club guide. From sunrise squads to social miles, her roundup is packed with recs. And Rob Perez (@r.oho.bee) has been spotlighting the DMV’s vibrant run scene on Instagram, where his “Where to Find People to Run With in DC” series takes followers inside different clubs across the city. With an estimated 40+ run crews in DC alone, his behind-the-scenes breakdowns are helping more runners find their perfect fit. Want to run but not sure where to start? We’ve got you. [Crew Love]

[BIRTHDAY] The Slow & Steady Run Club | DC just celebrated a birthday and unveiled a fresh new logo. Lace up and log a few miles with Slow & Steady regular Carlos Granados (@cdice_202) - he’s out there putting in the work and making the run look good. Will Rob Perez (@r.oho.bee) make a 2025 comeback with the crew? Their next run will take place Wednesday, April 30th @ 6:30 pm. Meet @ the flag pole in Kalorama Park. [Slow & Steady Wins] 

That’s this week’s edition of WellcommDC. Like what you read? Get On The List and get future editions sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who needs to read WellcommDC? Forward our email to them. Drop us a line at [email protected] or slide in with tips. 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.