WellcommDC [05.12.25]

WellcommDC is the email newsletter bringing you the best of the DMV’s wellness community. Get On 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 [email protected] or slide into our DMs with your tips.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Lydia Pappas (@lcpappas), an Instructor at 305 Fitness, Barry’s, and DivaDance D.C.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Lydia Pappas: I am fully obsessed with Barry’s and work out there 5x a week. The energy is unmatched, the instructors are top-notch and, for me, it's the perfect blend of cardio & strength. If not at Barry’s, I do solo workouts VIDA, get my groove on 305 Fitness or try different workout classes around the DMV area (I recently went to WORK DC Fitness and, holy cow, was it amazing). I’m always open to trying something new and going with friends!

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

LP: Balance. Wellness is about balancing the right behaviors for your body and your mind. I've been through all the trends, done the Instagram influencer workouts, ate the stupid disgusting crap because it was "healthy", and compared myself to other people's routine/image. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME! No one is like me (or you) and I strive to find the right balance that makes me feel good mentally & physically.

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

LP: Simply enjoy my life! Life is so short, and what a privilege it is to move our bodies and have fun with it. I focus on maintaining a healthy relationship with my body, enjoying the food I eat without limitations, and moving when it feels right—rather than forcing it because I think I have to. I’m getting married this fall (AH!!!!), so maintaining my current balance is key. I refuse to give in to the wedding trend of fitness bridezillas!

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

LP: It's an honor to be part of the fitness community because every day, I am inspired by folks who make me want to be the best version of myself. I get inspiration for my own workout programs from Barry’s instructors like Jorge Cardoza (@jocardz), David Lambert-McMichael (@davidintheredroom), Eric Dixon (@edix87), Kevin Albert DiMichele (@kziilla), Nazinga Thomas (@carnelian.zing_), Philip Goo (@2goo4you), Jasmine Bowden (@jasminebowdenfitness) and Chris Severini (@cbsev).

I get to feel myself dancing like a bad b*tch with my best friend Sadler Gensch (@sadlergensch). And my love language is working out and being silly with friends like Gillian Bayer (@g_bayer), Michelle Fellows (@michellows31) and Sam Stach (@shasamstach).

The biggest inspiration is truly all the clients I have the honor to work (out) with! I get to dance with my choreography queens like Kaylin Bugos (@kaylinbugos), Erin Grossman (@er.in.g) and Kate Anderson (@kateanderson33). Get silly & sweaty under the red lights with icons like Wayne Y. (@starzflaremd), Kevin Chan (@kchan2018), Annie Dineen (@acdfromdc) & Joe Duffey (@duffeyjoe). And throw it back to a beat drop with Julia Greenwald (@juleshg), Karina Ariel Taylor (@clssckariel), Tirza Lollar (@tirzfitz) and Andres Gomez Pena (@andres.gomezpena). I am energized by those who show up for themselves and each other and I will never take this community for granted since they are the reason why I show up too. I could mention 800+ people!

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

LP: Slow and steady, baby. Find your place and find your people. Don’t compare yourself to others, and get off the influencer profiles. Don’t be afraid to work with a trainer if you don’t know where to start. Build a routine that fits your lifestyle. You don’t have to go to the gym every day. You don’t have to pay for boutique workout classes. It’s normal for it to be hard at first—allow yourself the ebb and flow of consistency.

Everyone is different, and wellness looks different for everyone. That’s what makes life so beautiful.

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!

[FREE] The Ballston Runaways and Sweat DC are teaming up for a free high-energy strength class on Saturday, May 17th at 11:30 am—open to all fitness levels and led by Sweat DC coaches. This class will be filmed as part of the official The P.U.S.O. Foundation 5K/10K hype video, so bring the energy, your best sweat face, and wear bright, bold colors to pop on camera. Whether you're a regular or brand new to the run crew, you're invited to move, connect, and get stronger together. Sign up here before it fills up. [Run Strong. Lift Loud.]

[SPRINT] Clarendon Run Club is teaming up with LifeTime Clarendon, Pacers Running, and On for the Spring into Summer Run on Saturday, May 17th—and it’s going to be stacked. The day will include On shoe fittings, face glitter, recovery supplements, breathwork, stretch sessions and giveaways. Do us a favor and tell Andria Winger (@anjthisanjthat) WellcommDC says hello. Register here and all are welcome.  [Open House Style]

[CONNECT] CTRL + ALT + CONNECT returns on Saturday, May 31st at 9 am at Eckington Hall with host Lauren Cantrell (@laurenbcantrell) leading a morning of movement, community, and summer joy. This isn’t just a yoga class—it’s an experience that blends mindful flow, real connection, and spritzes to toast your weekend. As Lauren says, it's all about “waking up your body, lifting your spirit, and forming real connection.” Get your ticket now and recharge with the Cultural Frequency crew. [Spritz. Flow. Repeat.]

More from Lauren: “We are so excited to be hosting our second CTRL + ALT + CONNECT because this event is all about waking up your body, lifting your spirit, and forming real connection - while treating yourself to a little summer joy. It’s more than just a yoga class; it’s an experience designed to help you feel good, reflect, and recharge with an amazing community."

[CONGRATULATIONS] Happy one-year anniversary to the visionaries behind CRE8TE Wellness - Alex Trakas (@alex.trakas), Daniel Kain (@danielscottkain), and Ciara Miz (@ciaramiz). From sunrise meditations to ice plunges this crew has redefined what it means to convene and connect through wellness. Their mission to blend movement, mindfulness, and meaningful community is just getting started. [Keep Creating]

ICYMI: Alex Trakas (@alex.trakas) HF ’24 

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.