WellcommDC [07.14.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Dr. Aya Farhat, a Pilates, Sculpt, and Yoga instructor at Bright Bear Yoga DC, Lūneh Yoga, and LUMA Wellness Studio in Washington, DC.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Dr. Aya Farhat: I teach a lot, so these days I do my best to squeeze in classes where I teach including Strength and Tone classes at LUMA Wellness Studio and yoga at Bright Bear Yoga DC. I also do my own workouts on my app, Tend By Aya!

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

AF: Wellness is about balance. I feel most well when I have a sense of clarity and calmness in my day-to-day life. When traffic doesn’t stress me out, I’m not anxious about things not going exactly according to plan, and I’m not constantly checking my watch or calendar, I know I’m at my best and healthiest mentally and physically.

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

AF: I’d like to run my first official half marathon within the next year. I was training for this in 2024 and sustained some hip injuries that took me back to mostly doing Pilates and yoga, but with the right conditioning, I think I’m ready to give it another go!

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

AF: My husband is a big inspiration for me because he’s a cardio junkie. and I could use more of that in my life these days. But my retreat partner Alissa Wilmina is also a huge motivation: she teaches so much and still finds time to work in her personal practice!

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

AF: Start small, smaller than you think you need to and definitely smaller than you’re going to want to. Start by making one small change to your life — like walking more. Don’t worry about being "consistent" or trying to build a daily streak or hitting 10,000 steps every day. Pick one day a week and add a 15-30 minute walk into your schedule, then try to do the same thing the next day and again the next day. Do it for 30 days, then reassess. Make changes, and go from there.

Know a fitness instructor 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!

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Go For It,

Your WellcommDC Team (@wellcommdc)

Transform Your Self. Transform Your Community. Transform Your World.