WellcommDC [08.18.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave Dr. Kateleen Hall, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Owner of KFH Collective, RYT 200, and [solidcore] Instructor in Washington, DC.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Dr. Kateleen Hall: Working out is my version of hitting pause—it's where I unplug and reset. I’m a [solidcore] regular, especially in Claire Hamilton, Michelle Martini, and Ebony Chatman’s classes—they don’t mess around. I run on the GW Parkway four times a week because there’s nothing like a good murder podcast, fresh air, and no screens. And when I’ve got extra time, I hit up Sportrock in Alexandria because getting high (on the wall, of course) is the best therapy there is.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

KH: Wellness, to me, is about staying in tune with my body and mind—and not ghosting either one. It’s moving daily, eating food that excites me and fuels me with the best ingredients, going to therapy, getting real rest, and managing stress before it manages me. Some days, wellness looks like pushing myself in a tough workout or two. Other days, it’s remembering to drink water and connecting with my friends. It’s all part of taking care of the one body I get to live in—and doing it with a little grace, my friends and family, and a lot of humor.

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

KH: Over the past few years, I caught the long-distance running bug. After hitting a PR in my last half marathon, my husband Josh [Hall] basically dared me to sign up for a full—and I couldn’t back down. It felt totally out of reach at first, but I’ve been training hard with the encouragement of my friends and two total legends: Jess Gonzalez and Chris Baker from Arlington Track Crew. They’ve reminded me what I’m capable of. In addition to my running goals, I plan to hike from Oia to Fira in Santorini. It's a 6.5 mile hike along the Caldera Cliff in Greece. I also lead APTA fit, a wellness initiative for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and my goal is to make our community a healthier one, one person at a time!

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

KH: The most inspiring person in my life? Easy: Josh Hall. He constantly pushes me out of my comfort zone and cheers me on every step of the way. He holds it down with our two daughters so I can prioritize my health, wellness, and wild goals. He’s my rock, no question. Dr. Elizabeth Stroot changed everything for me. She inspired me to leave insurance-based PT, which completely shifted my lifestyle and probably saved my mental health. Watching her lead with purpose, integrity, and a family first mindset made me realize I could, too. And then there’s my mom [Regina Bashkansky]. Picture this: a Fortune 500 executive who still taught aerobics twice a week for decades and works out seven days a week—non-negotiable. She showed me what it looks like to be powerful, disciplined, and rooted in wellness long before it was trendy. Finally, my daughters, Mila and Charlotte. They’re the reason I get out of bed at 5 am to work out, manage 5–10 patients a week, work full time at APTA, and coach at [solidcore]. I want them to grow up knowing that taking care of your body and your mind isn’t optional—it’s part of the deal. If I can be half as inspiring to them as my mom was to me, I’ll be doing something right.

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

KH: Don’t try to overhaul your whole life in one week. Wellness isn’t all or nothing—it’s trial and error. Find things that light you up, not burn you out. If you hate running, don’t run. If meditation isn’t your thing, try taking a walk without your phone. Wellness should feel like support, not punishment. And remember: consistency beats intensity. It’s less about the perfect routine and more about showing up for yourself in ways that actually stick.

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.