WellcommDC [10.27.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave Fiona McDonald, an Instructor at F45 Arlington and [solidcore] and a Certified Personal Trainer in Washington, DC.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Fiona McDonald: I love being apart of the DC fitness community and supporting all of the local studios. You can typically find me lifting at Lifetime or working out next to my bad ass clients at [solidcore] and F45 Arlington during the week! I've coached at [solidcore] and F45 for the last five plus years, and I always love working out with my clients and other coaches. This last year, I've been integrating Wednesday track workouts with Team After One: special shout out to the Sexy Pace Group! I love to fit group classes into my routine: the energy in the room is always the extra push I need. Whether it's a team member cheering you on, a coach pushing you to show up, or a friend you’re sharing some social time with, the Arlington and DC area has so much to offer. Special shout out to SoulFire Collective Yoga and P360 who also hold a special place in my heart. I like to drop into these studios whenever I can.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

FM: Wellness is finding a balanced lifestyle that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. I strive to find balanced workouts that allow me to build strength, push my current goals, have proper stress management tools, engage in self-care activities, and eat a balanced diet. Balance is the key piece. I used to really struggle with an all or nothing mindset, and as I've gotten older, I've really learned to lean in on the balance between physical and mental wellbeing and what that looks like to me. A wellness routine will look different to everyone depending on their goals: there is no wrong or right answer. Maybe that's running, lifting, going to classes, or finding a combination between all three. Maybe it's hitting the sauna, taking long walks outside, meditating, or journaling. That routine will look different in every season of life, and accepting that is part of the mental wellbeing piece to wellness.

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

FM: Last year, I competed in 4 HYROX races, and after an exciting year of competitions, I've taken a break to avoid mental and physical burnout. I've been focusing on building and maintaining my strength, but I plan to pivot my training back to improving my runs for the races I have coming up in 2026: HYROX & Seaheeze Half Marathon!

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

FM: Maybe it sounds cheesy, but my clients at [solidcore] and F45 are some of my biggest motivators. They show up day in and day out. I get to witness their wins in the gym and also hear about wins outside of the gym. They also very rarely complain at whatever sequencing I throw at them that day, although I will receive a few loving eyerolls. We have such a wonderful group of people in the DC and Arlington fitness community: they are truly inspiring. Clarence Stanfield and Juan Marcano are two trainers who continue to motivate and inspire me. They always bring so much positive energy to what they do, both professionally coaching as well as personally. I see all the hard work they are putting in for the upcoming Marine Core Marathon, and it's truly inspiring! Additionally, my top motivators are my fellow coaches and friends. I am blessed to have such an amazing group of friends who love to push each other to show up on that Saturday or Sunday morning workout when you want to sleep in, to pick up the heavier weight in class, or to do that hard thing you've been contemplating doing. The group includes Bridget Blair, Tina Grau, Kristina Boyle, Katie Lebel, Dani Rojas, Robert Goodin, and Andre Garcia.

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

FM: Wellness isn't all or nothing. I always tell people to find what they love. Don't overcomplicate your routine. Your wellness routine should fit into your life, and that routine may look different in different seasons of life. It should build your confidence, bring you joy, and be something you can consistently show up for.

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!

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.

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