WellcommDC [12.01.25]

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.

[FREE CLASSES] Barry’s Navy Yard is kicking off their Holiday Sale by giving the WellcommDC community something special: two free Red Room classes, exclusively for subscribers. From December 1–14, you can book up to two classes on the schedule completely free using the private link we’ve posted here. [WellcommDC Subscriber Exclusive]

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Gabi Cope, Studio Manager and Teacher at SoulFire Collective Yoga in Bethesda, MD.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Gabi Cope: I practice nearly every day at SoulFire, but outside of the studio, you can find me at Vida on U Street, [solidcore] Ballston taking Alexa Russell's class, or out running in Rock Creek Park. I'm sweating all over the DMV!

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

GC: Wellness is the simple yet often difficult task of fully taking care of yourself. Physical, mental, and spiritual health are all so closely linked, so when you nourish one aspect, the others reap the benefits. Wellness isn't about striving for perfection, but instead working to grow, to feel better, and to be better. Putting in the effort to show up for yourself and listening to your own needs is truly the best thing you can do if you want to grow and improve your life.

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

GC: At the moment, I'm really focused on adding more strength training and running to my routine. Heidi Tacktill has also been doing more breathwork pop-ups at SoulFire: she is a wizard, and I highly recommend trying one out. I want to work on integrating breathwork into my daily life. I’m working on balancing both my workouts and my mental health!

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

GC: The yogis I get the honor of teaching everyday at SoulFire are some of the most badass people I know, they deeply inspire me and give me a reason to keep growing and to keep getting better because they constantly do just that. Alexa Russell is my accountability partner who never fails to inspire me with her energy and light. Brooke Wyman and Kat Wyman, my amazing mentors, are always pushing me to be the best I can be, and for that, I am truly grateful. And I would not be where I am today without the guidance of my dear friends at Hot Yoga Charlottesville where I started my hot yoga journey, especially Lizzie Clark, Julia Gilchrist, and Sarah Baugher.

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

GC: I love the idea that it's okay to suck, but it's not okay to skip. If you really don't want to go to the gym, just show up and walk on the treadmill for five minutes. If you just aren't able to get into your flow in yoga, just lay and breathe on your mat instead. And give yourself the grace to do this, because even the little things count, then you start to build the discipline of showing up and it becomes easier and easier. I’m years and years into my journey, and sometimes I still just walk on the treadmill for five minutes or spend a yoga class in child's pose. It's about showing up for yourself, not being perfect.

Know a fitness instructor or personal trainer 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.