WellcommDC [12.15.25]

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.

[BIG NEWS] As you may have noticed in the last two editions of WellcommDC—where subscribers received an exclusive offer of up to two free Barry’s classes—we’re excited to bring back our coverage of in-person events and classes across the DMV. If you’re an instructor, studio, or wellness brand hosting an event or class you’d like us to feature, email us to get in touch. Preference will be given to events or classes that offer free or discounted access for WellcommDC subscribers. See you around the DMV soon!

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Christina Grau, a Coach at F45 Arlington in Arlington, VA and Pilates Instructor at LALITA METHOD in Alexandria, VA.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Christina Grau: I split my time between strength training at Performance360 Arlington, where I’ve been consistently training for the past six months, and taking classes at LALITA METHOD, where I also teach reformer Pilates. I’ve coached at F45 Arlington and still love dropping in for classes, and I periodically pop into an Alpha session at Life Time Clarendon. I grew up dancing competitively, which led to seven years of teaching Pure Barre after college and sparked my love for barre and Pilates. Once I added strength training into the mix, I finally had found my perfect balance of workouts.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

CG: Wellness means having a healthy mind and body that give me the energy to handle everyday life and the harder things that come my way. It’s feeling grounded, strong, and supported mentally, physically, and emotionally so I can show up as my best self inside and outside the gym.

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

CG: Over the next year, I’m training for mixed doubles HYROX here in DC this March with my boyfriend Andre Garcia. I’ve completed three HYROX races in women’s doubles with the best partner around, Fiona McDonald, and I’m excited for this next challenge. I also plan to run a couple of 10Ks and a 10-miler to keep building my endurance.

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

CG: My accountability crew is truly the best: Andre Garcia, Fiona McDonald, and so many friends who show up with me day after day like Kristina Boyle, Evan Martinez, Bridget Blair, Megan McCorry, Lauren Kocsis, Dani Rojas, Robert Goodin, Brian Kempinski, Rose Fennessy, Joe Harris, Katie Dyd, Tori Ziemek, Brie Dessaure, Katie Lebel, and Jordyn Harris. And I’m endlessly grateful for the coaches who continue to motivate and challenge me: Sara Kanber, Cory Pham, Jamie Purtell, Brianne Anderson, Juan Marcano Cheng, Clarence Stanfield, Leslie Corbett, Danielle Farrah, and Melissa Bergen.

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

CG: Find a mix of workout styles that excites you and supports your goals. For me, blending strength training with Pilates and conditioning helped me feel stronger and more balanced than sticking to just one style. I personally need the variety. Try new classes, explore different modalities, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

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. 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.