Pilates + Pro Sports — WellcommDC [4.27.26]

WellcommDC is the email newsletter bringing you the best of the DMV’s wellness community. Get On The List and get Wellcomm sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who would love Wellcomm? Then please forward our email or tag them on our IG.

[EVENTS RETURN] We’re bringing back DMV event coverage! But rather than share a long list, we’re curating one event per email and calling it our Hit Event. Keep reading to see what we picked this week, how we choose our Hit Events, and the experiences you can expect from Wellcomm going forward.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Gabriela Duarte, a Yoga Teacher at Alo Yoga and Bluebird Sky Yoga, as well as a Yoga Teacher and Studio Manager at Yoga Sangha, in Washington, D.C.

Wellcomm: Where do you workout?

Gabriela Duarte: You will find me practicing Ashtanga in the Mysore Room at Bluebird Sky Yoga, running with team after one, and sprinkling in a few other yoga classes such as Rocket and Yin at Yoga Sangha.

WC: What does wellness mean to you?

GD: I love practicing yoga because it helps me become more aware of how I feel, think, act, and show up for others. The more present I am, the more clearly I understand what I need to adjust and grow. That awareness allows me to show up more fully for myself, my family, and my community. Wellness is about living with intention: moving daily, spending time in nature, eating well, prioritizing rest and play, and committing to the work that matters. It’s about feeling grounded, confident, and at peace. I strive to create a life rooted in health, growth, balance, joy, and freedom.

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

GD: One of my main goals is to incorporate strength training into my routine, as it’s been a missing piece that I know will support my overall performance. I want to run more, build my endurance and speed, and develop a stronger inversion practice. I’m also focused on becoming more consistent with rest and recovery, which can be the most challenging for me, but is essential. Finally, I want to continue my education in Ashtanga and deepen my experience as both a student and a teacher.

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

GD: Honestly, everyone from team after one. I've met some incredible athletes over the past few months, and they inspire me to work hard and keep going. Our awesome Mysore Program Director, Janet Walkoe, my friend and teacher Molly Hoeg, my bestie Domonique Reed, and Carl Maynard, who gave me that little extra push I needed last year. They all inspire me to dream big and never give up.

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

GD: Don’t be afraid to try something new. Create a routine that feels manageable and not overly complicated so it doesn’t become a source of stress. Having an accountability buddy can help keep you consistent, and it’s important to give yourself time to adjust. We can lose perspective when we focus too far ahead, so staying present and taking it one step at a time makes a big difference. Try your best to let go of expectations and focus on enjoying the process. Have fun!

Know a fitness instructor or personal trainer who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future High Five profile!

[HIT EVENT]

• What: Method Room’s Method on the Mat class with DC Power FC

• When: May 6th: check-in at 5:30 PM, class at 6:10 PM, kickoff at 7:00 PM

• Where: Audi Field

• Why: A unique crossover of boutique fitness and live sports: get a full workout inside the stadium, then stay for a pro women’s soccer match.

• How: Reserve your spot via the link in Method Room’s bio: ticket includes both the class and the game.

So how do we pick our Hit Events? They’re curated exclusively for our WellcommDC Community from former High Fives. Each week, we’ll highlight one standout fitness event in the WellcommDC email. This could be:

• a group workout

• a pop-up fitness event

• a race or charity run

• a pickleball tournament

• a cycling ride

• a recovery event or

• anything else fitness-related

These events will be shared with all Wellcomm email subscribers, but submissions from former High Fives who are subscribers are prioritized, ideally for events they’re organizing, leading, or personally involved with.

We’ll feature one event per week, so spots are limited. We’re grateful for our High Fives and are excited to share these exclusive ongoing updates from the best of the DMV!

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 Wellcomm? Forward our email to them or tag them on our IG. Until next time, take care of yourself, and take care of each other.

Go For It,

Your WellcommDC Team

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