WellcommDC [8.10.26]

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.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Mary Anne Dunham, a Yoga Teacher at Life Time South Lamar and Sound Healer in Austin, TX.

Wellcomm: Where do you workout?

Mary Anne Dunham: ​​I workout (and work!) at Life Time South Lamar. My favorite classes are Flow Vinyasa, Surrender (yin), Warrior Sculpt, and Barre Mat Fusion. All the trainers and instructors there are incredible, and I've especially been loving Allison Holland's class and try to take Liz Alanoori's classes when I can! Outside the gym, I love home workouts and getting my cardio outdoors. Long walks and hikes around Austin with my husband are some of my favorite ways to move. I also have a daily yoga practice at home with Alo Wellness Club that's become a ritual that helps me connect inward, set the tone for my day, and check in with myself. I also enjoy exploring Austin's local yoga community and trying different studios like Pure Yoga, Wild Heart Yoga, and Black Swan Yoga. I love movement that fits my personality and lifestyle. I love the energy and accountability of group fitness, the quality time that comes from moving with my husband, and the grounding consistency of my home yoga practice. For me, my daily workouts are more like a ritual and routine that supports both my body and my mind.

WC: What does wellness mean to you?

MAD: To me, wellness is about tending to yourself as a whole: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It's finding peace within yourself, making choices you're proud of, and learning to trust your inner voice. Everything is connected, and when we care for ourselves in a genuine way, it naturally impacts the people around us. The energy we bring into every area of our life starts from how we care for ourselves.

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

MAD: This year, I want to create more space for adventure! More trips, more time in nature, and more opportunities to try new yoga studios with friends. I also want to incorporate more strength training into my routine while continuing to work on fun personal goals like headstands and handstands. More than anything, my goal is to continue to live, feel, and move in a way that feels joyful, gentle, and sustainable. And I hope the people I interact with leave our conversations feeling a little brighter than before.

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

MAD: I am continually inspired by so many people whether they know it or not! Some inspire me to push myself, to be more playful, or to be more creative. Whatever it is, I am always inspired in so many ways by many amazing people: Dr. Alyse Snyder, Jacquelyn Ochoa, Allison Holland, Cara Smith, Liz Alanoori, Sacnicte Gaxiola, Ashley Galvin, Miki Ash… I could go on!

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

MAD: Simplify! I feel that we often overcomplicate wellness. Treat yourself with kindness and respect. Eat nourishing, real food. Go outside and move your body in ways that bring you joy. Connect with people you love. Find something bigger than yourself to care about. Sleep. And play! Have fun: we don't have to take everything so seriously!

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!

[DMV HIT EVENT]

• What: PUMP24 Fairfax’s Free Pilates by the Pool

• When: Wednesday, August 12th at 6:30 PM

• Where: SOC Pool in Fairfax

• Why: Join the PUMP24 Fairfax community for a free Pilates workout by the pool: no membership required. Bring your mat and a friend, and come ready to move.

• How: Register for free through the link in PUMP24 Fairfax’s IG bio. Spots are limited!

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.