WellcommDC [8.17.26]

WellcommDC: The Best of the DMV's Wellness Community

August 17, 2026

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 Alexis Nash, an instructor at Shine Hot Pilates, YTX Austin, and CASA Ellevate (coming this fall!) in Austin, TX.

Wellcomm: Where do you workout?

Alexis Nash: When I am not coaching, I love taking my fellow instructors' classes at both studios I currently teach at. As a former singer and dancer, I've always been drawn to fitness classes where rhythm drives movement. I am so fortunate that I work at two studios with rhythm-based classes. My girls Devan Schowe and Brittany Malke always have a fire playlist and keep me laughing the entire class: I forget I'm working out. Jabari Dabney and David Garza have been icons in Austin fitness for years, and it shows. I'll take anything and everything they teach.

WC: What does wellness mean to you?

AN: To me, wellness is about balance: taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally in a way that is sustainable. I spend a lot of my life moving at 100 mph, whether I’m teaching, working, learning, or pursuing the next goal, so wellness also means recognizing when slowing down is just as important as pushing forward. It’s learning to listen to what my body and mind need, giving myself permission to rest, and creating a work-life balance that allows me to show up fully for the things and people I care about without constantly running on empty.

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

AN: Over the next twelve months, my biggest wellness goal is to create more balance in my life. I want to continue challenging myself and doing the things that make me feel strong and fulfilled, while becoming more intentional about recovery and rest. As someone who naturally tends to go 100 mph, I want to get better at recognizing when my body and mind are asking me to slow down and actually listening. That means prioritizing rest days, sleep, recovery, nutrition, and time outside of work just as much as I prioritize movement and productivity. It also means making a more intentional effort to create space for life outside of work: being more present in my day-to-day life and fully showing up for the people who fill my cup. I want to spend more meaningful time with the people I care about without feeling distracted or pulled in a million directions. Ultimately, I want to build a healthier work-life balance where taking care of myself isn’t something I squeeze into my schedule, but something that is genuinely part of how I live and where I’m not just going through the motions, but actually present for the moments and people that matter most.

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

AN: My friends Devan Schowe, Brittany Malke, Jabari Dabney, Devan Shibley, and Marisol, as well as my boyfriend Jon Yadon Jr.. They keep me grounded, hold me accountable, and remind me constantly that slowing down and taking a step back to breathe and reset isn't a sign of weakness. They pour so much into everything they do. It truly is inspiring.

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

AN: My biggest advice would be to make the goal simply to try. You don’t have to completely overhaul your life or have everything figured out from day one. Just put one foot in front of the other and focus on making the next choice that feels good for you. More importantly, learn to recognize and celebrate the little wins along the way. We tend to put so much weight on the big milestones that we forget how much progress happens in the small, everyday moments. Showing up when you didn’t feel like it, taking a rest day when you needed one, drinking more water, getting an extra hour of sleep: those wins count, too. Wellness isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about continuing to try, giving yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan, and remembering that even the smallest steps forward are still steps forward.

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]

• When: Saturday, August 22nd at 11:00 AM

• Where: The DC Pop-Up in Dupont Circle at 1330 Connecticut Ave NW

• Why: Pavement & Pilates is bringing together running, walking, Pilates, and community for a Saturday morning sweat. Choose a 2–3 mile run led by DC Run Crew with options for all pace groups or a 1.5-mile walk led by Cristina Ashly of Off Worque. Afterward, everyone comes together for a mat Pilates cool down led by StrongHer DMV, followed by refreshments, shopping, and connection back at The DC Pop-Up.

• How: The event is free and co-ed. Come with a friend or solo, and RSVP through the link in Be The Spark Fit’s 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.