Archive for the ‘Running’ Category

Back On My Feet

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Posted 08 Dec 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Guest Posts, Inspiration, Running

Back on My Feet. Those four words might not mean anything to some people, but to an increasing number of people in the District and around the U.S. it means family, commitment, hugs, friendship, accomplishment, running, fitness, relentless movement forward, and so much more.

I became involved with Back on My Feet in the Spring of 2010. At that time I was earning my Master’s in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University. I read that Back on My Feet was opening a chapter in D.C. and recalled reading an article in Runner’s World a few years back about a woman (president & founder- Anne Mahlum) in Philadelphia who had this great idea of using running to move lives forward. Back on My Feet is a non-profit that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build strength, confidence, and self-esteem. I checked out the organization’s website and registered for a volunteer orientation to get involved. After attending the orientation at a Pacer’s Running Store, I made it out for the first ever Back on My Feet D.C. morning run. Not exactly sure what to expect, I woke up at 5 a.m., a time I once dreaded and now love, grabbed a protein bar and hopped in the car to drive to the Clean and Sober Streets location. Upon arriving, I walked up to a huge circle of people and was immediately greeted by a hug from a middle aged man in a bright yellow beanie. I then met all the other res (homeless) and non-res (volunteer) members. We went around the circle, introduced ourselves, broke the ice, and then hit the early morning streets of D.C. for a run. The first run was only a mile, but the sense of accomplishment and feeling of friendship was strong. I went home that morning knowing that this organization was something special and something I wanted to be involved with.

It’s hard to believe that day was almost nine months ago. That middle-aged man in the yellow beanie I came to know as Dave Withers, a res-member at Clean and Sober Streets, and someone whom I now consider a great friend. I have witnessed attitudes change, friendships formed, members placed in jobs, and races run. Upon completion of my Master’s, Back on My Feet D.C. had an opening for Director of Corporate Communications & Special Events. I don’t think that was a coincidence. I now serve in that role and have seen tremendous growth and change in the Back on My Feet D.C. Chapter. I could take up plenty of your time recalling the numerous heart-pulling and inspirational stories that I have had the privilege to experience, but instead I hope you will take several minutes to watch the below videos and see what we’re all about. It’ll be the best 8 minutes of your day.

CNN
CSN

Back on My Feet does not provide food or shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. Our organization consists of much more than just running: our members participate in a comprehensive program that offers connections to job training, employment and housing. Those benefits are earned by maintaining 90 percent attendance at the morning runs three days a week for our six to nine month program. Find more about the program here.

Back on My Feet is a family. It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, rich or poor, young or old. When we’re together we are runners, friends, and teammates. I encourage you to check out Back on My Feet and get involved. Even if you’re not a runner or can’t fit the runs (M/W/F mornings- 6 different locations and Thursday nights/Saturday mornings) into your schedule consider attending one of our multiple other events. We also occasionally supplement morning runs with Yoga through Yoga Activist or Strength Training  at BodyfitDC. Next time you’re at a race or on a run, keep a look out for Back on My Feet.  Interested in getting involved, running a race for Back on My Feet, or have questions? Contact me.

Back on My Feet realizes the importance of tracking results and continuing to grow a program that is effective in promoting social change. It is a cause to believe in that gets results. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about Back on My Feet!

*****

Andrew Dawson is the Director of Corporate Communications & Special Events for Back on My Feet D.C. He recently ran his first marathon, ING NYC 2010, in 3:44 and plans to run the SunTrust National Marathon in March to celebrate Back on My Feet’s D.C. Birthday and first marathon distance for its members.

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A Spectator’s Inspiration

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Posted 18 Nov 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Inspiration, Running

About two weeks ago, I had the chance to watch two of my best friends run the New York City Marathon. For one friend, it was her 1st, for the other, her 11th.

I spent most of the day hopping on and off the NYC subway with their husbands, searching for them among thousands of runners, and cheering at the top of my lungs while shaking a cowbell.

Go girl go!

As I watched all of the amazing, strong runners zip past me on the course, I was totally inspired. When I saw the smiles on my friends’ faces spotting us in the crowd, I jumped up and down with enthusiasm. At mile 19, I joined the fearsome twosome for about five miles of the race (all my six-month pregnant body could handle). After the race, we (the runners, husbands, me and other friends who joined us to cheer them on) had a little victory pizza party complete with our favorite war stories from the day (costumes, signs, hardest miles to run, finish line madness, etc.).

In the end, the whole day really felt, to me, like the culmination of years of training and encouragement, by-products of a three-way friendship that has enriched my life for the past 10 years.

It was exhilarating.

See we’ve grown up running together, we three. I don’t mean from when we were kids; I mean that post-college quarter life crisis kind of growing up when you have to really figure your shit out. In the midst of graduate school, first jobs, serious breakups and marriages, losing parents, moving to new cities, and other grown-up stuff, these two friends and I decided  to start training for and running races together. None of us had really ever run long distances before as adults (I don’t count jr. high track, which was heinous), but we picked a half marathon six years ago and trained for it, and we’ve been signing up for races like that on and off ever since. The thing is, none of us live in the same city as the others. We’re spread out over the Midwest and east coast, and even for a little while, we went international.

Mile 24 and still smiling

But our support for each other, virtually and emotionally, has been one of the greatest inspirations for me to train for and run longer races over the past six years. We’ve emailed training schedules, done virtual check-ins on weekend long runs, compared notes on gels, shoes, running belts, and other accessories. Typically, a visit to one of our respective homes for a weekend by the others involves a run of some kind and an in-person chat about what race we’re going to do next. Overall, we have done everything that team members do to support each other when taking on a big challenge like a race or a game.

Had I not been cut from the race through the lottery process and/or pregnant, I probably would have joined my friends in running the NYC marathon two weeks ago. It would have also been my first, and not something that I EVER EVER would have done on my own. I would have been able to better empathize with the rigorous training schedule they were under, relate better to the “taper” that they kept talking about, and felt the sweet victory of accomplishing something so huge. But I didn’t really feel left out because they made me feel like my role as a supporter and spectator was equally important to their training. For this time around, that was my contribution to the team.

Find inspirational partners like this guy, even if you're just inspired to run away from him

If I ever do run a marathon, and I don’t know that I will, it will be with these two wonderful, inspirational women whose emails, text messages, horror stories, and love keep me going, both within a training schedule, and in life.

Next time you hear of a big race and you have a chance to cheer those runners on, do it. You never know what they might inspire you to think, do or feel. I found my teammates among friends I already had, but you could find your supporters through a run club, CraigsList posting, or at the gym on the treadmill next to you. If you have a goal in mind, start talking about it and see who comes forward to join you and support you.

It reminds me of this quote from yoga teacher Rolf Gates, ”practice is really about making something a priority. As we enact that priority, an energy builds in our life to support it.”

Posted by: Jamie

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My First Triathlon

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Posted 26 Oct 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Guest Posts, Inspiration, Running

By Danielle Pierce

Those who’ve spent any time with me over the past few months know all about my triathlon journey and how much I like talking about it.  So, when WelcomeOmDC invited me to be a guest blogger I jumped at the chance.  Literally, I jumped out of my chair and said “I get to be a blogger!”

My journey started about a year ago when I realized that I wasn’t spending nearly enough time taking care of myself.  So  decided to register for several races throughout the year to be constantly training.  I also enlisted a few friends to train with me.  Having more than one work out buddy was really helpful because I always had someone on my calendar who was counting on me, plus a backup buddy just in case.

I decided to register for the Nation’s Triathlon because I’m always looking for a new challenge and had only competed in running events in the past.  Since I was a novice triathlete, I got a lot of advice from my brother-in-law who competes in Ironman Championships and also spent quite a bit of time searching for things like “how to swim free style” or “how to change a flat tire” on YouTube.  I also created a training calendar and put it on the refrigerator next to my 30 Before 30 list.  Each night I looked at the next day’s workout and laid out my gear and equipment so that it was the first thing I saw in the morning.  I utilized DCs free indoor and outdoor pools to practice swimming (my weakest event) and wasn’t shy about asking good swimmers for advice.  I even enlisted small children to splash around next to me to practice swimming in a pack in the river.  I usually put in running miles following my swim sessions.  I bought a good road bike spent a big chunk of the summer doing laps around Hains Point and riding the C&O Canal Path.  Biking quickly became my favorite sport because I love going fast and seeing the entire city in one ride.

Starting out I wasn’t concerned with time.  I knew that as long as I could do the distance I would finish the race before the cut off.  So, each morning I strapped on my Vibram Five Fingers (oh, I forgot to mention that I decided to switch to barefoot running after seeing some Kenyan runners in bare toes at a race) and put in the distance.  After a summer of training it was time for the race.  On race morning I was excited and a little nervous, but I knew how great it was going to feel to accomplish my goal so I pulled myself out of bed, arrived at 5 a.m. in the rain, strapped on my rented wet suit, swam 1500 meters in the Potomac, biked 40 kilometers with a low tire, and ran 10 kilometers.  Sans the lingering taste of the Potomac in my mouth, it felt great and I immediately started making mental plans for my next race.

The physical and emotional benefits were tremendous.  Since I began training I’ve lost about fifteen pounds, I have more energy, I eat healther, and I enjoy the beautiful city more.  I would recommend triathlon to anyone who wants a challenge and likes to change up their workouts on a consistent basis!

Thanks so much to Dani for sharing her inspiring story with us! As a follow-up, Dani is still racing and just completed the Army Ten Miler this weekend. Congrats Dani, and keep on sweatin’ in the District!

Have an inspiring fitness or health related story to share? Send it to us to publish at welcomeomdc@gmail.com.

Main photo credit: http://www.deaxlesports.com/triathlon.html

Other photos: Dani Pierce

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Weekend Warrior: October 8-11

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Posted 07 Oct 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Running, Weekend Warrior, Yoga

Holy weekend Batman, its already Columbus Day! How will you celebrate your long weeked of fitness? Here’s some ideas, or share your own in the comments. 

***** 


Friday, October 8
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Rockasana! with Jeffrey Cohen (Pure Prana Yoga Studio, 100 S. Patrick St., Alexandria). Take Metro out to VA to tap into your vibrating heart through the pounding rhythms and driving guitar riffs of the world’s most inspiring Rock ‘n Roll artists. This unique Jivamukti class  by a rockstar teacher will leave you invigorated for your weekend ahead. Investment: $20 

Saturday, October 9
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. /1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Hamsa Dhyana Workshop with Swami Maheshananda Saraswati (Church of the Holy City, 1611 16th Street, NW, sponsored by High Yoga DC). Hamsa Dhyana is an advanced meditation practice derived from Tantra. The practice includes breathing, mantra, learning about the chakras (energy centers in the body), and advanced visualization. A major part of the practical session will be devoted to prepare for this amazing meditation practice. All levels are welcome.  Bring a light snack and water for the one-hour break. Investment: $90, pay at the door. This is part of a weekend-long series, more details are available at High Yoga DC.   

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Are you ready for the Marine Corps Marathon? (VIDA Fitness, 1517 15th St., NW). Join local running and medical experts as they discuss race preparation, injury prevention, course preview,  and race-day tips. Practical advice that can be applied to any running situation provided. This panel is presented by Sport + Spine, Pacers, and Vida Fitness. Investment: FREE 

Cherry Blossom Yoga 39

This woman will rock your practice.

Sunday, October 10
3:30 – 5:00 P.M. Open Flow Levels 1/2 with Peg Mulqueen (Ashtanga Yoga Center, 4000 Albermarle St., NW). Have you taken with Peg Mulqueen yet? If not, you should, and this new regular gig of hers at AYC is the perfect thing to add to your Sunday schedule. Peg taught Cherry Blossom Yoga on the Mall back in the spring, and will leave you smiling with her contagious energy and fulfilling classes. Check her out on Sundays at AYC. 

Monday, October 11
Enjoy the nice weather while it lasts. Take a walk, hike, bike ride, or run. Get out of the city and pick some apples (its actually a good workout!), or just take a break and enjoy the Fall.

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Weekend Warrior: October 1-3

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Posted 01 Oct 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Outdoor Activities, Running, Seva: Selfless Service, Weekend Warrior, Yoga

Happy Friday Warriors! Let’s hope for some sunshine to inspire you to get out and enjoy these great activities taking place all over the city. Or share your own weekend fitness plans with us in the comments.
Warrior on.

*****

Friday, October 1
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Friday Night Yoga Party at MINT: Hip Hop Hip Openers – Hooray! (MindBody Studio at MINT, 1724 California St NW). Open Your Hips and Rock Your World with Naomi Gottlieb-Miller. It’s time to get your hip-openers on as you kick-it old school with hip hop favorites guaranteed to unleash your inner b-boy or b-girl. In this class, you’ll explore hip opening goodness with a sampling of arm balance fun thrown in the mix to build core strength and encourage inner-steadiness. Its a yogic house party you don’t want to miss. REGISTER ONLINE. Investment: $10 for MINT members, $20 for guests.

Saturday, October 2
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Anahata Grace Volunteer Potluck in the Park(Meridian Hill Park, Upper Level). At 11:00 a.m., Sarah Walter will teach a free one-hour yoga class.  From noon – 1pm, sit down to discuss volunteering with Anahata – upcoming projects, current classes, and future visions. Consider getting involved with this great organization. Investment: FREE

1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Meditation Mythbusters (Past Tense Yoga Studio, 3253 Mt. Pleasant St., NW). If you think that meditation is only for people who can sit still and clear their heads easily, you’re wrong. Spend the afternoon busting myths about meditation with Holly Meyers while she proves that anyone can cultivate a comfortable and personal style of meditation. All levels welcome. Bring a journal. Dress for sitting, light yoga movement. Investment: $30, $25 for members. Or join Holly for both Meditation Myth Busters and a Meditative Yoga Hike two weeks later for $55, $45 for members.

4:00 p.m. DC Rollergirls 5th Season Opener! (DC Armory, 2001 East Capitol St., NE). Don’t miss this inaugural bout of the new season with season 4 champions DC DemonCats facing off against the Cherry Blossom Bombshells. Go for the fun. Stay for the awesomeness. Investment: $12 (not inc. Ticketmaster charges; buy at the door to save on these).

Cupid Undie Run (Logan Circle)

Running in your undies is fun!

Sunday, October 3
8:00 a.m. 1st Annual DC Undy 5000 5k run and 1 mile family run/walk (Hains Point, East Potomac Park). Forget the lame race-day t-shirts. Registrants for this 5k run/1mile walk receive participant boxer shorts, raise money to fight colorectal cancer, and can do it all in their underwear (participants are encouraged to run in their boxers to bring attention to their bottoms)! Online registration is closed, but you can still register TOMORROW (Saturday) from 2 – 6 p.m. at Georgetown Running Company on M Street. Investment: $30 for 5k run/$20 for 1mile walk.

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Weekend Warrior: September 24-26

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Posted 23 Sep 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Community, Running, Weekend Warrior, Yoga

Hello warriors! Time to get geared up for your weekend – another hot one here in our nation’s capital. Good thing there are even HOTTER events, workshops and classes to take all over town, especially Sunday!

Friday, September 24
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. $5 Lunch class (Yoga Chai, 1744 Columbia Road, NW, 2nd Floor). Save your lunch money for this weekly deal, offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. What an EXCELLENT way to kick off your weekend. Investment: $5

Cherry Blossom Yoga 58

Niyati Shah can help you look like this. Awesome legwarmers not included.

Saturday, September 25
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Headstand Workshop (Tranquil Space, 1632 17th Street, NW). Come learn how to stand on your head with yoga teacher Niyati Shah. Headstand can invoke fear as well as admiration and is known as the king of all asanas. In this workshop you will warm the body in a flow practice while focusing on strengthening the core and upper body before getting into the pose. Investment: $30 if you register online, $35 in person.

Sunday, September 26
8:00 a.m. Capital Area Dash for Dad 10K and 2 mile walk (AMC Hoffman Center Theatre, 206 Swamp Fox Rd, Alexandria). Register for or cheer on the participants in this event. All proceeds from the event go to prostate research and free screenings in the Washington, DC area to those at risk. Online registration is only available until noon today, but on site registration opens at 6:00 a.m. race day. Investment: $30 (run) $10 (walk)

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. W Hotel Beach Bums & Bellinis: Jet Set Edition (515 15th St. NW,). This Fall edition of a summer favorite gets you in shape for upcoming Holiday travel and is followed by brunch and endless bellinis. This weekend, join Heather Cohen, lululemon ambassador and STROGA instructor, for a Pop Star workout – The Latin edition. Plus, STROGA is giving away tons of stuff – the first twenty people to register get a free class pass, two people will receive an unlimited month of classes, and anyone who can do 50 push-ups in 90seconds gets a ten-pack of classes. Time to shake it like J.Lo at the W Hotel. Investment: $49, includes the price of brunch served at noon

11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. DC Global Mala(Josephine Butler Center 2437 Fifteenth Street, NW/Meridian Hill Park, upper level, 16th & Euclid St, NW). Join DC yogis and activists of all traditions in dharma talks, mediation and 108 Sun Salutations for peace and healing. Composed of 108 beads, the mala is symbolic of the prayer for peace, hope and charity. This event is one of many taking place across the country as part of the Global Mala to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a “mala around the earth” through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108. The proceeds from the DC event go to support local non-profit Anahata Grace. You DO NOT want to miss this once-a-year opportunity! Investment: $18 for Dharma Talk and meditation/$27 108 sun salutations/$36 for the whole day

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Weekend Warrior: July 23-25

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Posted 22 Jul 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Outdoor Activities, Running, Seva: Selfless Service, Weekend Warrior, Yoga

If you haven’t yet melted into a pool of sweat formerly known as human, get out this weekend and try a few fun things (indoors and out (but by the water!)) to cool off.

 

Friday, July 23
6:30 p.m. Barre Basics (b.fit, 1339 14th Street, NW, Suite 3). b.fit blends strength training, pilates, and ballet-barre techniques into a core strengthening workout that isolates muscle groups and garners results. If you haven’t tried b.fit before, go sweat out your week at one of their barre basics classes for new students. Seriously, you want a tight bum for summer? b.fit is your answer. Investment: $22 (first time students get their second class free!)

Kayak fan

Photo by steveritchie

Saturday, July 24
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Yoga and Kayaking (a workshop by Past Tense,starting at Jack’s Boat House, 3500 K St. NW). Awaken your mind and body with a yoga and kayaking adventure with Kelly Tobin. Amidst the natural beauty of the Potomac River, prepare for the physical aspects of kayaking with a yoga practice that will include balancing poses, core engagement, and a gentle warm up for the arms, shoulders and legs. After a peaceful hour of paddling, conclude with yoga to stretch arms, shoulders and the other parts of the body worked and enjoy a sense of rejuvenation. You must pre-register for this event on the Past Tense website. Investment: $35 for members, $40 for non-members (includes the kayak rental)

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Yoga for Runners and Athletes Pranayama (Breathing) Workshop (Shakti MindBody Studio, 1302 9th Street, NW). Athletes of all levels and sporting disciplines are invited to join “Yoga for Runners” specialist Angelyn Shapiro for workshops that use the tools of yoga to take your game to the next level. In this Saturday’s session, practice techniques that will maximize and expand your lung capacity for optimum athletic performance. Investment: $25

Sunday, July 25
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Summer Reading & Seva Series (lil omm, 4830 V Street, NW). Join Carolyn Butcher to discuss The Happiness Project and explore your own journey to simply BE HAPPY.  After the discussion,  take part in experiential exercises designed to deepen the learning and application of the principles and practices in the book and – best of all – to enlighten and simplify your daily life.  Investment: $10, all proceeds go to Citizen Effect

 

Also, its not too late to register for Flow Yoga Center’s Rejuvenation Retreat, taking place this weekend at Abram’s Creek Campgrounds in West Virginia. If you don’t have any plans, register online now (only camping space is available). Did you ever go to summer camp as a kid? This is going to be like summer camp for adult yogi’s! Yoga, hiking, swimming, meditation, sweat lodge, relaxation, homemade vegan meals, and more. Double bonus - all of the proceeds from the Retreat go to a great local non-profit, One Common Unity. WelcomeOmDC will be there to photograph the event and will post about it next week.

See you in West Virginia…

Posted by: Jamie

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Weekend Warrior: July 16-18

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Posted 15 Jul 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Outdoor Activities, Running, Weekend Warrior, Yoga

Studio Preview: Stroga

Friday, July 16
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Open House at STROGA (1808 Adams Mill Road).
If you haven’t checked out the beauty that is STROGA, this Friday is your chance. Meet teachers and trainers, enjoy a DJ, live demos, and more! Investment: FREE

Saturday, July 17
8:00 a.m. Beat the Deadline 5K (National Press Club, 14th & F Streets). If you’re a media junkie, consider signing up for this race. A lot of local journalist celebs will be there as well as Race Marshal Tony Horton, creator of P90X extreme fitness. This 5K benefits the ongoing work of the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library which is committed to helping working journalists improve their skills through ongoing training and programming of future journalists through scholarships that promote diversity within the profession. Investment: $35 in advance (fax only by tomorrow night) or $40 on site.

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Hoopnotica Hula Hoop Workout. This hooping class is every Saturday through September 4, 9am – 10am at Gateway Park in Rosslyn at the foot of the Key Bridge (Rosslyn Metro stop). It’s a free community offering provided by the Rosslyn BID. For more information, visit Gateway to Fitness.

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. All Levels Class with Master Teacher Claire Este-McDonald (Down Dog Yoga Georgetown, 1046 Potomac Street). Claire Este-McDonald is known for teaching an intensely physical and dynamic practice, infused with intelligence, compassion and joy.  She believes that understanding well-being and vitality allows each person to tap into the heart of life and bring that energy into everything they do. Investment: $18 drop in rate, but sign up online in advance for sure.

4:40 – 5:45 p.m. Punk Rock Yoga (Flow Yoga Center, 1450 P Street).
Join Rob Hess for this unique opportunity. Punk Rock Yoga is not just yoga to punk music, its a punk rock approach to yoga. Yoga in the raw. People of all degrees of joint flexibility and waist measurement are welcome to this awesome energetic punk-rock music/yoga experience.  Investment: $16.50 for drop-ins, but we recommend signing up online in advance!

Sunday, July 18
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Embody Your Intention: An Anusara Yoga Practice with Katie Lane (Capitol Hill Yoga, 641 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE). Dive into the soulful artistry of Anusara Yoga with this playful, full spectrum workshop. Grow your postures from the inside out. Saturate your movement with feeling. Come prepared to move your body in a way that is skillful, creative, and joyful! Investment: $35

If none of these WW picks work for you, get out and sweat it out with a bike ride, swim, run, or walk. No matter what you do, enjoy the weekend!

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Today is National Running Day!

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Posted 02 Jun 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Events and Workshops, Running

Ok, we know its hot as ____ outside, but even if you just run from your office to Starbucks for an iced latte, get out and celebrate National Running Day!

This is a whole day dedicated to fitness and health, specifically, an accessible exercise that makes you sweat and can make you feel like you’re flying…at least when you’re running downhill with the wind at your back and your iTunes blaring (that’s the best!).

Use the National Running Day Participate tab to start your own running group, or join an existing one and take a steamy sprint around the city’s monuments and tourists. There is also an entire page for non-runners with tips on how to get started.

We know you District residents love running, we’ve seen you blossom at the Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler, bare it all at the Cupid Undie Run, and go the extra mile at National Marathon and Half Marathon. So if its a five minute sprint or a 5-mile jog, get out and celebrate this day of running fun.

Stretch. Hydrate. Celebrate. Run.

DSC_0600

Posted by: Jamie

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We Sweat You, DC!

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Posted 25 May 2010 — by WelcomeOmDC
Category Gyms, Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, Running, Yoga

We sweat the District. And apparently, the District out-sweats the rest of the nation when it comes to fitness.  We’ve got the skinny on why…
DSC_0492 DC Bike to Work Day 2010 DC Yoga Week Launch

For the third consecutive year, DC was ranked the fittest city by the American Fitness Index (AFI), administered by the American College of Sports Medicine. The report, “Health and Community Fitness Status of the 50 Largest Metropolitan Areas,” uses a number of criteria to measure the health and fitness pulse of the nation. The study measures each city’s performance based on 30 personal and community health indicators, including acres of parks, death rate from cardiovascular disease, obesity, the number of primary care physicians per capita and the percent of residents who bicycle or walk to work. (Read the full report).

Cherry Blossom Yoga 25

DC scored 73.5 out of a possible score of 100 in the study, narrowly topping Boston (72.6), Minneapolis-St.Paul (71.7), Seattle (70.5), and Portland (70.4). And just because it is fun to win, ahem, we mean compare: New York City (52.9) ranked 21st  and Los Angeles (40.5) ranked 38th.  Factors that hurt New York City and LA were lack of access to parks, recreation centers, pools, and tennis courts.

DSC_0605

What factors help DC rise in the rankings? The following are a few of the factors that make Washingtonians fitter than your average city dweller.

  • Higher percentage eating 5+ servings of fruits/vegetables daily
  • More park units per capita
  • More swimming pools per capita
  • Lower percent currently smoking
  • Lower percent obese
  • More farmers’ markets per capita
  • Higher percent walking or bicycling to work
  • More recreation centers per capita
  • Higher percent in excellent or very good health
  • More tennis courts per capita
  • Number of primary healthcare providers per capita

What else makes DC so fit? We also might add a few more factors to the list that help make Washingtonians healthy. For example, it doesn’t hurt that triathlete and marathoner Adrian Fenty is probably the fittest mayor in the U.S. (hey – leadership matters!).

DC also has one of the nation’s strongest running communities: the District boasts a plethora of run clubs, a race almost every weekend, and is home to some of the nation’s top-ranked, elite runners.

Also high on the list is our biking scene, which has its own bike lobby (WABA), and over 60 miles of bike lanes throughout the District. And in 2008, DC became the first American city to introduce a bike sharing program when it launched SmartBike DC. (Read about SmartBike’s Launch).
DSC_0723
We would also cite the high number of excellent private fitness facilities, with home-grown fitness brands like Results, Mint, Vida, Balance, and over 40 unique yoga studios in DC proper alone.  In addition to dance studios, dance organizations, hula hooping groups, and pole dancing workout studios, DC is also home to B.fit, one of a small handful of pure barre studios on the east coast.

Weigh in! Why do you think that Washingtonians are so fit? Is it because of public access to recreational facilities? Because we have a more educated population? A strong running community? Please share your  thoughts in the comments below!

Posted by: Kelly

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