DC Fit Week starts today and is a free for the public to participate.  Washingtonians from around the District are geared to showing the positive benefits of living a physical activate life. 

The week of fitness began this morning run today at 7am at Yola DC (located at 1323 Connecticut Ave, NW).  Throughout the day are a series of events and activities focusing on working the whole body.  There is also a healthy lunch at Cafe Green and an afternoon happy hour.  Café Green is an eco-conscious eatery located in DuPont Circle. 

For a returning citizen, exercise becomes a part of his/her everyday routine.  While incarcerated, they have nothing more than a sink, a toilet, their bed, and a few square feet of space at their disposal, but many find ways to work out and stay fit. 

Returning citizen, James Griffin, says he had to find a way to work out.  “I was down at Rivers Correctional and their ain’t much down there for working out.  I had to make a routine for me to work out in my cell.”  He adds that he ate right because the institution didn’t use salt or pork on the menu, and the portions were small so he got used to it. 

Over his sixteen months at Rivers Correctional, James lost fifty pounds and has managed to keep it off since his release three years ago.  “I added five pounds or so, but I have managed to keep the fat off.”

James will be participating in DC Fit Week.  “I’ve signed up for the yoga class and the dance class too.”

DC Fit Week’s website says, “By doing this, it will motivate and empower active social adults with the knowledge to lead healthier lives and to provide a support network of like-minded professional people. Our plan is to give access to the people of the DC area the key information in regards to mental health, physical fitness and financial fitness.”

When people think of health, they do not usually think of the mental and financial aspects of being fit.  These areas are just as important. 

Susan Wright, a returning citizen who lives in the Shaw Howard neighborhood, said, “I’ve never thought about finances being connected to physical fitness or staying in shape.”

Over the course of the week there are a series of classes geared at promoting healthier lives.  Classes on yoga, meditation, pilates, outdoor running, spin, dance, group fitness, dance, financial workshops and mental health workshops.  Along with these classes are a decompressing happy hour, and fitness expo.

The Mental Fitness aspect helps you get in the right frame of mind.  In the physical fitness component, you will learn of what workouts and exercises work best for you.  For the finance fitness part you will have a chance to learn how to shop properly and not stress over your finances. 

DC Fit Week also has “leaders” for different areas of focus:  ‘Team Mind' Leader: Lauree Ostrofsky, with Simply Leap, 'Team Body' Food Leader: Chad Hamilton, with Health by Hamilton, 'Team Body' Fitness Leader: Cori Sue Morris, with Bitches Who Brunch, ‘Team Finance' Leader: Matthew Brock, Divergent Planning.

“I’m looking forward to the Fitness Expo,” Susan said. 

The Fitness Expo is a happy hour, fashion show and expert chat all in one. It will be located at The Sports Club/LA (located at 22nd & M Street, NW), and will take place from 5p until 9p.  The event will also benefit the non-profit Girls On The Run DC. 

The Happy Hour will offer health-conscious entrees, smoothies, snacks, sandwiches, a lush salad bar, and a children’s menu.  The happy hour lounge will include a full-service bar with an exploratory cocktail menu, premium liquor, wine selection, and an adventurous light fare menu. For those of you who are looking to stay health-conscious with your beverages, there will be healthy cocktails with caloric information and recipes.

The Fashion Show will focus on the latest in men’s and women’s fitness apparel.  This portion of the event is sponsored by Pacers Running Stores and Lime Activewear. 

During the Expert Chat, a panel will conduct a Q/A session with the DC Fit Week team leaders. They’ll answer your burning questions; give you great tips, and information on fitness.

The organizers of the exciting week are Rahiem and Charlotte Swann, independent distributors of MonaVie (a nutrient-dense drink).   They have said that it takes patience, perseverance and the knowledge that you can succeed if you push forward.

Added is co-organizer and marketing lead, Melanie Spring.  Spring is Sisarina Inc.’s Principal and Project Director, and Sisarina Inc. is a web marketing firm in Bethesda, MD.

Handling the logistical lead is Chris Cooks of nGAGE DC.  Cooks is an IT Consultant and co-founder of the nGAGE DC networking group.

If you’d like to learn more about DC Fit Week, the Fitness Expo and to RSVP for all events, please visit www.dcfitweek.com.  There are some events that you can attend as a walk-on and some that require an RSVP.