Around the region

ACTIVATED AND RESTORED

The sun is out, the birds are chirping, so I think it’s time to stretch my legs and try new things. Carving out time to do what I love is what keeps me motivated, so come along with me as I indulge in some blood-pumping self-care!

Coffee Run

I often need a caffeine boost in the morning, so I started the day’s adventures with a trip to Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen. This chic coffee shop has a lot of seating, and the lavender mocha was so delicious! They have many options on the menu, from coffee and tea to pastries and breakfast food.

If the Shoe Fits

One of the new businesses in the neighborhood is Road Runner Sports. It’s a great running store to pick up new gear, nutritional products, and more. They carry all of the major running shoe brands and have an extensive online offering.

I recommend going through one of their “Perfect Fit” shoe fittings. Their “Fit Experts” take a video of your gait by watching you walk and run on a treadmill.

It’s been several years since I had my last fitting, and it’s incredible how much more information I received this time around! The big difference? Their Fit Drone 3D Scan! It takes six measurements of your foot. With it, they could tell me my true shoe size, the height of my inset, my arch height on each foot, and even the width of my heels!

I picked up this super cute cropped hoodie from their KORSA brand ($71.99 for members). It’s great for throwing on after a sweaty workout – especially when the weather is a little chilly in the evenings, or if I have to run inside where there might be air conditioning.

Their staff is friendly and can help you get the right shoes, insoles, or whatever else you might need to hit the road or trails.

Break a Sweat 

Westpost is home to F45 and Club Pilates, but also has a large Planet Fitness. If you’re just in town for a day or weekend, you can get a guest pass from Planet Fitness, and it allows you to take advantage of all of their general membership amenities.

I took advantage of a treadmill as I wanted to test out my new pair of running shoes, and it was great because the front desk staff was friendly, the equipment and facilities were spotless, and the layout of the club made it easy for me to find the equipment I was looking for.

Tip: For F45 and Club Pilates, make sure you book your classes well in advance because they’re popular and fill up quickly.

Recover and Restore

Westpost offers great recovery options, whether you’re in a rush or you have plenty of time to unwind. Restore Hyper Wellness has a great menu of services, and even offers a 3-minute cryotherapy session if you’re really in a rush! One of my favorite things to do is to pair services, so I may get a session of cryo (full body or a spot treatment for a particularly sore joint or muscle) paired with compression sleeves or a stretch session. Their knowledgeable staff can talk to you about which services you may want to try out based on your fitness goals or recovery needs.

If you’re craving more pampering time and are in the mood for spa or salon services, Privai has got you covered! A neuromuscular massage with added hot stones is a great way to end a busy morning of exercise! 

Restore Hyper Wellness is coming to Westpost in July! Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway.


By day, Alexis Reed (she/her) is a marketing professional in the DC Metro Area. By night, she is a group fitness instructor, yoga teacher, youth volleyball coach, and healthy lifestyle blogger on Flecks of Lex. She hosts The Sweat Fearlessly Podcast and is Co-Founder of DMV Fitness Fam, a local group that promotes diversity in fitness and the great outdoors. Her philosophy is to “Sweat Fearlessly” – having fun and enjoying fitness without worrying about how you look or what other people may think about you. You can follow Alexis’ daily adventures on her Instagram @flecksoflex.