Interview: Celebrating Five Years of OrangeTheory on H Street
This issue also includes more good news from H Street, upcoming events, and promotions. *ALSO SEE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A GIVEAWAY*
In celebration of the 5th anniversary of OrangeTheory on H Street, we sat down with Coach Katherine "Puma" LiPuma to discuss the journey, achievements, and the unique community that has been built over the past five years. Coach Puma shares her insights and experiences, reflecting on the evolution of the studio and its impact on the H Street fitness community.
Harriet the Hedgehog: Congratulations on the 5th anniversary of OrangeTheory on H Street! How does it feel to reach this milestone?
Coach Puma: We are incredibly grateful to reach this milestone, especially after the unexpected shutdown during the pandemic. It’s a testament to the resilience and dedication of our community.
Harriet the Hedgehog: What have been some of the biggest achievements and highlights for your OrangeTheory location over the past five years?
Coach Puma: Some of our biggest achievements include organizing events outside of regular classes, such as Yoga, Kick Ball, and no-shower happy hours. We are passionate about supporting not just our members but our surrounding H Street neighborhood community as well.
Harriet the Hedgehog: Can you share some stories of members who have had significant transformations or accomplishments since joining your studio?
Coach Puma: We’ve witnessed many incredible transformations. One story that stands out is of a woman who struggled to get pregnant and was terrified to work out once she did. We safely guided her through her pregnancy, and she told me that OrangeTheory prepared her both physically and mentally for labor. Postpartum, she’s losing weight and rebuilding her core strength. My favorite part is that she continues to make time for herself, even with a baby at home.
Harriet the Hedgehog: How has the fitness community on H Street evolved since you first opened, and how has OrangeTheory been a part of that growth?
Coach Puma: Just like the bars and restaurants, we've seen many small, locally owned businesses closing on H Street. We're proud to be part of such a vibrant and thriving fitness community here.
Harriet the Hedgehog: What unique features or programs does your OrangeTheory location offer that set it apart from other fitness studios in the area?
Coach Puma: What sets us apart is our use of heart rate-monitored technology. Tracking progress with technology allows our members to see their improvements and stay motivated.
Harriet the Hedgehog: How do you keep your workouts fresh and engaging for members, especially those who have been with you since the beginning?
Coach Puma: Our workouts are designed by a team of fitness professionals at our corporate headquarters. They create science-backed workouts that are fun, efficient, and fully scalable to any fitness level. Additionally, we have an amazing team of instructors who bring their unique personalities and flair to the workouts.
Harriet the Hedgehog: What strategies do you use to build a strong, supportive community within your studio?
Coach Puma: Feedback is crucial! We work hard to ensure our members feel heard. OrangeTheory creates a consistent experience across their studios, but our community is special because it’s built by the members who walk through our doors.
Harriet the Hedgehog: Can you talk about the role of technology and data in OrangeTheory workouts and how it enhances the member experience?
Coach Puma: Heart rate response is an excellent indicator of intensity. While many people have heart rate monitors in their watches, the feedback from the monitor projected in front of you during a workout helps gauge intensity and overcome the discomfort. This ensures members push themselves without over-training, as the heart rate zones are calibrated to the individual.
Harriet the Hedgehog: What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?
Coach Puma: One of the biggest challenges is helping members understand the "why" behind each workout. We aim to show the value in everything from burpees to rowing to incline work on the treadmills. The workouts are intentionally programmed to ensure members stay healthy, strong, and balanced.
Harriet the Hedgehog: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next five years for your OrangeTheory location on H Street?
Coach Puma: DC can be very transient, so we often see members for a few years before they move for work. Our goal is to see our current members still with us in five years and to continue growing our community.
— Coach Puma's dedication to fostering a supportive and transformative fitness community is evident in every aspect of OrangeTheory on H Street. As they celebrate five successful years, the future looks bright for this vibrant studio, with continued growth and innovation on the horizon.
###
Atlas PAC and Mosaic Theater were among the individuals and organizations honored at the Capitol Hill Foundation Gala Awards on May 22nd who have made significant contributions to the neighborhood. DMV Bite names Sidamo a “Must Try Coffee Shop in Washington DC”. Solas Nua and Prologue Theater took home Helen Hayes Awards for their shows presented at Atlas. Hiraya was named among the top restaurants in the Washingtonian Magazine. USAToday readers nominated Pie Shop as one of the 20 best pie shops in America!
###
Do you know so good news that needs to be shared? Is new business coming to H Street? Is someone celebrating a 100th birthday? Non-profit receive a grant? Did someone help a neighbor? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Atlas (atlasarts.org)
June 7 at 7:30 PM: Atlas Arts Lab Presents Rex Daugherty’s The Well - The Well is a musical memoir that explores addiction and the hope of forgiveness. Rex Daugherty shares the hilarious and heartbreaking in this intimate story and song cycle of all original singer-songwriter material.
June 8 at 6:00 PM: Atlas Arts Lab presents LINKED - In this work, Chitra utilizes her signature aesthetic, bringing together the movement languages of Indian Classical dance and Hip Hop culture to create full-body, energetic, and soulful dance works.
Binge Bar
May 30: Seltzer Comedy Show, hosted by Jenny and the Librarians - Comedy Night and 1 year Residency Anniversary. Doors open at 7 pm; Show starts at 8 pm
Daru (darudc.com)
June 9: Amrikan Book Tour
Fresca (frescadc.com)
June 7: Live Music by Kevin Koa
Irregardless (irregardlessdc.com)
June 10: Love Italian Wine? An exclusive 4-course dinner with La Scolca CEO, Chiara Soldati.
Mosaic Theater (mosaictheater.org)
Until June 9 at Atlas Theater: Mexodus – History meets hip-hop in this groundbreaking theatrical experience that explores the often-untold stories of enslaved people in the United States who sought freedom in Mexico, rather than looking north.
Any upcoming events happening on H Street that we need to announce? Anything special for Flag Day or Father’s Day? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Bronze x Mexadus (bronzedc.com)
Until June 15th: Tasting Menu $55/person
Chupacabra (chupacabrahst.com)
Weekdays 4-7 pm- Happy Hour
Mondays - Quesadilla & Margarita or Beer $15
Wednesdays - Loaded Nachos with a deep Eddy Cocktail $16
Thursdays - Torta Thursday: Torte & Margarita or Beer $18
Sundays - Sunday Funday: Chips & Salsa with a shot of Jamo $11
Daru (darudc.com)
Bar Happy Hour Everyday from 5-6:30 pm - $10 Snacks and Cocktails
Insomnia Cookies (insomniacookies.com)
All 2024 Grads (high school, college & grad school) wearing their cap & gown in store get 1 free classic cookie until 6/3
Get a 12-pack for $24 for the rest of May
Irregardless (irregardlessdc.com)
Kids Night on Tuesdays 5-7 pm – special kids menu
Wine Wednesdays 5:30 pm – 10% off glasses and bottles, happy hour excluded
Granville Moores (granvillemoores.com)
Mussels Monday - $13 Mussels from 5 pm to 9 pm
Maketto (maketto1351.com)
Until May 31 from 9 - 10 am: complimentary pastry with every coffee purchase
Milk & Honey (themilkandhoney.com)
Until June 16th – Buy a $100 Gift Card online, and receive a $15 bonus card
Pow Pow (eatpowpow.com)
CODE “LUCKY8” to get 20% off your online order through the end of May
Sol Mexican Grill DC (solmexicangrilldc.com)
Taco Tuesday: $2.75 tacos all day!
Waxing the City (waxingthecity.com)
Until May 31: 20% of Lalicious products in-store
We are looking for regular promotions to share with the readers as well as specifically Flag Day and Father’s Day deals and promotions. Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Do you have furniture, bikes, books, or clothes to gift or for sale? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Do you know of a home or commercial space for sale/rent? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Sticky Rice is an absolute gem of a restaurant, offering a diverse and delicious menu that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options. Whether you're dining in or ordering take-out, this place never disappoints. (read entire post)
📣🎉 Hedgehog Plush Keychain Giveaway! 🎉📣
We're celebrating our amazing community with a special giveaway! 🦔✨ 12 lucky winners will receive an adorable hedgehog plush keychain! 🥳
Here's how you can enter:
Follow us on Instagram @HStreetSweetHStreet
Like the Instagram post
Tag 3 friends in the comments on the Instagram post who love cute hedgehogs 🦔❤️
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, H Street Herald (HStreetHerald.Substack.com) for an extra entry!
📆 Deadline: All entries must be submitted by Tuesday, June 11.
🏆 Winners: Announced on Thursday, June 13.
Why Join Our Newsletter? 📧
Exclusive H Street good news
Special offers and promotions
Weekly events calendar
Don't miss out on this chance to win a cute hedgehog plush keychain and stay updated with all the exciting things we have in store! 🌟
Good luck to everyone! 🍀
Terms & Conditions:
Open to Washington, DC region.
This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram.
Winners will be randomly selected and notified via Instagram DM.