About Physicality DC

Physicality DC is a community of athletes and coaches formed around a shared passion for bodyweight fitness, sustainable health, and continuous self-improvement. We own and operate a fitness studio on the H Street Corridor in Washington, DC that provides world-class instruction and facilitates meaningful life change. It is our goal to continually lead, motivate, and inspire others by taking a genuine, focused, and compassionate approach to health and well-being.

We aim to achieve this vision by offering group classes and personal training focused on building strength and improving flexibility. Our coaches utilize methods drawn from a wide variety of athletic pursuits, including gymnastics, strength training, handbalancing, and more. When you walk through the door at Physicality DC, expect to be greeted by others ready to work alongside you towards common self-improvement goals.

 
 

Chris Garay

Owner & HEAD INSTRUCTOR

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Chris Garay is the owner of Physicality DC. Chris grew up playing sports before shifting his focus to music in high school. For a decade he traveled around the country performing with and teaching drum corps and indoor drumlines. Chris attended the University of Virginia, where he earned a degree in philosophy and religious studies and did graduate work in social psychology and well-being.

As an adult Chris has trained in a wide variety of strength, power, endurance, and bodyweight sports. He has attended workshops and studied under many high-level coaches in gymnastics, strength training, handbalancing, flexibility, and more. Chris is interested in helping change people’s lives for the better, and he is always striving to learn and improve.

Certifications and Seminars Attended

  • KILO Strength Society: Level 2 Program Design and Periodization

  • Functional Range Conditioning: Mobility Speciality & Kinstretch

  • GymnasticBodies: Trainer, Athlete, and Former Affiliate

  • Poliquin Group: PICP Level 3 and BioSignature Level 2

  • OPEX Fitness CCP: Assessment and Program Design

  • Russian Kettlebell & Progressive Calisthenics

  • Stretch Therapy for GST with Kit Laughlin

 
 
 

Rachel Hipszer

GROUP CLASS INSTRUCTOR

Rachel doing a one-arm handstand on canes

Rachel Hipszer is a professional performer and coach currently living in Washington, D.C. Rachel grew up competing in USA Gymnastics which led her to the circus in high school. While attending the University of South Carolina, studying Chemical Oceanography and Statistics, she joined and later co-founded a local circus troupe. After college she was accepted into the New England Center for Circus Arts professional training program where she studied handbalancing and aerial silks. 

Rachel currently teaches handbalancing, flexibility, aerial silks, and flying trapeze; however her favorite thing to teach is handstands. With over 15 years of circus training and performing, she enjoys helping people find confidence in their bodies and reach their goals in a safe and encouraging environment.