Meet Active SWV’s November Participant of the Month
Elisabeth Daniels has been participating in Active SWV free programming for over a year now, read about how she stays motivated and active, and why she loves Active SWV.
Tell us about yourself, where are you from?
I’m a grant writer, marketing specialist, and author. My husband and I, along with our two rescue dogs, moved to southern West Virginia as part of the Ascend Remote Worker program. We arrived in Beckley on Christmas Eve 2023 and settled into our rental home on January 1, 2024, so we’re now in our second year here. We were drawn to West Virginia for its beautiful terrain, slower pace of life, affordability, and friendly people. Before that, we lived full-time in an RV for 10 years, traveling the country for my husband’s work. One of the things we immediately loved about West Virginia is how much there is to do outdoors.
Why are you active? How did you start being physically active?
I’ve been active for a couple of decades—hiking, kayaking, doing obstacle races, and trying unique workouts like pole fitness. Staying active has always been a way for me to connect with new places and new people, so when we moved here, I was excited to explore all the fun and fitness opportunities that Active SWV offers.
How do you stay motivated? Why is being active a priority for you?
For me, being active is about joy and variety. It doesn’t have to look like traditional workouts—it can be anything from a hike with my dogs to trying something brand new. That variety keeps me motivated and makes fitness fun. Movement also helps me manage stress and feel more grounded, so it’s something I make a priority in daily life.
Why do you think someone should join an Active SWV free program?
Active SWV makes it easy to find activities that fit your interests and comfort level, whether you’re brand new to fitness or looking for something fresh—and you’ll always feel supported and welcome, no matter your level. Paddleboarding has become one of my favorite things to do with Active—it’s such a peaceful way to enjoy the water, and the Community Captains create an environment that’s positive and confidence-boosting. Last year I started attending SUP outings, and this year—with the encouragement of Captains Barbie and Megan—I finally stood up on the board for the first time! I also loved discovering Little Beaver State Park through the walking group that meets there every Saturday morning, and now I hike there regularly. It’s become one of my favorite outdoor destinations.
Be like Elisabeth! Find your free physical activity programming with Active SWV on our website calendar.