January Community Captain of the Month, Angela
Meet the leader of Active SWV Functional Flow in Shady Spring, Angela Young.
Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?
I’m a 45-year-old former public school teacher, wife, mom of six, and “Nana” to two wonderful grandbabies. Outside of homeschooling, I work as a private tutor. I’ve lived in West Virginia my entire life, and I’m proud to call this state home.
Why are you active? How did you start being physically active?
I first became interested in fitness in high school when I got a copy of the Cindy Crawford Shape Your Body workout DVDs. From there, I explored Tae Bo, running, and weightlifting. During one of my pregnancies, I taught myself to swim laps, and swimming is still one of my favorite activities. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every type of fitness, but these days you’ll most often find me doing yoga, mobility workouts, lifting weights, hiking, or walking.
What motivated you to volunteer with Active SWV in your community?
After earning my group fitness instructor license, I knew I wanted to share what I’ve learned and gain more hands-on experience. I’ve always loved teaching, and I’ve always loved fitness, so volunteering with Active SWV was the perfect fit. I had already enjoyed several Southern Active classes—especially learning to paddleboard! I loved it so much that I bought my own board and now paddleboard every summer. The community-focused, free-to-everyone nature of the program really inspired me to get involved.
How do you stay motivated? Why is being active a priority for you?
I genuinely love fitness, but I’m not always motivated—especially in the winter when it’s cold. One trick that helps me is telling myself I’m just going to the gym for the sauna. If I feel like working out afterward, great; if not, that’s okay. But once I warm up in the sauna, I always feel ready to move.
Staying active is a priority for me because I want to keep moving and stay strong as I age, and being part of a supportive community makes that journey enjoyable, sustainable, and meaningful.
Why do you think someone should join an Active SWV free program?
Active SWV offers a welcoming, supportive environment where people can try new things, stay active, and feel connected to their community—all for free. Not only do participants get access to quality classes and instruction, but they also gain friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging. I’ve met so many wonderful people through the class I teach, and it’s been a joy watching our group grow together. Joining an Active SWV program is a great way to invest in your health while building community at the same time.
To join Angela's class this New Year, or see other free Active SWV programming, visit the website calendar.