Tools To Stay Active Safely

Active Southern West Virginia urges everyone to do their part by following CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining safe distances, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding contact with eyes, nose, and mouth, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and most importantly, staying home if sick. For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, Active SWV is encouraging extra caution and adherence to CDC guidance, especially for those who are at higher risk of serious illness. 

Active Southern West Virginia is committed to the health and well-being of southern West Virginians. At this time we are limited in in-person meeting locations for group physical activity. One this page you can access links to resources for FREE physical activity, educational tools, and community resources.

Free Physical Activity, Educational, and Community Resources:

Active SWV Home Workout Week – For those working from home: If you’ve gained time in your day that would usually be spent commuting, consider this the perfect window to add physical activity into your routine. These daily workout cards were designed by Active SWV Community Captain Kate Miller, MEd in Health and Physical Education, ATC, B.S. Athletic Training/Health Promotion and Education’.

Active SWV Bulletin Board – Community Captains are uploading videos and safe activity ideas. If you are on Facebook, join this group and check back for videos and tips on how to stay active. This group is also a great way to feel connected to a community who are all trying to stay active together, but at a safe distance!

YMCA of Southern West Virginia – The YMCA of SWV provides online workouts, including some virtual classes that can help you keep your normal routine.

YMCA – Their YMCA360 platform provides a library of online classes, including yogaTai Chiweight liftingactive older adults, and more.

Move Your Way – Resources to promote the recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. They have info sheets with guidelines for kids, adults, and older adults, which include suggestions on how to get in your daily physical activity.

Active SWV Newsletter Sign-Up – Updates will be sent out in our newsletters with additional creative ways to stay active at this challenging time.

Go Noodle – GoNoodle: Good Energy at Home gets kids active, offers quiet moments for focus and calm, and provides tons of ways for kids and families to learn, bond, have fun, and spread Good Energy! This site has some great videos to get kids up and moving.

Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids – Action For Healthy Kids is a national nonprofit that brings together dedicated volunteers and partners to make schools healthier places where kids thrive. The website provides online resources in many areas including yoga that can be used in the home.

Find additional activities for youth here: Keep Kids Active.

FitOn App: Have you suddenly had to take all of your workouts out of the gym and into your home? They have some ideas on how to get started.

REFIT®: The founders of REFIT® are giving everyone a free month of REFIT® OnDemand. Use the code FREEMONTH to take advantage of this opportunity! REFIT® classes are one of our most popular program at Active SWV. When programs are able to resume in person, please come to a class in person with us!

Exercise is Medicine: From the American College of Sports Medicine, follow these guidelines to stay safe while getting the physical activity your body needs. Check out this tip: Don’t sit all day! For example: If watching TV, get up during every commercial (or periodically) and do a lap around your home or an active chore. For example, throw some clothes in the laundry, do the dishes or take out the garbage. Feel productive after just one show!

Get Outside! If you are able to safely do so, use these resources to go get some fresh air in a park near you:

Trail Resources – Information for hiking/biking trails serving our four county area; Nicholas, Raleigh, Fayette, and Summers counties.

Stroller-Friendly Trails – A list of trail resources that are appropriate for families with strollers.