Exercise is for Everybody

Professional Resources

WV Physical Activity Infrastructure Initiatives

WV Communities

State Physical Activity Plan

Active WV

The WV Physical Activity Plan has a goal to increase/maintain levels of physical activity to promote health and wellness in the citizens of WV. The plan is focused for people of all ages and abilities. The goal is to create a culture in WV that promotes physical activity which allows for people to have a healthy lifestyle. This is regardless of a citizens socioeconomic status or demographics.

For more information, visit http://wvphysicalactivity.org/.

West Virginia Office of Healthy Lifestyles

a photo of an elderly couple walking in the park

The West Virginia Office of Healthy Lifestyles is a service provided by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources. The program has started initiatives to get individuals in the state of WV to complete 150 minutes of physical activity per a week. One of the major initiatives that they have started is called Walking West Virginia. The aim of the program is to get individuals walking in their community to enjoy the outdoors, decrease their risk of chronic disease, and promote their health. Use the walkability checklist provided by Walking West Virginia to see how accessible your community is to walk in.

Community and School Wellness Committees

A wellness committee is designed to focus on health and well-being of students, staff, and families in the school setting but also the larger community surrounding the school. A wellness committee implements district wellness policy and oversees other health-related initiatives toward this goal. Additionally, wellness committees may monitor and evaluation policies and programs that are health related in their area, advise schools, worksites, and other community resources on health-related programming, and organize health-promoting programs and events in the area.

Various resources are available to help individuals develop a wellness committee in their area. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s website offers helpful tips for how to build a team, recruit members, and organize initial meetings to get one started. Information about WV school and community policy related to physical activity and nutrition is provided below.

Community and School Wellness Committees in the state of West Virginia:

  • Active Southern WV

    Active Southern WV is a non-profit initiative with the focus of motivating businesses, schools, local citizens, and local government to prioritize physical activity within the region. The website features a monthly calendar of free physical activities open to the public.

  • WV On The Go

    WV On The Go is a grassroots organization with the aim of improving community accessibility and recreation. They offer an accessible adventure guide.

  • Easterseals

    Easterseals is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia and provides services for individuals with disabilities. The services that they provide allow for people with disabilities to work, play, learn, and live in the community. The program provides camping, recreation, and healthy lifestyle services for children, young adults, and adults.

  • Try This WV

    Try This WV is a state coalition focused on combating West Virginia’s health crisis by providing funding, resources, workshops, and community events throughout the state.

  • Program Highlights
    YMCA
    Find your closest YMCA here.

    West Virginia is home to multiple YMCA’s. YMCA’s have a focus of nurturing youth development, improving the health and well-being of the community, and giving back to the community. With a commitment to inclusion, YMCA provides various programs and workshops for people of all abilities.

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