How to Stay Fit and Healthy in Washington County, VA

Find top-notch health care and plenty of ways to get moving and eat better.

By Patsy B. Weiler on December 1, 2023

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Inspiration abounds in Washington County, Virginia, where people are encouraged to embrace a fit and healthy lifestyle. You will find local fresh food markets, fitness centers and a hospital committed to the care and wellness of the community.

If you are looking to improve your fitness in Washington County, there are as many opportunities here as there are trees in the beautiful surrounding Virginia Highlands to eat better, move more and enthusiastically live each day to its fullest. 

Jeff Adkins

Providing a Century of Care 

Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon is a part of Ballad Health, an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands. A true community hospital, the 116-bed, nonprofit facility has deep medical roots in the community. 

A century later, it is still providing award-winning services close to home, earning recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in the areas of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart, kidney and pneumonia care. 

When needed, Johnston Memorial is ready with a 24-hour emergency room, a wide range of occupational, physical and speech therapy – the most comprehensive in the area – for adults and children, and modern robotic surgery. 

The hospital’s Family Birth Center has 16 large private rooms, a dedicated pediatric hospitalist on-site, plus many community classes. 

Also, residency programs in general dentistry and family and internal medicine help train future health professionals for the area. 

“I’m pleased to be a part of the ongoing vision here at Johnston Memorial and in our community. I look forward to all we can accomplish together to help improve the health of our region,” says hospital CEO John Jeter. 

Blue Hills Community Market

Healthier, Happier Choices 

Blue Hills Community Market “believes that healthy communities begin with healthy people,” says owner Dirk Moore. 

The local market recently moved to a Main Street location in Abingdon and expanded from 3,000 to more than 10,000 square feet. The new space has a larger produce section supported by local farmers, a variety of healthy food choices and a professional staff devoted to helping customers “live long, happy, productive lives,” Moore says. 

There is now a wider selection of bulk food items as well as selections that address specific dietary concerns, including vegan products, non-GMO, gluten-free and other needs. For a fast, nutritious meal, grab-and-go items are also available, along with local honey, supplements and vitamins, and clean beauty products. 

“Residents of Washington County and Southwest Virginia deserve a store that supports healthier living,” Moore says. “Our beautiful facility is designed for community engagement, and our mission is to lead Southwest Virginia toward healthy food consumption through education, service and support for local growers and food producers.” 

Two other Abingdon businesses that bring whole-food menus to the table are White Birch Food & Juice and the Blended Pedaler.

Also, farmers markets in Abingdon, Damascus and Glade Spring connect consumers to vendors who are local farmers, artisans and food producers for a taste of Virginia. 

Local Fun and Fitness in Washington County

Being active is as natural as breathing for Krystal Mosley, the new owner of Appalachian Fitness. Away from the gym, Mosley loves to run and hike along the nearby Virginia Creeper Trail with her 70-pound dog, Max. She has also participated in marathons, ultramarathons and different crossfit competitions. 

“I believe you need to exercise, eat well and stay moving. It is my goal to be a positive influence in the community and encourage our clients to get active and make working out fun,” Mosley says. “We have a very family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere with more than 17 classes taught weekly.” 

Mosley calls her facility a complete and functional fitness center, offering full-body training. “We have a lot of free weights, squat racks, several rowing machines, kettlebells, air bikes and more that are all powered by your body,” she says. “We have people from ages 8 to 75 using the gym. Our programs can be modified to your fitness level.”