Faces of the Trail: How Anthony Clary Sr. Is Building Community Through Movement
For Anthony Clary Sr., movement was never just about fitness. It was about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and helping people discover what they're capable of when they're surrounded by encouragement and support.
A prediabetes diagnosis became the catalyst for change. What began as a personal commitment to improve his own health soon grew into a mission to help others take control of theirs. That mission became WeOffTheCouch, a community-centered movement dedicated to making health and wellness accessible to everyone.
Today, Anthony's work is helping people across the region find something that goes far beyond exercise: a sense of belonging.
“People weren’t running or working out because of access. I wanted to build a space that met people where they were and made movement truly accessible to everyone.”
Building a Community, Not Just a Fitness Group
For many people, the hardest part of a fitness journey isn't the workout. It's getting started.
Anthony recognized that barriers such as cost, confidence, transportation, lack of representation, and uncertainty often prevent people from taking that first step. Rather than focusing solely on fitness programs, he focused on creating an environment where people would feel welcomed, supported, and seen.
That philosophy has become the foundation of WeOffTheCouch.
Participants come from all walks of life. Some arrive hoping to improve their health. Others are looking for accountability, friendship, or a reason to spend more time outdoors. Whatever brings them there, they quickly discover they are part of something larger than themselves.
“We create an environment where people can show up as their authentic selves. That’s what keeps people coming back week after week.”
Why the Trail Matters
Like many members of the WeOffTheCouch community, Anthony has found that trails and outdoor spaces play a vital role in helping people stay active and connected.
The Virginia Capital Trail is one of those places. Every day, cyclists, runners, walkers, families, and visitors of all abilities use the Trail for recreation, transportation, fitness, and exploration. It's a place where people move at their own pace while sharing a common experience.
That spirit aligns perfectly with one of Anthony's core beliefs:
All paces are welcome.
Whether someone is training for a marathon or taking their first walk around the neighborhood, Anthony believes everyone deserves encouragement and support.
“It’s not about how fast you are. It’s about showing up for yourself and continuing to move forward.”
Measuring Success Beyond the Finish Line
Over the years, Anthony has witnessed countless success stories.
He's watched people complete their first races after believing they could never be runners. He's seen participants improve their health, build confidence, reduce their reliance on medications, and discover new possibilities for themselves.
Yet the transformations that mean the most aren't always measured in miles.
They're measured in friendships formed, confidence gained, and lives changed.
“Standing at a finish line and watching a parent cross with their child, or seeing someone accomplish something they never thought was possible, makes every late night worth it.”
For Anthony, those moments represent the true impact of community-based wellness efforts: helping people see themselves differently and recognize their own potential.
Looking Ahead
As WeOffTheCouch continues to grow, Anthony hopes to expand youth programming, strengthen partnerships, and reach even more communities. His vision is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves access to opportunities that support a healthy life.
The goal isn't simply getting people moving. It's creating lasting change.
“If we can help someone take that first step, we can help change the trajectory of their life.”
For those considering their own wellness journey, Anthony's advice remains straightforward:
Start where you are. Give yourself grace. Keep showing up.
Because sometimes the most important step is simply getting off the couch.
About Faces of the Trail
Faces of the Trail celebrates the people who make the Virginia Capital Trail a vibrant and welcoming community. From cyclists and runners to volunteers, advocates, and community leaders, these stories highlight the many ways people connect, inspire, and thrive on the Trail.
