Whether taking a run around Sloan’s Lake, biking Cherry Creek Trail or climbing a fourteener, Denverites are an active bunch. According to the ACSM American Fitness Index, Denver is the fourth-fittest city in the United States. The study ranked the top 100 cities for fitness in the country based on individual and community metrics. The insights revealed that over 82% of residents in the Mile High City exercised within the last 30 days. Over half the population meets aerobic activity guidelines, with nearly 70% of people sleeping more than seven hours a day, according to the study.
Biking in Denver
The study claims that about 90% of Denverites can walk to a park in under 10 minutes, but the city’s community score lagged behind its personal health score. The community score ranked No. 26 in the nation, lowered by the poor air quality and lack of a physical education requirement.
Despite Denver’s lower score as a community, Abbie Mood, a yoga instructor who has lived in several states and currently resides in Glendale, said she’s noticed how active Coloradans are. “Colorado definitely has a reputation for being a fit state, and it’s well deserved,” Mood said. “Besides regularly making the top five in lists of healthiest or fittest states, I remember noticing a difference when I first moved to Colorado; people are always outside doing something or planning their next adventure. With distinct seasons and pretty great weather overall, it’s pretty easy for people to be active year-round, no matter what their favorite activity might be.”
Denver has lower obesity and stroke rates than average, bringing its personal health figure to second-best in the nation.
“I think Denver’s location is a major factor in how healthy and active people are around here,” Mood said. “The mountains are close, the foothills are closer, and there are trails and parks everywhere. Colorado will maintain its fit reputation for years to come.”