It’s no wonder why Denver, CO was ranked #5 on the 2011 list of fittest cities in America, by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). I was instantly amazed at how much physical activity was happening around me as soon as I arrived. If you’re traveling here in the near future or looking for a place to travel to, I definitely recommend Denver and there’s no reason why you can’t workout in this city!
Every year cities are ranked by ACSM in a variety of different categories including reduction in the percentage of cigarette smokers, average percentage of residents who exercise and moderate-to-low rates of chronic health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
Looking back on my trip, I don’t recall seeing one person smoking and this is something that would stick out in my mind because I can’t stand cigarette smoke (especially when I’m exercising). I had traveled here once before in February, and it was nothing like going to Denver in the spring/summer time. Everywhere you look there are bike and walking paths, right in the middle of downtown and to the extending suburb areas. The air smells incredibly clean, but don’t let that fool you because if you’re from sea level, like me, the altitude will get to you while trying to workout.
During this trip I definitely indulged in some tasty treats, local micro brews, and even pizza. But I didn’t leave feeling guilty because of all the physical activity I did. My friends and I pedal biked around the park for an hour, walked one morning around another park for an hour, walked to the gym one day to lift weights, walked 2 plus hours to the Highlands Street Fair, and then on the last day tackled the infamous Red Rocks Amphitheater stairs with hundreds of other workout enthusiasts. Oh, and did I mention that almost all of these activities were FREE! Could exercise get much easier? Plus the views are amazing. In addition to all the readily available fitness opportunities, Denver has an outstanding healthy food culture. I’d say that almost every restaurant or food place had something that was either locally grown, organic, gluten free, low calorie, etc. The best time to go is when the weather is nice so book your trip wiselyJ
To see pictures of my trip visit the TravelFit Facebook Page