Whether it’s running around Sloan Lake, biking the Cherry Creek Trail, or climbing a Fourteen, the 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 nation’s top 100 cities for fitness based on individual and community metrics. Information revealed that more than 82% of Mile High City residents exercised in the past 30 days. More than half of the population adhere to aerobic activity guidelines, with nearly 70% of people sleeping more than seven hours a day, according to the study.

“Physical activity is essential to human health,” said Dr. NiCole R. Keith, president of the American College of Sports Medicine, in the study. “It is imperative that policy makers, educators, health care providers and public health officials communicate the importance of physical activity and provide guidance on how to be physically active safely. ”

The study claims that about 90% of Denver residents can walk to a park in less than 10 minutes, but the city’s community score lags behind their personal health score. The community score ranked No.26 in the country, lowered by poor air quality and lack of physical education requirements.

Despite Denver’s lower score as a community, Abbie Mood, a yoga instructor who has lived in multiple states and currently resides in Glendale, said she has noticed how active the Coloradians are.

“Colorado definitely has a reputation for being a fit state, and it’s well deserved,” Mood said. “In addition to being consistently in the top five on lists for healthiest or fittest states, I remember noticing a difference when I first moved to Colorado; people are always out doing something or planning their next adventure. With distinct seasons and fairly mild weather overall, it’s pretty easy for people to be active all year round, whatever their favorite activity is.

The study reported that many of the country’s largest cities were in poor health before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“According to the American Fitness Index 2021, on average, nearly a third of people in America’s 100 largest cities are obese, 14% smoke, and 25% have reported no exercise in the past month. And that was all before the pandemic, ”the study found. “Preliminary studies have indicated that in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced physical activity and healthy food intake, as well as increased rates of obesity and stress. ”

Denver has below-average obesity and stroke rates, making its personal health figure the second-highest in the country.

“I think Denver’s location is a major factor in how healthy and active people are here,” Mood said. “The mountains are close, the foothills are closer, and there are trails and parks everywhere. The downside is that people can be unnecessarily competitive, and we have seen access issues arise over the years. Yet if we can find a way to keep these places accessible and protected, then Colorado will maintain its good reputation for years to come. ”

Top 10 fittest cities in the United States, according to the study:

1. Arlington, Virginia
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
3. Seattle, Washington.
4. Denver, Colorado.
5. Madison, Wisconsin.
6. Washington DC
7. Saint-Paul, Minn.
8. Irvine, California.
9. Portland, Ore.
10. Atlanta, Georgia.

Aurora placed 38th and Colorado Springs 51st for fittest cities. Aurora also ranks ninth among residents who slept seven or more hours per night.