Fitness may be a hobby, but with growing research showing its positive impact on long-term health, more Americans are embracing it as a full-blown lifestyle. Still, some states remain more active than others. A recent study from Instant Hydration shared the states leading the nation in physical activity, gym culture, and overall wellness.
The study compared gyms, hiking trails, fitness classes and programs, physical activity percentage outside of work, and total search volume for fitness keywords across U.S. regions. States were scored using a “workout obsession” index, which measures the availability of fitness resources and actual exercise behavior.
Coming in at the number one spot is Colorado. With 1,252 gyms, 407 hiking trails, and 241 fitness programs, it also boasts the highest percentage of people exercising outside of work, at 82.3 percent. With nearly 770,000 monthly online searches for workouts, Colorado residents are clearly obsessed with staying fit.
California comes in a close second. With physical activity outside work slightly lower at 78.8 percent, California has over 11,000 gyms, 690 hiking trails, and 103 fitness programs. Residents also show massive online engagement, with 5.5 million fitness-related searches each month.
Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Delaware round out the top five. Hawaii provides a mix of outdoor adventure and indoor fitness with 151 hiking trails, 171 classes, and 290 gyms. Massachusetts is a gym-heavy state, with over 2,000 locations and 76.7 percent of residents exercising regularly. The small state of Delaware has a shockingly high fitness participation rate and a wide selection of options.
“People’s growing focus on exercise shows that more Americans are taking their health seriously, with many making gyms and physical activity part of their routine,” says an Instant Hydration spokesperson. “The key lesson is that encouraging movement, providing supportive spaces like gyms, and promoting safe, balanced approaches to working out can help people build lasting, positive lifestyle habits.”
Most Fitness-Obsessed States
With gym visits up 3.5 percent from last year, Americans are clearly prioritizing movement and these states show the features that are important for turning a workout habit into a lifestyle.
Colorado
California
Hawaii
Massachusetts
Delaware
New Jersey
Washington
New Hampshire
Illinois
New York
Most Fitness-Obsessed States
