To anyone who is lucky enough to live in this glorious city, it is no surprise that Denver makes the ranks of the top 10 fittest US cities according to American Fitness Index. With miles of paths, acres of open spaces, and the mountains so close, almost everyone has an active lifestyle. Wouldn't you rather go stair-climbing at Red Rocks than inside a gym? But what is this prestigious award based on?
Denver is on the Honor Roll
Surely, the science behind this is more than just walking around the streets and counting the runners. The report from the American Fitness Index studies the 50 most populous cities in the US and ranks them according to these areas: levels of chronic disease conditions, health care access, community resources and policies that support or encourage physical activity. Not every city is on the “Honor Roll” like Denver, so the AFI also provides resources for cities to help them focus their efforts on their “weaknesses” and facilitate connection with health partners.
Taking Pride in our City
Denver residents should be proud that our city has invested so much time and resources toward our well-being. Well, the study’s over, and it’s time to read the report card for 2015! Denver is number 6! Denver citizens aren’t just strong physically, we are strong mentally, so I’ll let you read the other portions of the study yourself, but let’s discuss our fair city and her resources to help us enjoy the scenery, instead of just looking at it outside our windows.
Denver’s Commitment to Fitness
The AFI has set a goal of 10.6% of a city’s land to be dedicated toward parkland. Denver misses it, but only by narrow margin (7.9%). However, this may just be due to the density of our beloved metropolis, because we exceed the ideal 4,100 parks per city (4,300). The Mile High City has created 140,000 dog parks, 23,000 tennis courts, 110,000 golf courses, 460,000 swimming pools and 24,000 playgrounds. Denver has gone out of her way to make us able to enjoy her as long as we live, and thanks to her that is longer than in less-healthy cities. 83,000 Denverites are within 10 minutes walking distance to a park. One of our favorites is Washington Park.
Get Off the Couch
Not only is Denver a beautiful place to live, but the city and county governments have created the infrastructure necessary and invested the money ($100/person) to ensure that we can engage with our geography, not just see it. Don’t be intimidated, Denver has enough room for even the couchiest of couch potatoes, but it will take a lot of restraint to remain inside with the Rocky Mountains calling your name. Enjoy the hike!
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