We’re In Great Shape:
Denver Named One of Forbes’ Fittest Cities
The Mile High City’s unparalleled scenic beauty and crisp, clean mountain air keep Denverites off the couch and out in the great outdoors – so it’s no wonder that Forbes Magazine has named Denver one of the fittest cities in the U.S., beating out San Francisco, Boston and Seattle, among others.
In a study ranking 45 metropolitan U.S. cities, Denver placed third, with an overall score of 71.6. The Mile High City’s strengths included a lower-than-average percentage of unemployed residents and a higher-than-average percentage of at least moderately physically active residents. Check out the full article, and then see below for some Denver fitness tips and locales.
Bike Paths
Denver has one of the biggest biking, hiking and jogging trail systems in the nation, a massive network of more than 850 miles of paved, off-road trails that crisscross throughout the seven county metro area. The paved bike trails connect to hundreds of additional miles of dirt trails, many of which head up into the mountains and offer mountain biking adventures and scenic views. Bike rentals are available throughout the city, most notably in Confluence Kayaks at 1615 Platte Street, near the South Platte River bike trail. In Spring 2010 the city launched Denver B-Cycle, a citywide bike-share program that allows you to check out bicycles from 50 docking stations placed strategically around the city. Learn more about Denver’s renowned bike trails.
Jogging Paths
Ready to start getting into Mile High City shape? You won’t have to travel far. Downtown Denver is extremely jogger-friendly. You may have to navigate a few city streets, but within just a few blocks you can place yourself on paths or in parks where the only traffic you must dodge are other runners enjoying the sights and sunshine. Head to the path following the Platte River for a long, scenic trek – you can reach it from several entry points along Speer Boulevard between Downtown and the Cherry Creek neighborhood. Learn more about the best jogging spots in Denver.
The REI Flagship Store
Ground zero for Denver outdoor adventure and fitness, The REI flagship store is an adventure in itself. Here, you can rent bikes and explore the biking trails that run along the South Platte and Cherry Creek. The converted 1901 Tramway building is an award-winning architectural accomplishment and an outdoor adventurist’s paradise with everything from hiking and leisure attire to sunglasses, GPS systems and anything else you could use to explore the outdoors. While you’re here, put your climbing skills to the test on the indoor 47-foot climbing pinnacle.