Why are people so fit in Colorado? (Boulder: contractor, income)

[Fiddlehead]

I know that some areas, like Boulder, tend to attract a young, exercise-crazy demographic, but overall, the state of Colorado seems to be thinner than most other states.


Mississippi is the fattest state for 6th straight year, Colorado still leanest, Rhode Island getting fatter, Alaska slimmer

Why do you think that might be?

[Mike from back east]

IMO it's a reflection of the education and income levels.

[bluescreen73]

Tapeworms.

It actually has a lot to do with the climate as well. Even during the dead of summer you can spend decent amounts of time outside without feeling miserable.

[wolfskullpolo]

Based on personal experience, I would say that it has a lot to do with the weather. All this sunshine makes people want to go outdoors. It is also related to the fact that there is just so much available to do here, almost all of it in the great outdoors. And being outside, you also get to enjoy the endless beauty of our natural landscape. Win-win-win!

Most of the people at the gym I work out at have a lot of outdoor activities that supplement their gym regimens. Biking, hiking, running, skiing, kayaking, etc. And in my case, polo on horseback. All very athletic endeavors. Even those who feel that they are past the age for the extremeness of mountain biking or skiing, at least walk every day. Anyplace good in Colorado is most likely uphill! LOL This adds to the burning of excess calories. A shining example is last weekends "Pikes Peak Ascent (and Marathon). 13 miles UP HILL! Over 6,000 feet UP HILL! "... and if you're on the deluxe tour, you get to turn around and run back down..." The event fills up so fast, that a lot of people who want to do this, have already been beaten to the signup! I believe it sold out in under 3 days this year! "Hey, let's all run up that 14,000 foot mountain!" "Great idea! I'll race ya!" LOL

People here also seem to be slightly more in tune with "what" they put in their bodies as well. Most of my associates tend to eat more nutritiously than in other parts of the country that I have lived. I haven't met a lot of vegans, and only a few vegetarians, as most people tend to eat meals that are in balance. Even, not too large, portions of protiens, carbs and fiber-rich foods that can be quickly assimilated, burned off and digested.

In addition, due to the inherently, and sometimes excessively, dry climate, we drink A LOT of water! This also helps to flush excess fats and retained toxins from our bodies and keeps us effectively hydrated which also helps to keep everything in balance as well as filling us up with zero-calorie fluid.

I don't really believe that everyone in Colorado is necessarily focused on being "the fittest" or "the skinniest" state, we just love to be outside, doing fun things, and don't over eat because we filled up on water! IMO, of course!

[dnvrsoul]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

Tapeworms.

It actually has a lot to do with the climate as well. Even during the dead of summer you can spend decent amounts of time outside without feeling miserable.

I agree...well not the Tapeworm part...

I know this sounds strange but I also believe it's because people feel safe and go outside-plus it's the vibe to take care of yourself -in other parts of the country-it's not the vibe.

As soon as I move back I'll be trying to lose the 10 pounds I found in Florida.

[CosmicWizard]

In most states, an 8.5 mile hike with an elevation gain of 2500 ft would deter all but the seriously diehard hikers, but not in Colorado where testing ourselves in the great outdoors is our un-official statewide religion. Even the out-of-state visitors get caught up in it. In Colorado, an 8.5 mile hike, from 8700 to 11,200 ft elevation is something that some foolhardy beginners attempt to do in bare feet. I bet the idiots won't try that again! Must be something in the thin Rocky Mountain air that causes people from the lowland states to simply ignore common sense.

In a conundrum over popular Colorado backcountry hot springs

We're almost too fit for our own good. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

[Snikt]

Originally Posted by CosmicWizard

In most states, an 8.5 mile hike with an elevation gain of 2500 ft would deter all but the seriously diehard hikers, but not in Colorado where testing ourselves in the great outdoors is our un-official statewide religion. Even the out-of-state visitors get caught up in it. In Colorado, an 8.5 mile hike, from 8700 to 11,200 ft elevation is something that some foolhardy beginners attempt to do in bare feet. I bet the idiots won't try that again! Must be something in the thin Rocky Mountain air that causes people from the lowland states to simply ignore common sense.

In a conundrum over popular Colorado backcountry hot springs

We're almost too fit for our own good. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Saw many people with 1 Aquafina and hiking in all cotton and jeans just starting Mt Bierstadt at 1PM when the storms were rolling in. I'm amazed there aren't more hypothermia, dehydration, etc.. deaths. Maybe there are they just aren't broadcast on the news

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

Tapeworms.

You are so wrong.
Giardia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia is the correct answer.

[smpliving]

Love for and proximity to the mountains for skiiing, mountain biking/racing, and other sports. Colorado has the best snow for skiiing, even over Europe, according to my brother. Also the presence of the military and job opportunities related to that. My brother has been a long-time, on-and-off resident of Colorado, now a retired naval commander/pilot, working currently as a defense contractor. He's a permanent fixture in Colorado/Utah since military retirement.

[Lugnuts]

There is a lot of info on the net about the correlation between weight loss and altitude.
Eg Obese People Lose Weight at High Altitudes | LiveScience

The higher up you go, the easier it is to lose weight. Since Colorado is one of the higher states, the altitude does affect the metabolic rates of the residents. Of course, an active lifestyle contributes to our health as well. I've spent a lot of time in the Andes and the Himalayas. When I got high enough, it just didn't matter what I ate; beer, bistek montados, ice cream, etc. still lost a lot of weight and I didn't have much fat to start with.