@Nurpur India,
Published on December 17, 2025,
By Pawan,
From Colorado’s trail culture to California’s gym boom, new research ranks the most fitness-obsessed states in the U.S. Learn which states lead and how beginners can copy their habits.
 |
| These Ten States Are Leading the Workout Revolution |
Highlight Key Points
- A new ranking reveals around a dozen “fitness-obsessed” states, with Colorado, California, and Hawaii leading the pack.mensjournal+1
- These states combine high exercise rates, dense gym and trail networks, and huge volumes of fitness-related Google searches.onfocus+1
- Vermont and Utah emerge as “quietly obsessed” leaders, with some of the highest rates of regular exercise and weight-loss interest.worldhealth+1
- States like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Delaware prove that even with higher gym fees, residents still prioritize structured workouts.onfocus+1
- Beginners can “train like they live in a top state” by scheduling regular movement, using local outdoor spaces, and following structured online programs.acsm+1
What’s the Latest Fitness Craze? These Ten States Are Leading the Workout Revolution
Colorado, California, and Hawaii are leading a new wave of “fitness-obsessed” states, topping a fresh ranking that tracks everything from gym access to workout Google searches across America.
For beginner and intermediate fitness fans, this new data explains why some states feel like one big outdoor gym—while others are just starting to catch up.mensjournal+2
The Study Behind the New “Fitness-Obsessed” Map
A new study analyzing gym density, outdoor trail access, fitness class options, and monthly online searches for workout-related terms has named the most “fitness-obsessed” states in the U.S.
The research shows not just where people work out the most, but where fitness is turning into a full-blown lifestyle, from weekend hikes to constant workout Googling.yahoo+2
The top states combine three big factors: high rates of people exercising outside their jobs, plenty of gyms and trails per resident, and huge search volumes for fitness topics like workouts, weight loss, and training plans.
Together, these signals paint a picture of states where being active is normal—not a New Year’s resolution phase.totalshape+2
The Ten Most Fitness-Obsessed States
While one study highlights the “top 10,” overlapping research on exercise participation, gym membership, and weight-loss search trends helps expand the picture to roughly a dozen standout states.
These states consistently appear at or near the top in fitness participation, outdoor activity, or fitness search interest.worldhealth+3
Also Read : Resistance Bands Are Revolutionizing Chest Workouts in 2026 – Here's Why Beginners Are Hooked
Key Fitness-Obsessed States (Core List)
- Colorado
- California
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- New York
Other research on highly active or weight-loss-focused states pulls in Vermont and Utah as strong contenders for the “fitness-obsessed” label.
Vermont ranks as the most weight-loss-obsessed state, with about a third of residents exercising regularly and high search rates for diets, while Utah shows one of the highest percentages of adults exercising outside work.onfocus+1
Working Discover angle: These 10 states together represent where fitness, weight management, and active lifestyles are becoming part of daily culture—not just a trip to the gym.
Why Colorado Sits at the Top
Colorado repeatedly ranks as one of the fittest and most active states in the country, and this new ranking confirms its “fitness-obsessed” status.
The state combines high exercise participation, leading levels of physical activity outside work, and a dense network of hiking trails, outdoor spaces, and gyms.totalshape+1
One report notes that Colorado residents not only exercise more than people in most other states but also show strong online interest in fitness topics—searching for workouts, gyms, and health information at high rates.
That mix of real-world training and digital curiosity makes Colorado a model for beginner and intermediate fitness fans looking for an environment that supports an active lifestyle year-round.yahoo+1
West Coast Powerhouses: California and Washington
California lands near the top thanks to its massive number of gyms, hiking trails, and fitness programs—plus millions of monthly fitness-related Google searches. Around 78–79% of Californians report doing physical activity outside work,
supported by access to thousands of gyms and outdoor options like beaches, hills, and parks.totalshape+1
Washington also shows up in “most obsessed” rankings with strong regular exercise rates and solid gym membership numbers. About 31–32% of Washington residents report regular exercise and nearly a quarter belong to health clubs, signaling a strong commitment to structured fitness in addition to outdoor movement.worldhealth+1
Island & East Coast Leaders: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Delaware, New Jersey
Hawaii blends outdoor adventure with indoor training: hundreds of hiking trails, gyms, and group classes keep residents moving year-round. The state’s relatively low obesity rates and strong physical activity levels help explain why it consistently ranks among the fittest in America.yahoo+1
Massachusetts appears in both “fitness-obsessed” and “fittest state” style rankings. The state features thousands of gyms, high regular exercise rates (over three-quarters of residents), and one of the highest average gym membership prices in the country—yet people still pay, which shows strong commitment.onfocus+2
Delaware and New Jersey also make the cut thanks to high exercise participation and dense gym coverage. Even with higher membership costs in some areas, residents maintain strong workout habits, from gym sessions to outdoor training.onfocus+1
The “Quietly Obsessed”: Vermont, Utah, and Other Overachievers
Vermont ranks as the U.S. state most obsessed with weight loss culture, earning a near-perfect score in one analysis of exercise frequency and weight-loss searches. Roughly 34–35% of Vermonters exercise regularly, and weight-loss searches per 100 residents are among the highest in the nation.worldhealth
Utah scores highly in activity rankings, with about 83% of adults exercising outside their jobs—the highest share in one major analysis—despite slightly higher gym fees.
States like Connecticut and Arizona also score well in physical activity and gym affordability, indicating strong but perhaps less-publicized fitness cultures.totalshape+1
What This Means for Everyday Fitness Fans
For beginner and intermediate exercisers, living in a “fitness-obsessed” state can mean:
- More gyms and classes within short driving distance
- Better access to safe trails, parks, and outdoor workout spaces
- Higher chance your friends, coworkers, or neighbors are also working on fitness goals
Studies also suggest that states with higher physical activity often have lower obesity rates and better overall health outcomes. That means the broader culture around you—how often people move, what they search for, and what facilities exist—can make starting and sticking to a routine easier.statista+2
If you live outside these top-ranked states, the data still sends a clear message: Regular exercise, access to at least some fitness resources, and staying curious (searching for workouts, learning, tracking progress) are common threads in the most successful fitness cultures.futurefit+2
Quick Tips: How to Train Like You Live in a “Fitness-Obsessed” State
Beginner and intermediate readers can borrow habits from residents of these high-ranking states:
- Schedule movement outside work at least 3–5 days per week, even if it is just walking or short home workouts.statista+1
- Use local parks, sidewalks, or trails if your gym options are limited—top states maximize both indoor and outdoor training.yahoo+1
- Treat Google as a coach, not a distraction: search for structured beginner programs, technique videos, and recovery tips instead of random “quick fixes.”futurefit+1
Pairing consistent activity with even basic strength and cardio work (like bodyweight circuits plus brisk walking) can deliver many of the benefits people in “fittest” states enjoy, no matter where you live.acsm+1
Read More : What’s the Latest Fitness Craze? These Ten States Are Leading the Workout Revolution,
Trusted Source Tag :
- https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/new-study-names-the-10-most-fitness-obsessed-states
- https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/study-names-10-most-fitness-040724453.html
- https://totalshape.com/fitness/fittest-states-in-the-us/
- https://worldhealth.net/news/states-u-s-exercise-gyms-and-body-image-trend/
- https://www.onfocus.news/research-finds-connecticut-utah-and-massachusetts-top-three-most-physically-active-states/
- https://www.statista.com/topics/11114/fitness-industry-in-the-us/
- https://www.futurefit.co.uk/blog/fitness-statistics/
- https://acsm.org/top-fitness-trends-2025/
- https://fitbizweekly.ca/the-biggest-fitness-health-studies-of-2025-and-what-they-mean-for-canadas-fitness-industry/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/1p1emnb/which_us_states_work_out_the_most/
- https://www.placer.ai/anchor/articles/fitness-a-strong-start-to-2024
- https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2025/07/23/fittest-cities
- https://www.mmcginvest.com/post/u-s-fitness-and-gym-industry-report-2025-2030-outlook
- https://massagetools.com/most-fitness-friendly-cities-america
- https://wod.guru/blog/fittest-cities-in-america/
- https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/healthiest-cities/
- https://www.topnutritioncoaching.com/blog/most-active-states
- https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/genz/2024/01/2024-01-23d.html
- https://barbend.com/news/best-and-worst-states-for-a-healthy-lifestyle/
- https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends