The Fittest States in the U.S., Ranked
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The U.S. is at once known for its supersize meals and for being the epicenter of the fitness craze. While some people are obsessed with CrossFit and clean eating, others simply don't see what all the fuzz is about.
So, which states take fitness seriously and which ones, well, simply don't seem to care? Here are all 50 states (plus Washington, D.C.), ranked in terms of fitness — and how to keep active in each.
51. West Virginia
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Population: 1.79 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
*Rankings are based on Garage Gym Reviews' "The Fittest States in America 2023" report.
Keeping Fit in West Virginia
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With the second-highest obesity rate in the country, West Virginia doesn't fare well on this list.
Those who want to get active can go white water rafting. Maybe some don't think of rafting as exercise, but anyone who has ever shot down the Gauley, New, Cheat, Tygart, Shenandoah or Potomac Rivers will tell you otherwise.
The high-adrenaline adventures found in the valleys of West Virginia include Class V rapids that require lots of muscle to paddle, steer and maintain balance in the raft or kayak.
50. Alabama
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Population: 5.02 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit 24
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Alabama
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Alabama isn't known for being fit. Maybe it's because the folks of Alabama are spending too much time watching and not enough doing? The obesity rate is 39 percent, the third-highest in the U.S.
The activity of choice in Alabama is NASCAR. (Don't tell the people of Alabama that NASCAR racing isn't a sport!) A lot of adrenaline goes into every race, including those who watch. You can catch races at Talladega Superspeedway to see for yourself how cool it is to feel the rumble of the race cars speeding past.
49. Mississippi
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Population: 2.96 million
Top Workout: Barre, CrossFit, Strength Training
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Mississippi
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Let's be real. Mississippi often winds up dead last on a lot of these lists. It's also the leading state for adult obesity with 39.7 percent of the people classified as obese. But all is not lost in this southern state.
Did you know the state is the birthplace of blues music? Locals and tourists alike can get in their exercise while dancing to local musicians — Jimmy Buffett, B.B. King and Elvis Presley were all born in Mississippi. Plus, there are more than 200 stops along the state's official Blues Trail.
48. Kentucky
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Population: 4.5 million
Top Workouts: Home Workouts, Barre, Strength training
Top Diet: Meal Prep / Paleo (tie)
Keeping Fit in Kentucky
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Louisville, Kentucky, is home to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which tells the story of how America's pastime was built using the wooden Louisville Slugger bats, first created here.
Of course, baseball is played here, too. Louisville is home to the Minor League Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Still, with obesity rates at 36.6 percent, maybe a little more playing and less watching would be a good idea.
47. Arkansas
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Population: 3.01 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Cycling
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Arkansas
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We blame the state's ancient thermal springs for its low ranking. Who wants to be at the gym when they could be soaking in warm water?
There are 47 springs spilling a million gallons of thermal water on Hot Springs Mountain every day. The temperature is a hot 143 degrees Fahrenheit and serves as a natural hot tub in Hot Springs, Arkansas, bathhouses. It's the perfect place to rest tired muscles (or already relaxed ones for that matter).
46. Indiana
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Population: 6.81 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Home Workouts, Strength Training
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Indiana
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This midwestern state has a high obesity rate (36.8 percent), but Indiana is more than ho-hum when it comes to sports. It is home to the world-famous Indy 500.
No, you won't see car racing on Rave Reviews' fitness list, and yes, only pros can participate in this race, but for more than a century, the driver who competes in the 500-lap race needs to be physically strong enough to handle the pace.
45. Ohio
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Population: 11.8 million
Top Workouts: Strength Training, CrossFit, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Ohio
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While Ohio may not be as renowned as others for its sports and events, it is one of the most popular states for golf.
There are nearly 800 golf courses in Ohio, including nationally recognized Golf Club, Inverness Club and Muirfield Village courses.
44. Tennessee
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Population: 6.91 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Tennessee
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Home to 20 percent of America's caves, Tennessee offers underground hiking, diving and spelunking (exploring caves). While not for the claustrophobic, all the physical endeavors of hiking in the mountains above the earth are just done below by the light of flashlights.
Even those interested in trying for the first time can find tour guides for places like Raccoon Mountain Caverns and The Lost Sea, which boasts a 13-acre underground lake.
43. Oklahoma
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Population: 3.96 million
Top Workouts: CrossFit, Strength Training, Barre
Top Diet: Keto
Keeping Fit in Oklahoma
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It's a meat and potatoes world in Oklahoma. Only 37.3 percent of people report doing any aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week — and, yes, that includes walking.
But you'll get aerobics in on a rough and rowdy rodeo. The first rodeo in the state was held in the mid-1880s. Competitors keep cowboy traditions alive with bull riding, roping and barrel racing, bringing spectators to some of the biggest rodeo events in the country.
42. Iowa
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Population: 3.19 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Iowa
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Iowa is home to an annual bike ride across the state that draws thousands of participants. RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is the world's largest, longest and oldest bike ride. Taking place over the course of seven days, 8,500 riders (plus 1,500-day riders) cross the state from west to east every summer.
The ride is so popular a lottery takes place in the winter to secure a spot for the 468-mile trek — although not enough are participating with obesity rates at 36.5 percent.
41. Nevada
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Population: 3.1 million
Top Workouts: Yoga, Strength Training, Barre
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Nevada
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Being physically fit is a way of life for many who live in Nevada, home to four national parks, eight ski resorts, and nine lakes and reservoirs. One of the top posters of #bodypositivity, the Great Outdoors is great for its residents.
In Las Vegas, under the neon lights, spectators also can find the nation's top spot for boxing. This is where some of the biggest matches in the history of the sport have taken place. Showing off their own top levels of fitness have been the likes of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya and George Foreman. And tickets to these shows don't come cheap!
40. Kansas
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Population: 2.94 million
Top Workouts: Strength Training, Barre, CrossFit
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Kansas
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Kansas may be one of the least-fit states, but in all fairness, the residents spent much of the year watching the Kansas City Chiefs win their first Superbowl in 50 years.
The Chiefs technically play on the Kansas City, Missouri, side, but neighboring Kansans share a love for the team. Who knows, maybe the big win will inspire people to play more football?
39. Missouri
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Population: 6.15 million
Top Workouts: Strength Training, Barre, CrossFit
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Missouri
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Does "meal prep" count when someone else is prepping some serious barbecue? (It should!) Who needs strength training when you can do curls getting the famous regional cue from the plate to your lips? Not people from Missouri, 27.8 percent of whom strength train — that's a pretty low number!
Follow the state's Barbecue Trail, or visit Kansas City in September for the American Royal, the world's largest barbecue competition. Just be careful how much you eat.
38. South Dakota
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Population: 886,667
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga / CrossFit (tie)
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in South Dakota
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South Dakotans don't seem to be searching for a gym near them. There are also just not that many gyms in the state compared to others.
Instead, people in this state try to keep active by riding their motorcycles. Around 500,000 people descend upon the town of Sturgis for nearly two weeks every August for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It's one of the most famous rallies in the world!
37. Louisiana
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Population: 4.66 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Louisiana
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Louisiana gets a bad rap for fitness. Blame it on the delicious, but calorie-heavy Cajun cuisine.
The Bayou State is home to jazz. New Orleans is credited with being the birthplace of this lively musical combination of blues and ragtime, and it's easy to burn calories dancing the night away at one of the city's many music joints.
And there is no better place to dance to jazz than at NOLA's annual Jazz Festival, which has been celebrating the music since 1970.
36. Michigan
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Population: 10.08 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Michigan
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We would've imagined that the state that started snowboarding would fair much better on fitness levels than No. 36.
Michigan has 40 ski resorts — more than celebrated winter destinations like Colorado and Utah. Head to North Michigan's Boyne Highlands, and you'll find the longest ski run in the state.
35. Maine
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Population: 1.36 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Maine
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Maine's people may not be the fittest of all, but they do keep relatively fit by being active in the outdoors. In the summer, hiking and boating top the daily to-do list, while the winter brings snow-covered fun.
Snowshoeing is especially popular, as much of the state is blanketed with snow when roads close until they thaw. There are even 42 parks and preserved land dedicated to snowshoeing. However, long winters can be brutal on those who don't get outside. Carb loading winters could be to blame for the state's not-so-great rank.
34. Pennsylvania
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Population: 13 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Pennsylvania
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Despite its middle-of-the-road ranking, Pennsylvania is known for its sports culture.
The state's schools boast high levels of lacrosse and field hockey participation with some of the best players in the country sprouting from here.
33. Virginia
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Population: 8.6 million
Top Workouts: Strength Training, Barre, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal prep
Keeping Fit in Virginia
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Virginia is in other words, very average when it comes to fitness.
But if you want to be active, there are plenty of options. Yoga, pilates and other such activities are popular in the north. Beaches provide great places for summer swimming in the east, and the west is blessed with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
32. North Dakota
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Population: 779,094
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, Home Workouts
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in North Dakota
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North Dakota's Great Plains beckon active folks to move onwards and upwards instead. There has been a rise in rock climbing in the state, with six climbing areas established under the North Dakota Climber's Coalition. Instead of just viewing massive rock formations like Chimney Butte, you can climb them instead.
31. Texas
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Population: 29.15 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Texas
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It can get real hot in Texas, which may explain why indoor workouts such as yoga, barre and strength training lead the activities for residents. But Texas is also renowned for being one of the most competitive states for swimming.
Competitive or not, swimming is a popular pastime in Texas. Not only does it share a border with the Gulf of Mexico, but it also has 7,000 lakes in which to take a dip.
30. Nebraska
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Population: 1.96 million
Top Workouts: Strength Training, Barre, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Nebraska
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If you spent your days working farms, fields and ranches maybe you, too, would prefer a quiet stroll or drive through Henry Doorly Zoo or Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari in your downtime.
29. North Carolina
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Population: 10.44 million
Top Workouts: Strength Training, Barre, Yoga / CrossFit (tie)
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in North Carolina
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North Carolina residents and tourists are much more than their indoor fitness routines. This is a mild-winter, long-summer destination where the courts and courses rule.
Pros love it, too, arriving in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, just before the annual U.S. Open grand slam in the summer. The ATP 250 event is even fun for spectators.
28. New York
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Population: 20.2 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, Strength Training
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in New York
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New York City is the first city to hold a marathon race, and throughout the year, people across the city are training for the main event.
The marathon took place in 1896, and today, up to 98,000 people run the 26.2-mile race that goes through all five boroughs of New York.
27. Illinois
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Population: 12.81 million
Top Workouts: Strength Training, Barre, Yoga
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Illinois
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Illinois' score is probably skewed by Chicago. In the city, people participate in strength training, cardio and trendy exercise classes. Outside of the city, there is less interest in hitting the gym.
In the summer, people keep active by swimming in Lake Michigan. But winter makes it hard for anyone to leave the house, let alone stay fit.
26. Wisconsin
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Population: 5.89 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, home Workouts
Top Diet: Keto
Keeping Fit in Wisconsin
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In a world where bowling alleys are dwindling, they are still pretty popular in the Dairy State. (It has the third-highest concentration in the country.)
Although Wisconsin doesn't rank high on this list, it also didn't do as badly as other states in the Midwest.
25. Maryland
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Population: 6.18 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Home Workouts
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Maryland
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Maryland's location along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean lends to its capital city of Annapolis to be the sailing capital of
Sailing isn't about a lazy day at sea, but a real feat of endurance, strength and cardio. Good thing strength training is popular in Maryland.
24. California
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Population: 39.54 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, Strength Training
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in California
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The people of California love organic, clean-eating, low-carb diets and the year-round good weather to enjoy the state's spoils.
There are mountains to be hiked and skied, oceans to be surfed and beaches to show off muscles. Venice Beach is the birthplace of Gold's Gym and Muscle Beach while nearby Santa Monica is the birthplace of beach volleyball. The state also is home to more professional sports teams in the U.S. and more Heisman Trophy winners.
But a lot of California is also rural and poor, which makes it harder for people to live a healthy lifestyle.
23. Georgia
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Population: 10.71 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Georgia
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Meal prep may receive more attention than paleo, but the latter diet actually got its start in Georgia. Following the Paleolithic studies of Walter Voegtlin, Emory University Professor Dr. S. Boyd Eaton wrote "The Paleolithic Prescription" in 1988. The doctor argued that struggles with modern diseases and health are due to the fact that our bodies were meant to eat the foods of our ancestors. Ever since, millions of copies of paleo-themed diet books have been sold.
22. New Mexico
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Population: 2.12 million
Top Workouts: Yoga, Barre, CrossFit
Top Diet: Clean Eating
Keeping Fit in New Mexico
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If you spend much of your time keeping an eye on the stars, it can be difficult to squeeze in a workout. Perhaps, it's New Mexico's infamous alien visitors that keep home workouts searches to one of the lowest in the country. It is believed a UFO crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, and everyone has been on the lookout ever since.
But each July, a three-day festival draws thousands who sport fashion straight out of a sci-fi novel to run or walk the annual Alien Chase 5K or 10K.
21. Arizona
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Population: 7.15 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Home Workouts
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Arizona
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With places like the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, hiking is a major pastime for Arizona residents.
Strength training is essential in Arizona. Yes, getting the muscles ready for mountain climbs is important, but they also come in handy for white water rafting, lake water skiing and other adventures that keep locals and visitors outside.
20. New Jersey
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Population: 8.29 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in New Jersey
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New Jersey's mix of hills and sea provide an avenue of playgrounds for body-conscious residents. The state also introduced the world to Ultimate Frisbee, a cross between football, basketball, soccer and, yes, Frisbee.
This high-energy sport is legit fitness, as you'll need to be at your best level to win.
19. Washington
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Population: 7.7 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Washington
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Washington is home to the North and South Cascades Mountain Ranges, Mount St. Helens as well as Mount Rainier National Park. At 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is the third-tallest peak in the contiguous U.S.
With so many places to enjoy the outdoors, it's no surprise the state is within the top 20 fittest.
18. Hawaii
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Population: 1.46 million
Top Workouts: Yoga, Barre, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Hawaii
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The ocean surrounding the islands of Hawaii keeps its population in swimsuits much of the year. A healthy lifestyle makes it easier to be active, and Hawaii has outdoor fun in the sun to be had on every square inch.
Hawaii is especially popular for surfing. Tell us you don't think of Hawaii and think of the Big Kahuna surfers enjoying the gnarly waves.
17. Alaska
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Population: 733,391
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, Cycling
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Alaska
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Anyone can do yoga and barre, but how many can say they can mush?
Sled dogs were used to maneuver across the Inuit lands that include Alaska. Today, mushing sled dogs is a form of recreation. The annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage to Nome takes more than 50 teams nearly 1,000 miles and two weeks to complete.
It's not just a test of strength for the dogs, but also one of the people mushing, and Alaska has healthy obesity levels to prove it.
16. Idaho
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Population: 1.84 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Idaho
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The people of Idaho have low obesity rates and plenty of outdoors to keep them active.
Boise alone has 150 different trails and routes for mountain bikers. The entire state is two-wheeler friendly with 12,000 miles of single-track trails.
15. New Hampshire
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Population: 1.38
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, Strength Training
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in New Hampshire
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New Hampshire residents keep fit in the summer and winter. Like its neighbor, Vermont, both alpine and cross-country skiing are popular, and New Hampshire offers 33 ski resorts to keep people moving.
The White Mountains of the north provide the best cross-country ski area in the east in Jackson, New Hampshire. Here, there are more than 50 trails and 60,000 miles to explore.
14. Oregon
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Population: 4.24 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Oregon
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Of course, Oregon landed in the top 15. Not only does it love to try new-and-improved methods of strength training like barre and CrossFit, but the state can also say it introduced the world to the elliptical trainer.
The machines were created in 1995 by Precor following Inventor Larry Miller's efforts to improve his daughter's fitness levels. This cardio machine works both the upper and lower body, unlike many stationary machines built for exercise.
13. South Carolina
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Population: 5.12 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in South Carolina
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The hot and humid weather doesn't stop the people of South Carolina from being outside (although it still lands in the red zone for obesity). Whether it is strength training in the Great Outdoors, doing CrossFit or spending time on the courses and courts that can be enjoyed year-round, this state is more about fitness than people think.
One sport that has become hugely popular in the state's vacation destinations like Hilton Head is Pickleball. This combination of tennis, Ping Pong and badminton was invented in Washington State, but the retirees of the Carolinas have made it their own and are spreading it up and down the coast.
12. Minnesota
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Population: 5.71 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Minnesota
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While the lack of diets and workouts may land Minnesota outside of the top 10, it has the rest of the country beat in a good way when it comes to hockey. This extremely physical sport requires strength, agility and speed, and surely states in the South cannot compete, no matter how much strength training they do.
Minnesota was the first state to have a college organize a hockey team to compete against its northern neighbors on ice skates. Before there were cars, Minnesotans were on skates, and it happens to be nicknamed the "11th province of Canada."
11. Wyoming
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Population: 576,851
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, Cycling
Top Diet: Clean Eating
Keeping Fit in Wyoming
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Why run when you can ride?
There are nearly 1 million horses in Wyoming — more than its human residents — and more often than not the local favorite form of exercise is a ride through the rugged terrain. (It's worth noting that residents here have lower obesity rates.) Even visitors can take part by staying at one of more than two-dozen dude ranches.
10. Delaware
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Population: 1 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Delaware
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The small state of Delaware lands in the top 10, and that is due to a love of all things barre. This exercise class uses a ballet barre and uses the movements of ballet for a strengthening and flexibility workout.
Residents can also enjoy their proximity to the ocean for all kinds of water-related sports.
9. Florida
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Population: 21.54 million
Top Workouts: Yoga, CrossFit, Strength Training
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Florida
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Beach bods on the coasts of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico can be seen jogging, walking, biking, rollerskating and rollerblading along the sand-strewn sidewalks and boardwalks.
Many Floridians are obsessed with fitness and eating well, especially on the coasts, though the story somewhat changes as you go inland.
8. Massachusetts
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Population: 7.03 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Massachusetts
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Massachusetts makes it into the top 10, which is not a surprise when you consider the array of things to do. From skiing, ice skating and playing hockey in the winter to sailing, swimming and hiking in the summer and everything in between, Massachusetts is an active state — and has a low obesity rate to show for it.
Crew (rowing) is popular amongst the colleges of Massachusetts. Every fall since 1965, Cambridge hosts the Head of the Charles Regatta, which is the largest two-day regatta in the world. More than 11,000 crew in 1,900 boats compete in 61 events on the Charles River with even more thousands of spectators in attendance.
7. District of Columbia
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Population: 689,545
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in D.C.
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Washington, D.C. has the second-lowest obesity rate in the country. Everywhere you turn, there are people walking, biking, running, kayaking, sculling and packing gyms.
As one of the few walkable cities in the country, people are more active in their day-to-day life than they are in car-centric places. It doesn't hurt that much of the population also earns well enough to afford organic food and gym memberships.
6. Rhode Island
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Population: 1.1 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, CrossFit
Top Diet: Meal Prep
Keeping Fit in Rhode Island
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The popularity of CrossFit in Rhode Island isn't a surprise. This is a state known for pushing physical feats. In fact, in 1995, the very first extreme sports competition, X Games, was held in Rhode Island.
X Games include BMX freestyle, skateboarding, motocross and mountain biking during the summer when the games were first launched. It takes a lot of skill and fitness to not only ride a bike, but to also flip into a backward somersault and land on it. The people of Rhode Island land in the top 10 lowest-obesity rates in the country.
5. Montana
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Population: 1.08 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Pilates, Running
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Montana
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Montana residents have some of the lowest obesity rates in the country. This is Big Sky country, and let's just say they'd rather be outdoors than in.
That's easy to do when there are 3,223 lakes and reservoirs, which makes the state a kayaker's dream. The deepest lake in the state is the 492-foot deep Tally Lake, which spans 1,200 acres.
4. Utah
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Population: 3.27 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Keto
Keeping Fit in Utah
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One of the top states for hiking in the U.S., Utah is home to the Mighty Five. These are five of America's most-visited and most-beautiful national parks: Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon.
There are nearly 1,300 hiking trails in the state, including one that stretches 149.6 miles.
3. Vermont
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Population: 643,077
Top Workouts: Barre, Yoga, Strength Training
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Vermont
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The nature-loving state of Vermont has a more holistic approach to health. Some may call Vermonters "crunchy," but it's a compliment to be more in tune with the surroundings.
Winters may be long and morph into "mud season," which is why skiing is a big part of life for residents and visitors. There are 20 alpine and 30 cross-country ski resorts in the state, including Killington, its largest.
2. Connecticut
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Population: 3.61 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, Yoga
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Connecticut
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The small state of Connecticut actually has a host of fitness-conscious activities. There are land and sea to enjoy in this New England state. But it's Frisbee (with two e's) that got its start here — all because of pie.
After eating the popular William Frisbie pies at the Frisbie Pie Company in Bridgeport, university students in the late 1800s would throw the tins into the trash after cleaning their plates. Eventually, a plastic version was created, and you'll find people in Connecticut parks and beaches still tossing them today.
1. Colorado
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Population: 5.77 million
Top Workouts: Barre, Strength Training, CrossFit
Top Diet: Paleo
Keeping Fit in Colorado
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Colorado's mountains make it an outdoor lover's paradise. The people of Colorado are very active and fit beyond the fitness classes and healthy eating. Here, if you aren't hiking, mountain biking, skiing or snowboarding, you are the odd one out. Plus, Colorado has a low obesity rate of about 23 percent.
A newer outdoor sport has caught wind here, too: sandboarding. When there isn't snow, boarders ride the sand found at Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the highest sand dunes in North America.