Last Updated on June 19, 2023
There’s nothing like exercising outdoors. Whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, or playing pickleball or tennis, it’s nice to work out while breathing fresh air and surrounded by nature if possible. What state do you think is the best for outdoor exercise?
An outdoor exercise study was conducted by Total Shape, a fitness resource site providing information about workouts, supplements, and fitness to help individuals meet their goals. Total Shape analyzed several factors in each U.S. state which were measured along with the size of each state to determine the rankings for best states for outdoor exercise.
The results may surprise you.
The following factors were analyzed and given an index score to determine the ranking.
- National Parks
- Weather
- Coastline
- Parks
- Temperature
- Boats & Water Sports Facilities
- Beaches
- Sports Camps & Clinics
- Kayaking & Canoeing Attractions
- Ski & Snowboarding Facilities
- Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Facilities
- Hiking Trails
- Biking Trails
- Golf Courses
- Adrenaline & Extreme Sports Facilities
A spokesperson from Total Shape commented that “Whilst indoor exercise can become repetitive, using similar machines or the same routine, thus decreasing motivation to stay active – outdoor exercise can tackle this. Taking advantage of your surroundings can be incredibly helpful, whether your state has landed in the top 10 or not, to ensure you can mix up your exercise routines so that it remains enjoyable.”
Drum roll, please… these are the rankings.
#1 Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi takes the crown as best state for outdoor exercise with a score of 84.17.
Hawaiʻi received the highest score compared to other states due to its adrenaline and extreme sports facilities with 121.66 for every 10,000th mile making it ideal for those wishing to combine some thrill with outdoor exercise.
#2 California
California garnished the second spot with a score of 70.97.
The state scored particularly high for sports camps and clinics, with 207 total throughout California. This allows for plenty of options for its residents to exercise outdoors – rock climbing, tennis, and yoga, and much more.
#3 Massachusetts
Massachusetts earned a score of 68.55. The state scored particularly high for its kayaking and canoeing attractions, perfect for those who enjoy getting out on the water.
In addition, Massachusetts scored the highest for the number of golf courses compared to other states with 134.55 for every 10,000th mile.
#4 Rhode Island
Just behind the Bay State with a final score of 68.22 was Rhode Island which had the highest score of all states for beaches at 297.74 per 10,000 miles. There are plenty of opportunities in this Northwest state to take exercise to the coastline, from yoga to running.
In addition, the state scored the highest for both hiking and biking trails.
#5 Utah
Utah’s score of 66.76 was heavily based on the percentage of adults having at least one park within a half-mile of their home. Residents can opt for a run in their local parks, or even take their home workouts to the great outdoors.
#6 Arizona
Arizona’s 65.50 score is reflective of the state’s low annual precipitation. This means locals won’t need to worry about rain ruining their hiking adventures, biking or outdoor workouts.
#7 Connecticut
Here’s a surprise. Connecticut places seventh with a final score of 65.32.
The state received one of the highest scores for boat and water sport facilities with 175 per 10,000 miles. Exercise enthusiasts can burn calories on the water with activities like water skiing or wake surfing.
#8 Delaware
Surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing facilities helped boost Delaware’s score of 65.14 with 44.2 available for every 10,000th mile.
#9 Colorado
I must say that I was surprised that this outdoor lovers’ nirvana came in 9th place, but it did, one one hundredth of a point behind Delaware with a score of 65.13.
Residents here can work up a sweat by tackling the slopes, with the state scoring high for the number of skiing and snowboarding facilities – with a total of 80.
#10 Maryland
Maryland rounds out the list with a final score of 64.63. The state scored the highest overall for the number of miles of shoreline per 10,000 miles, 2,571.34 to be precise, so its residents can easily can swap the treadmill for a run along the coast.
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