The U.S. Cities With the Most Gyms per Capita Might Surprise You

If you're into fitness, you know your environment can seriously impact your training and performance. Sure, you can find a gym in pretty much any U.S. city, but if fitness is a big part of your lifestyle, not just any gym (or gym culture) will cut it. Living in a place where you're surrounded by people who prioritize health and wellness doesn’t just help you stay motivated—it can also help you find your crew. Whether you're thinking about relocating or just curious which cities are the most gym-packed, a new report from Cinch breaks down the cities with the highest concentration of gyms.

To find the cities with the most vibrant fitness scenes, Cinch—a marketing software company for gyms—dug into the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Their analysis looked at national gym growth trends, regional differences in gym density, and how access to fitness centers relates to certain health indicators.

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US Cities With the Most Gyms

While access to fitness centers varies significantly by location, some regions offer more options than others. 

The Northeast

According to the report, the Northeastern parts of the country have the most gyms per capita, with an average of 15.1 gyms per 100,000 residents. Several locations stand out, with New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island reporting more than 18 gyms per 100k residents. The highest concentration of gyms is found in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with 28.5 gyms per 100,000 residents. That's more than twice the national average!

The South

While parts of the South actually have the lowest number of gyms per capita, bigger up-and-coming cities with younger populations are making a name for themselves. Raleigh made the top of the large metro list with 22.2 gyms per 100k residents, with Charlotte earning a close second with 21.2 gyms per 100k residents. 

Mountain West

The mountain west region of the country has long been known for being one of the most active parts of the nation. According to Cinch, Boulder in particular stands out as a national leader in terms of physical health and fitness. Not only does it have the first-highest density of gyms in smaller metro areas (27.8 per 100k), but it also reports the lowest obesity rate (18%). Denver also has a fit population with 19.1 gyms for every 100k residents.

Whether you're searching for your next home or curious how your city stacks up, this report makes one thing clear: where you live can shape how fit you are. From the fitness-focused hubs in the Northeast to the health-conscious pockets of the Mountain West, these cities prove that being surrounded by a strong fitness culture can make all the difference.