Posted: May 14, 2021 / 7:48 AM MDTUpdated: May 14, 2021 / 07:48 AM MDT
GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado – Americans across the country obviously feel that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing.
The decline in mental and physical health in Colorado is why Colorado Governor Jared Polis made May this year Colorado Fitness Month. The proclamation prioritizes health and fitness as an integral part of the state’s recovery from the pandemic.
“Once you start walking, you just feel better. Oh yeah, that’s why I work out, that’s it,” says Patrick Goldsworthy, manager at Crossroads Fitness. But going to the gym 5 days a week isn’t all that fitness has to offer. For many residents of Mesa County, outdoor recreation is an integral part of not only their fitness routines, but also their lifestyle.
“It brings tourism, it keeps people out, it helps people explore places people have never been, and it keeps people active,” said Rachel Blank, sales executive at Over The Edge Sports. This fact was highlighted during the pandemic. Bicycle sales grew so rapidly that on some days they found that supply could not keep up with demand.
“Bike sales, the equipment that comes with it … There are a lot more people involved with cycling in general,” says Blank. Whether you’re riding a bike lane or pumping iron at the gym, experts say that this Colorado fitness month and really every month makes your health and wellbeing a priority. “That was a big part of this pandemic. People have had trouble getting depressed, being sad about things, but exercising regularly is that it stimulates your mental process and makes you feel better,” says Goldworthy.
