Fitness & Health in Columbia, SC
Comprehensive fitness guide for Columbia: health statistics, calorie calculators for popular activities, gym density, walk score, and wellness data for 137,541 residents.
Fitness Score
52/100
Average
Walk Score
35
27.1% below national average
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14.4% above national average
Gyms / 100K
5.1
near national average
Fitness Overview: Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina (population: 137,541) has a fitness score of 52/100 (Average). The city features 5.1 gyms per 100,000 residents and a walk score of 35. With a subtropical climate averaging 60°F and 9 months suitable for outdoor exercise, residents enjoy activities like swimming, cycling, basketball. The average resident takes 5,850 steps daily and burns approximately 2,000 calories per day.
Population
137,541
Avg Daily Steps
5,850
21.9% above national average
Avg Daily Burn
2,000 cal
Climate
subtropical
60°F avg
Outdoor Months
9 months
Median Income
$43,600
Calories Burned Calculator — Popular Activities in Columbia
Calculate how many calories you burn doing the most popular activities in Columbia, SC.
Calories calculated for 160 lbs over 30 minutes using MET values from the Compendium of Physical Activities.
Columbia vs. National Average: Health Statistics
| Metric | Columbia | National Avg | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity Rate | 36.5% | 31.9% | 14.4% above national average |
| Gym Density (per 100K) | 5.1 | 5.2 | near national average |
| Avg Daily Steps | 5,850 | 4,800 | 21.9% above national average |
| Walk Score | 35 | 48 | 27.1% below national average |
| Avg Daily Calories Burned | 2,000 | 1,900 | 5.3% above national average |
| Fitness Score | 52/100 | 50/100 | 4.0% above national average |
Popular Fitness Activities in Columbia
Based on Columbia's subtropical climate with an average temperature of 60°F and 9 months suitable for outdoor exercise, these are the most popular activities:
Fitness Tips for Columbia Residents
- Columbia has a lower walk score (35), so schedule intentional exercise time. Park farther away, take walking breaks, or join one of the 5.1 gyms per 100K residents.
- With 9 months of outdoor exercise weather, Columbia is great for swimming. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (CDC recommendation).
- The average Columbia resident takes 5,850 steps daily. Try increasing by 2,000 steps — that's roughly 100 extra calories burned per day, or about 10 lbs of fat loss per year.
- Use our calorie calculator to set personalized daily targets, then track your progress with the weight loss timeline.
Fitness in Other South Carolina Cities
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the obesity rate in Columbia, SC?
The obesity rate in Columbia, SC is 36.5%, which is 14.4% above national average (national average: 31.9%). This rate reflects the state-level data from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which tracks adult obesity prevalence across all U.S. states and territories.
How many gyms are there in Columbia?
Columbia, SC has approximately 5.1 gyms and fitness centers per 100,000 residents, which is near national average (national average: 5.2 per 100K). This includes commercial gyms, CrossFit boxes, yoga studios, martial arts schools, and other fitness facilities.
What are the most popular fitness activities in Columbia?
The most popular fitness activities in Columbia include swimming, cycling, basketball. These activities reflect the city's subtropical climate with 9 months of outdoor exercise weather and average temperature of 60°F. The city's walk score of 35 also influences how residents stay active.
What is the walk score of Columbia, SC?
Columbia has a walk score of 35 out of 100, which is 27.1% below national average (national average: 48). Most errands require a car, which means residents need to be more intentional about incorporating physical activity into their daily routines.
How many calories does the average person in Columbia burn daily?
The average adult in Columbia burns approximately 2,000 calories per day through a combination of basal metabolic rate, daily activities, and exercise. This is 5.3% above national average. Factors like the city's walk score (35), climate, and gym availability contribute to this number.