By Ava Ramirez
Living in Aspen gives many of us a built-in benefit: crisp air, towering peaks, and trails that invite us outdoors. But true wellness goes deeper than altitude or scenery—it’s about striking a balance between movement, mental health, and accessible care. Here’s how you can build sustainable habits in Aspen that nourish both body and mind.
1. Finding a Gym That Fits You
If indoor workouts suit your style, Aspen has options with varying vibes and amenities.
- Ajax Fitness earns praise for its spacious equipment selection, spotless facilities, strong trainer support, and recovery gear like saunas and cold plunges. Many locals say you can work in without waiting for machines even during peak hours.
- Aspen CrossFit mixes strength, mobility, cardio, and endurance work tailored for everyone from first-time exercisers to seasoned athletes. Their CrossFit sessions, open gym slots, and alpine-endurance-inspired classes are especially helpful for outdoor enthusiasts.
- JR’s Gym / Jean-Robert Gym in downtown is a full-service club with group fitness, classes like spin or yoga, massage, steam room, lap pool and flexible membership types. If you want variety under one roof, this is it.
2. Move Outdoors—Healthfully and Mindfully
Aspen’s trails, rivers, and ski-area access offer natural fitness that pairs activity with stress relief. Walking, trail running, yoga by the river—these allow your mind to rest as much as your body works. To avoid injury, always warm up, pace yourself, and listen to your body especially at higher elevation.
3. Mental Wellness Resources Around Town
Physical health is deeply linked to mental health—but what happens when you need more support? Aspen has several strong resources.
- Aspen Hope Center provides 24/7 crisis support, therapy, mobile crisis response, adolescent IOP (intensive outpatient), and school-based programs. No one in the valley should feel like they’re navigating a crisis alone.
- Mind Springs Health offers counseling and psychiatric care in Aspen—including outpatient services and crisis support—important for anyone seeking long-term or episodic help.
- HeadQuarters focuses on preventative mental health (“Mental Fitness”) through workshops, peer support, provider directories, and coaching designed to bridge gaps for those without reliable access or insurance.
4. Small Changes, Big Impact
Wellness doesn’t always mean grueling workouts or hours in therapy. Tiny habits can build strong foundation:
- Commute by walking or biking when possible—even short movements reduce stress and support cardiovascular health.
- Set realistic fitness goals—schedule gym sessions or outdoor workouts as consistently as you’d schedule any meeting.
- Journal, meditate, or simply relax outdoors—connection with nature and self can reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Use community wellness programs often overlooked— local yoga studios, group classes, virtual workshops, or employer wellness trainings.
Consistency matters more than intensity
It’s tempting to start strong and sprint out—and then burn out. Slow, steady build-up beats overcommitment. Your mental health will thank you.
5. When to Ask for Support
If you notice prolonged sadness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or avoidance of things you used to enjoy, it might be time to reach out.
- Talk to a friend or mentor first—sometimes sharing opens space for action.
- Use directories like AspenStrong or contact Mind Springs Health or Aspen Hope if insurance, cost, or availability feel like barriers.
- Don’t wait—early intervention often means lighter recovery.
Our landscape is beautiful here. But wellness in Aspen isn’t just about how high the peaks are—it’s about how grounded and connected our lives feel. By pairing fitness with mental care and community, we can rise together.