While running for president, Barack Obama's commitment to working out daily made headlines. Looks like his influence is rubbing off since our nation's capital was named fittest city.
Not usually thought of a health-conscious place, Washington DC, took the top ranking by the American College of Sports Medicine in their second annual American Fitness Index (AFI). Cities are ranked by a number of individual factors and local health resources. The percentage of residents who smoke or who are overweight, are factored into the index along with statistics on regular physical activity and number of servings of fruits and veggies eaten daily. These personal details are counted up alongside information on the number of parks, farmers markets, primary healthcare providers, and crime rates of the region. DC came out on top with Minneapolis-St. Paul ranking number two — take that Anna Wintour. Denver, Boston, and San Francisco rounded out the top five. See if your city ranked in the top 50 when you read more.
6. Seattle, WA
7. Portland, OR
8. San Diego, CA
9. Austin, TX
10. Virginia Beach, VA
11. Hartford, CN
12. Sacramento, CA
13. San Jose, CA
14. Cincinnati, OH
15. Atlanta, GA
16. Pittsburgh, PA
17. Milwaukee, WI
18. Buffalo, NY
19. Baltimore, MD
20. Raleigh, NC
21. Kansas City, MO
22. New York, NY
23. Tampa, FL
24. Cleveland, OH
25. Chicago, IL
26. Nashville, TN
27. Philadelphia, PA
28. Jacksonville, FL
29. Columbus, OH
30. Los Angeles, CA
31. Miami, FL
32. Phoenix, AZ
33. St. Louis, MO
34. Charlotte, NC
35. Dallas, TX
36. Indianapolis, IN
37. Memphis, TN
38. Louisville, KY
39. San Antonio, TX
40. Riverside, CA
41. Houston, TX
42. Las Vegas, NV
43. Birmingham, AL
44. Detroit, MI
45. Oklahoma City, OK
Five cities — Orlando, FL.; Providence, RI; Richmond, VA.; Rochester, NY.; and Salt Lake City, UT — weren't rated because of a lack of community/environmental data.
Tell me, how did your city fare and do you agree with these rankings?
Woodhouse Clothing
Ok, I get it.
People here in DC definitely take advantage of the space we have to work out. I see people always running, biking, walking, etc. It's refreshing.
1Right on. Go D.C. I hope this honor is a reality for some of your poorer citizens as well.
2I would say I'm surprised to see my city (Louisville, KY) even on the list because of how KY is usually seen/rated (obesity, smoking etc). But in the last few years our city has really taken the time to make it more exercise friendly. Not only have more gyms been opening but TONS more bike paths have been made all over the city and there is even one that circles the whole city. Sidewalks have been widened and redone and made more walk friendly. More people are walking/biking/working out than ever so I'm proud of our city, even if it is #38!
3Wow! I'm surprised Houston is even on the list! Htown always gets a bad rap!
4LOL I'm right with you, syako!
I'd have to say I agree. People here in DC are really health-conscious. People are ALWAYS out and about running/biking/etc. I love it!
5btw, doubtful that it was o's influence....especially considering recent past presidents also emphasized exercising...
6Yay D.C.! There are always so many people working out outside here, and certainly a wealth of places to do it.
7GO DC!!!! I love this city and it has made a runner out of me! It is impossible not to be motivated while your running by monuments and the white house and knowing that so much has happened and will happen where you are. Woo-Hoo
8Hey! Where's Boulder, Colorado on this list? Health-nut city, USA!
9How on EARTH did Milwaukee even get on this list? There's nothing to do in Milwaukee and even if there was, most people in Wisconsin wouldn't take advantage of it. Plus, it's cold here for about 8 months of the year. Maybe a lot of people have gym memberships or something.
10I was going to say I'm surprised LA isn't further up the list...since it's so image-conscious, but I guess that makes sense...being thin by smoking and eating disorders isn't exactly healthy
11Tucson should be up there, I think. NOT St. Louis!
12Yay! minneapolis takes 2nd.
13hmm...I go a lot of places around the country and San Diego tops it off on my list. Gaining 3 pounds from perfect will make anyone feel inadequate there.
14DC though? Top 50 yeah, but highly doubtful even in the top 5.
I think that DC is a very fit city! We do have lots of parks, and farmers markets, and gyms, and a lot of opportunities to be active. With that said, I'm still a little surprised, but yay for DC!
15doesn't DC also have the highest HIV+ rate? strange combo
16
Yay DC!
17Sy, I was thinking the same thing! Bush was known for his physical fitness, as well.
And yay DC! I always see people running here.
18No Honolulu? We usually end up pretty far at the top of these lists!
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