For many, January marks a fresh start. Whether that applies to dietary choices, fitness aspirations or personal goals such as spending more time with the kids, a clean slate could do us all some good. Gyms, workout studios and running trails usually experience a sudden, but far from permanent influx of people this time of year. However, there are some cities around the U.S. that hold a steady pattern of people actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
This month, in honor of New Year’s resolutions past, we decided to take a look at America’s top three fittest cities, as determined by the 2018 ACSM American Fitness Index. The study takes into account resources available to the community, the percentage of individuals who smoke, the various programs offered in the area to help people live their healthiest lives and more. Plano was top on the list for Texas, coming in at No. 12. Of the 100 cities studied, the North Texas suburb had the lowest asthma rate, at 2.4 percent. Maybe this year, Texans can bust into the top 10.
Arlington, Virginia
Of course Arlington ranked No. 1, that’s where the Cowboys play! Oh, wrong one. Arlington, Virginia, is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and Civil War battlefields. In the midst of all of these historical sites are parks, trails and a variety of outdoor spaces for all kinds of exercise and activity. With less than six percent of the population recorded as smokers — the lowest percentage of the 100 cities listed – and almost 64 percent reported to be in excellent or very good health, it is no wonder that this active city came in at the top of the charts for fittest city. Here’s the real kicker, though. Over 64 percent of the population reportedly gets more than seven hours of sleep per night. With the Potomac River nearby, welcoming water sports such as kayaking or paddle boarding, and the Armed Forces Cycling Classic to train for, the residents of Arlington, Virginia, have plenty of ways to stay in shape. StayArlington.com
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Coming in at No. 2, this Midwestern town might surprise you. It turns out that careful city planning paid off. Minneapolis features more than 6,800 acres in the park system and 102 miles of biking and walking paths. Thanks to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, plans are underway to ensure that all neighborhoods have access to parks, recreation centers and other amenities that will get people outside and active. And it must be working: Almost 85 percent of the population reportedly exercised within the last 30 days. Ninety-five percent of Minneapolis residents live within 10 miles of a park, according to the Fitness Index. With a wonderful mix of activities available and differing with the seasons (Yes, people have been known to exercise in the snow), this city seems to be doing all it can to stay fit. Minneapolis.org
Washington D.C.
A lot comes to mind when people think of Washington D.C. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial to a myriad of breathtaking museums, if you’re looking for a lesson in our nation’s history, the capitol has it all. For anyone who has trekked up and down the National Mall will not be surprised to find the city ranked No. 3 on the list. Residents, however, may be a little surprised as this is actually a dip in the rankings. For the past three years, Washington D.C. has held the title of “America’s Fittest City.” The city is yet another example of a parks and recreation department endeavoring to keep its community fit. The D.C. Parks Department offers a series of free workouts, walks and runs, nutrition seminars and health expos. Perhaps that’s why about 84 percent of the population was cited as having exercised in the past 30 days. Washington D.C. recorded the highest percentage of smokers among the top three cities with 14.7 percent. This was still below the average (15 percent) of the top 100 fittest cities. Of all of the cities, however, D.C. recorded the highest number of farmer’s markets per 1 million residents with 85. To put this in perspective, the average of the 100 cities was 18 per 1 million residents. So while you visit to soak up some history, take advantage of parkland and fresh veggies. Washington.org