Feeling a little out of shape lately? Maybe it’s time to move.
Yup, when it comes to staying in shape, not all cities in the U.S. are created equal. But don’t worry, we’ve got the 411 on where you should move thanks to the American College of Sports Medicine’s latest annual report of the healthiest, fittest cities in America
Some of this year’s cities are no-brainers, but there are a few that made it into the top 10 that might surprise you. The numbers come from analyzing city layout, public access to recreational facilities and rates of obesity, smoking, diabetes and heart disease, among other things. Researchers found that the cities that ranked higher are more accessible on foot (or bike) and have a built-in environment that supports a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, overall, the whole country seems to be doing pretty well healthwise, but these 10 cities knocked it out of the park.
From fit to fittest, here are the American cities you should move to if you’re looking to stay fit as a fiddle.
Originally published May 2016. Updated August 2017.
San Diego, California
San Diego scored the No. 10 spot for the second year in a row because its residents regularly enjoy a healthy dose of fruits and veggies as well as stay relatively active. Year-round sunshine doesn’t hurt.
Salt Lake City, Utah
At No. 9, Salt Lake City also boasts many outdoor activity areas, like dog parks and running tracks.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is the land of bikers, thus the city more than exceeds the CDC’s aerobic activity guidelines.
Denver, Colorado
Due to how walkable (and climbable) it is, Denver has some of the lowest obesity rates in the country.
Boston, Massachusetts
All you need to do is look at those Boston Marathon runners to know why this city ranks sixth fittest in the country.
San Jose, California
Mild weather and the fact that more than 98 percent of the population has access to recreation centers and parks keeps everyone in San Jose moving.
Seattle, Washington
The exorbitant number of parks in Seattle means residents have no excuse to not be active — and the numbers show that most of them are.
San Francisco, California
Up from No. 6 last year, the farm-to-table capital of the country jumped up to the No. 3 spot. It offers its residents tons of healthy food and fitness options, not to mention beautiful views.
District of Columbia
Our nation’s capital falls one spot from last year to sit at No. 2. D.C. boasts the lowest rate of smokers and lowest death rates from cardiovascular disease.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Up from No. 2 in 2016, Minneapolis officially takes the cake for this year’s fittest city. It was also the longest-running fitness champ city until 2012, when its ranking took a slight dip. Nice to see it back on top this year.
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