Arlington, Virginia
What are the fittest cities in America in 2023? What are the unfittest? The American College of Sports Medicine and the Elevance Health Foundation released their 16th annual list, and for the sixth straight year Arlington, Virginia, was No. 1. The fitness index evaluated the USA’s 100 largest cities using 34 evidence-based indicators. (The 100th largest city, San Bernardino, CA, had a population of 222,203 in the 2020 census.) Let’s delve into the results.
FITTEST CITIES IN AMERICA 2023: INTERESTING FINDINGS
ACSM recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity—about 22 minutes per day—and muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week. 78% of adults in the Fitness Index cities reported exercising in the previous month, but only 51% met the aerobic activity guidelines, while only 24% met both aerobic and strength activity guidelines.
Six-time winner Arlington, Virginia, ranked among the top 10 cities for 16 of 34 indicators, giving it a balance of healthy behaviors and community assets. Arlington had the highest percentage of residents exercising in the last 30 days, the lowest percentage of residents with diabetes, no pedestrian fatalities, and tied for cities with the highest percentage of residents who live within a 10-minute walk to a park. The No. 2 fittest city is Arlington’s next-door neighbor, just across the Potomac, Washington, D.C.
The three cities tied for ranking highest (31%) for meeting aerobic and strength activity guidelines—Anaheim, Irvine, and Santa Ana—are all located in Orange County, California. Fewer people skip workouts in the O.C. Is it the mild weather?
Riverside, California, improved the most from 2022, rising 18 spots (from No. 90 to No. 72), though it still has a lot to improve.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has the highest percentage of recreation facilities per capita.
Full rankings and scores, a summary report, a very interesting city comparison tool, and other insights are accessible on the Fitness Index website.
FITTEST CITIES IN AMERICA 2023: TOP 10
1. Arlington, VA
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Seattle, WA
4. Minneapolis, MN
5. Irvine, CA
6. Madison, WI
7. San Francisco, CA
8. St. Paul, MN
9. Denver, CO
10. Oakland, CA
UNFITTEST CITIES IN AMERICA 2023: BOTTOM 5
96. North Las Vegas, NV
97. Louisville, KY
98. Bakersfield, CA
99. Wichita, KS
100. Oklahoma City, OK
