Living in communities with access to parks, bike trails, and green spaces is as crucial as personal motivation when it comes to achieving fitness goals, say experts. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Elevance Health Foundation's annual American Fitness Index ranks the nation's 100 largest cities on various personal and community health indicators.

The 2024 index revealed that Arlington, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Seattle emerged as the top three fittest cities in the United States. These cities excelled in personal and community health indicators, such as the percentage of residents who walk or bike to work and the amount spent on public parks. Additionally, the index assessed factors such as food security, smoking rates, mental health, and quality of sleep.

Shantanu Agrawal, chief health officer of Elevance Health, highlighted the significant role that a community's environment and social support play in influencing people's overall health. He emphasized that lacking access to essential services, including mental health support and nutritious food, can impact individuals' health outcomes.

The World Health Organization recently warned that a growing number of adults worldwide are becoming physically inactive, putting themselves at risk of various health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that individuals engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week. However, the 2024 index revealed that only 51% of adults met the aerobic activity recommendation, while just 24% met both the aerobic and strength activity goals.

ACSM President Stella Volpe stated that the purpose of the index is to remind community leaders about the importance of fostering overall community health. This may involve investing in amenities like hiking and biking trails, public parks, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. The index emphasizes the significance of a community's built environment in promoting a culture of health and physical activity.

Arlington, Virginia secured the top position as the fittest city in America for the seventh consecutive year. The county received high rankings in community and environmental indicators, as well as personal health indicators. Nearly 88% of Arlington residents reported engaging in exercise in the previous month. The city also boasted high rates of sufficient sleep (76%) and had the lowest smoking rate in the nation (just over 3%).

Washington D.C., located just across the Potomac River from Arlington, claimed the second spot on the fitness index. The city ranked highly in fruit and vegetable consumption, with nearly 38% of residents consuming two or more fruits per day, the highest rate among the 100 cities surveyed. Washington D.C. also excelled in exercise participation, public transportation usage, and biking or walking to work.

Seattle rounded up the top three fittest cities, with residents exhibiting the third-highest rate of exercise participation. The city also ranked highly in public spending on parks.

Other cities that made it to the top 10 fittest cities include San Francisco, Madison, Minneapolis, Denver, Atlanta, Irvine, and St. Paul. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City ranked at the bottom of the list, accompanied by Port St. Lucie, Memphis, Wichita, and North Las Vegas.

The index also highlighted the impact of mental health on overall community well-being. Nearly 45% of people nationwide reported poor mental health in the previous month. Access to mental health services remained a challenge for many, particularly those facing financial barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated poor mental health rates, as reported by survey respondents.

Stella Volpe stressed the importance of ensuring that individuals have access to proper mental health care and emphasized that mental health, diet, and physical health are interconnected. Addressing these aspects comprehensively is crucial for promoting overall fitness and well-being.

The annual American Fitness Index serves as a reminder to prioritize community health by creating supportive environments that encourage physical activity and well-being. Building pedestrian-friendly spaces, investing in parks and recreational areas, and addressing mental health barriers can contribute to creating healthier and fitter communities across the nation.