Americans are taking up healthier lifestyles, getting more exercise
and eating more nutritious foods. Also contributing to the uptick in healthier
living is the number of cities which put more money into urging residents to
get up and move. US Media Studios takes
a look at how the five healthiest cities in the United States made the American Fitness Index (AFI) list.
The Top Five and How They Got There
Washington, DC – Once again, the nation’s capital tops the
list. A whopping 96 percent of the
population lives within a 10 minute walk of a park. The city spends $346 per
resident on parks, and only 25 percent of residents are obese. Easy access to
city parks encourages people to use them more often, and that means more people
are getting exercise.
Minneapolis, MN – The second place city boasts a population
that is keenly interested in better health, offers lots of parks and workout
facilities for getting exercise.
Denver, CO – The Mile High City comes in third with a plenty
of easy to access city parks, workout places, and residents who are active on a
daily basis.
Portland, OR – A large, green and clean city with abundant
bike paths and lanes, city parks and clean air which encourages people to go
outside and take advantage of it.
San Francisco, CA – Another large American city with an
ample number of parks, workout places, and outdoor activities sponsored by the
city.
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| Washington, DC park (image:pixabay) |
Overall Health Stats
US Media Studios notes from the AFI report that nearly 80
percent of Americans reported exercising within the past 30 days. This is great
news as it shows an almost 70 percent increase since last year. The fitness
report also states that less people are smoking, the diabetes death rate
dropped, and there is an increase in the amount cities spend per resident on
parks.
Now that summer is upon us, take time to find the best city
parks in your hometown, and take advantage of the free exercise space.
