The fittest cities in the United States are predominantly led by Democrats, according to a report by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Fitness Index. For the ninth year in a row, Arlington, Virginia, has been named the fittest city in America. It is followed by Washington D.C. and Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the top three. Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado; San Francisco and Irvine, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Madison, Wisconsin; and Boston, Massachusetts, round out the top 10. Not one city with a conservative-led government made the top 10.
The first Republican-led city to appear on the list is Dallas, Texas, ranking 43rd. Other cities with nonpartisan mayors, such as Plano and Frisco, Texas, ranked higher than Dallas but still fell below the liberal-led metropolises.
Public policy plays a significant role in the health of a city's residents, according to Bradley Schurman, CEO of Human Change and author of The Super Age. He noted that investments in infrastructure such as sidewalks, public transportation, and accessible parks contribute to both physical and mental well-being by fostering community connections and making physical activity more convenient.
Schurman's research indicates that mayors who prioritize public health investments are seeing positive changes in their communities. He highlighted Oklahoma City, led by a Republican mayor, for its temporary penny tax funding 200 miles of sidewalks, and Tulsa, a Democratic-led city, which received significant private funding for a large park. While these initiatives take time to influence broader health behaviors, they represent a commitment to active living.
Cities that rank highly often feature robust public transit, accessible parks and recreation centers, and dedicated walking and cycling routes, making it easier for residents to incorporate movement into their daily lives. Jose Guevara, a fitness instructor, stated that healthier cities make moving easier and more convenient, leading to increased activity levels.
Despite being highly walkable, New York City ranked 26th. Experts attribute this to higher rates of chronic disease, though recent policies like temporary street closures for recreational use and expanded prenatal leave aim to improve public health. Los Angeles, the second-largest U.S. city, ranked 55th, largely due to its car dependency and limited public transit infrastructure.
Dr. Pablo Prichard, a longevity expert, commented that the public perception of fitness in a city can sometimes reflect affluent neighborhoods rather than the average resident's experience. He pointed to significant disparities within cities like New York, where access to resources varies greatly by neighborhood. Similarly, Los Angeles's car-centric design and long commutes hinder routine walking for many.
The ACSM index, established in 2017, analyzes data from sources including the CDC to assess health outcomes like chronic disease rates and levels of physical activity, alongside infrastructure like green space accessibility and walkability. Cities with lower chronic disease and obesity rates, higher physical activity, and better active transportation infrastructure tend to rank higher.
ACSM President Stella Volpe stated that the gap between the healthiest and least healthy cities is widening, often due to disparities in resources and the ability to invest in public health initiatives. She emphasized that simply providing amenities like parks or sidewalks is not enough; these spaces must also be safe, well-maintained, accessible, and usable at convenient times for residents.
While Democratic leaders often support policies that promote active lifestyles, such as public transit and bike infrastructure, party affiliation alone does not determine a city's fitness. Prichard noted that the health of a city's population is ultimately shaped by where people live and their ability to lead active, well-nourished, and socially connected lives, regardless of political affiliation or socioeconomic status.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement has brought attention to health and fitness, but its impact on national health trends remains to be seen. The long-term success of such initiatives will be measured by tangible improvements in public health behaviors and outcomes.