With "exercising more" and "losing weight" among the top New Year's resolutions for 2024, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2024's Best & Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle.
To determine where Americans have the best chance of remaining active, WalletHub compared the 100 biggest U.S. cities across 35 key metrics. The data set ranges from the average monthly fitness-club fee to the city's bike score to the share of physically inactive adults.
| Best Cities for an Active Lifestyle | Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle | |
| 1. Honolulu, HI | 91. Fresno, CA | |
| 2. New York, NY | 92. Greensboro, NC | |
| 3. Chicago, IL | 93. Fort Wayne, IN | |
| 4. San Francisco, CA | 94. Hialeah, FL | |
| 5. San Diego, CA | 95. Aurora, CO | |
| 6. Las Vegas, NV | 96. Corpus Christi, TX | |
| 7. Cincinnati, OH | 97. Irving, TX | |
| 8. Madison, WI | 98. Gilbert, AZ | |
| 9. Denver, CO | 99. Winston-Salem, NC | |
| 10. Atlanta, GA | 100. North Las Vegas, NV |
Best vs. Worst
- Orlando, Florida, has the most sporting-goods stores per capita, 11.9 times more than in North Las Vegas, Nevada, which has the fewest.
- Gilbert, Arizona, has the most public golf courses per capita, 39.4 times more than in Laredo, Texas, which has the fewest.
- Madison, Wisconsin, has the most fitness trainers and aerobics instructors per capita, 3.9 times more than in Corpus Christi, Texas, which has the fewest.
- New York has the most playgrounds per capita, 13 times more than in Hialeah, Florida, which has the fewest.
To view the full report and your city's rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-an-active-lifestyle/8817
Tips for Staying Active
- Find activities you enjoy: Having an active lifestyle doesn't mean you need to have a monotonous gym routine. Try to discover activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's hiking, dancing, swimming, playing a sport or simply walking around your neighborhood. Engaging in activities you love makes it more likely that you'll stick with them.
- Incorporate exercise into your routine: Make physical activity a regular part of your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a short walk during your lunch break, cycling to work, or doing a quick home workout. Consistency is key, so find a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
- Set realistic goals: Keep yourself motivated by setting goals that are achievable with a little bit of effort. Whether it's walking a certain number of steps per day, increasing your weekly running distance, or mastering a new yoga pose, setting and reaching realistic goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and encourage ongoing activity.
- Stay active with a group: Turn physical activity into a social experience by exercising with friends, taking group classes or joining a community sports team. This not only makes the activity more enjoyable but also provides social accountability, making it more likely that you'll stick to your fitness routine.
- Mix it up: Avoid boredom by incorporating variety into your workouts. Try different exercises, sports, or classes to keep things interesting. This not only challenges your body in different ways but also prevents monotony.