Life

Do You Live In One Of The U.S.'s Fittest Cities?

by Emma Cueto

The stereotypes of Americans are that we're all lazy and overweight — but like all stereotypes, it isn't really accurate for most people. In fact, there are plenty of places in the US where people are very fit. So where are people in the best shape? Well, thanks to the American Fitness Index, you can find out.

Despite the stereotypes, the impression I get from most of American culture is that Americans are actually very concerned with diet and fitness. There are any number of gyms and fitness clubs out there promising to get you in shape, diet plans promising to make sure you eat healthy, and weight loss programs promising to help you shed extra pounds. In fact, I would say that our concern with diet and fitness might actually not be the healthiest thing psychologically. Or, potentially, physically.

Still, just because everyone seems to care about being healthier and getting in shape, that doesn't always mean we're all succeeding. For example, the American Fitness Index's latest report on the fitness level of America's major cities says that some cities, such as Memphis and Oklahoma City, aren't doing so well. And if you live in Indianapolis, I'm sorry to be the one to have to tell you that your city came in last. Other cities, like Philadelphia, New York, Cleveland, and Miami, are pretty average.

But where are the most fit cities? Well, most of them seem to be on the West Coast — California in particular cleans up. But both the East Coast and middle America have their representatives. Here are the top 10 cities with the fittest population:

10. San Jose, CA

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9. Boston, MA

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8. Seattle, WA

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7. Portland, OR

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6. Denver, CO

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5. Sacramento, CA

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4. San Francisco, CA

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3. San Diego, CA

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2. Minneapolis, MN

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1. Washington, D.C.

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Images: Getty Images (11)