For three consecutive years, Washington, D.C. has been adjudged as the fittest city in the United States of America, according to the American Fitness Index (AFI) released on May 18. The main reason that made the nation's capital stay on top is its low rate of smoking.
Washington, D.C. Is The Fittest City In The U.S.A. For The Third Year In A Row
The ninth annual American Fitness Index of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Anthem Foundation revealed that Washington, D.C. is the fittest city in the U.S.A. The nation's capital has been topping the list for the third straight year.
Trailing behind Washington, D.C. are Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver. Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Salt Lake City, Hartford and San Diego also completed American Fitness Index's top 10 fittest cities in the U.S.A. On the other hand, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City and Louisville settled on the lowest ranks of the AFI, which is made up of 50 cities.
ACSM and Anthem have been releasing the list of fittest cities in the U.S.A. annually to help them in enhancing healthy lifestyle and promoting physical activity. "Our overarching goal is to offer communities and residents resources that can help them assess, plan and implement measures for a quality, healthier life," said Walter R. Thompson, chair of the AFI Advisory Board.
The Reason That Made Washington, D.C. The Fittest City In The U.S.A.
The AFI stated that the main reason that made Washington, D.C. the fittest city in the U.S.A. is its low rate of smoking. The presence of more parkland for exercise, the lower rate of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and the increased habit of walking by residents are also among the factors that made Washington, D.C. stay on top of the list.
Craig Samitt, Anthem chief clinical officer, told USA Today that Americans should be reminded that being fit should start with one's self. "Modeling healthy behavior by incorporating activity into the weekday schedule and practicing good nutrition can improve fitness," he advised.
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