Australians are often seen as active and fit. They lace up their shoes early in the morning to run or hit the gym. However, not all cities are equal when it comes to fitness. Recent research from Net World Sports sheds light on which places are the healthiest.
According to their study, Darwin is the fittest city in Australia. Surprisingly, despite its heat and limited gym infrastructure, nearly 80% of Darwin residents exercise at least once a week. Only about 2% consider their health poor. The city scored 68.6 out of 100 for fitness, thanks to its outdoor spaces and mild winters.
Melbourne follows closely with a score of 68. It boasts a 71.8% participation rate in exercise, showing a strong interest in health across the community.
The top 10 fittest cities include:
- Darwin: 68.6
- Melbourne: 68.0
- Canberra – Queanbeyan, ACT: 63.1
- Kalgoorlie – Boulder, WA: 58.2
- Other Cities: Yet to be specified.
Alex Loven, CEO of Net World Sports, highlighted that active cities derive their fitness from a lifestyle that incorporates movement into daily routines—think of cycling to work or enjoying weekend sports.
On the flip side, the least fit cities reveal a different story. All of them are non-capital areas, struggling with health challenges. Victor Harbor – Goolwa in South Australia ranks as the least fit, with a score of only 31.2. Here, about 75% of residents are overweight, and just 11.3% meet recommended activity levels.
These unfittest cities face hurdles like:
- Limited recreational facilities
- Health issues such as high smoking rates
- An aging population
Alex Loven reminds us that staying fit doesn’t solely depend on access to gyms. Simple actions like taking the stairs or walking your dog can make a difference.
A recent survey indicated that 52% of Australians want to improve their fitness levels. With the right approach, it’s clear that residents can boost their health regardless of where they live.
For further reading on fitness trends, you might explore this insightful article from the Australian Government, which discusses national health initiatives and programs aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle across the country.
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Net World Sports, Australia, fittest city, fitness, regional communities, city
