Discover Why San Francisco Ranks Among the Top 3 Cities for Active Lifestyles!

As the New Year approaches, many people are setting fitness goals for 2025. WalletHub recently released a report to highlight the best and worst U.S. cities for an active lifestyle. They compared 100 major cities using 35 different criteria, including gym fees, bike scores, and the percentage of inactive adults.

Top Cities for Staying Active

Honolulu, Hawaii, took the top spot as the best city for maintaining an active lifestyle. New York, NY, came in second, followed by San Francisco, CA. The remaining top 10 cities are Las Vegas, NV; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; San Diego, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and Cincinnati, OH.

Bottom Cities for Staying Active

On the other end, Fresno, California, ranked 91st, making it one of the least active cities. It was followed by Winston-Salem, NC; Newark, NJ; and North Las Vegas, NV, which was at the very bottom of the list.

According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, the best cities for an active lifestyle offer something for everyone, whether you enjoy team sports or simply walking and biking. Honolulu stands out because it has many community sports facilities and natural areas for various activities, including swimming and hiking. It also boasts excellent air quality, making outdoor activities enjoyable.

City Comparisons

• Orlando, FL, has the most sporting-goods stores per person compared to North Las Vegas, NV, which has the least.
• Scottsdale, AZ, offers the most public golf courses, far surpassing Bakersfield, CA, which has the fewest.
• Denver, CO, leads in the number of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors per capita.
• Las Vegas boasts the highest number of playgrounds per person, compared to Hialeah, FL, which has the least.

For further details, you can check out the full report here.

Expert Tips for Active Living

Communities can help residents stay active by creating safe public spaces for exercise. Collaborations between schools, health organizations, and local governments can ensure consistent messaging and support for physical activity. It’s crucial to ensure that everyone, especially underserved groups, has access to these resources.

For individual tips on staying active without breaking the bank:

• Take walk breaks outdoors when possible, or use free fitness apps for guided workouts.
• Look into your health insurance for possible discounts on gym memberships.
• Set small, manageable fitness goals, like choosing the stairs instead of the elevator.

Parents can encourage their children to be more active by allowing them to play freely outdoors. Children are more engaged when they can choose their own activities rather than being directed. Parents should also be active with their kids; this not only encourages the children but also strengthens family bonds. Reducing screen time can further promote physical activity, so consider setting limits on devices.

In summary, whether you live in a top city or one of the less active places, small changes in behavior can lead to a more active lifestyle. Embrace community opportunities, explore activities you love, and involve your family to make fitness fun!