Despite the fact that the United States is the ninth most obese country in the world, with 106 million of its population falling into that category, the U.S.A. has been making a greater effort to become a healthy country. Not every city or state is equal when it comes to health, but you'll find that there are a few cities in the country that shine as being particularly healthy, according to the American Fitness Index.
1. Minneapolis-St. Paul
This Minnesota city takes the cake as being the healthiest city in the country--for the third year in a row! It was one of the first American cities to create bike trails throughout the metropolis, and there are parks galore all over the city--not to mention the sprawling Farmer's Market that has been in operation for over 80 years.
2. Washington D.C.
Evidently the halls of the mighty are also the home to the healthy. The Capital Bikeshare program allows residents to pick up and drop off cycles pretty much anywhere in the city. The Eastern Market has been around for over 135 years, selling fresh, locally grown produce.
3. Portland
Oregon is a beautiful green state and the city of Portland is home to more than 10,000 acres of public parks, greenways and bike boulevards. It's a city built for outdoor urban adventure, and the nearby Forest Park is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in U.S. cities.
4. San Francisco
The Bay Area is known for healthy fresh produce with a focus on seasonal items. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market features more than 1,500 items of locally grown produce.
5. Denver
The Mile High City is not just one of Colorado's healthiest cities, it's one of the healthiest in the country. The 876-mile long Front Range Trail makes for an amazing hike, and it's a place where thousands come to run, walk, hike, cycle and rock climb.
6. Boston
New England is a great place to live and Boston is one of the best when it comes to health. It's a city built for walkers, with a stroll along the Boston Harbor or a 2.5 mile tour of the Freedom Trail.
7. Sacramento
Another California city makes it onto the list of healthiest cities in the country, thanks largely to its promotion of outdoor recreation. With options like kayaking, paddleboarding and other water sports on Lake Natoma, as well as the city's amazing parks, it's an outdoor adventurer's paradise.
8. Seattle
If there's one thing that makes this city healthy, it's the myriad beaches! Residents can often be found enjoying a game of beach volleyball or trudging through the gorgeous 534 acres of Discovery Park.
9. Hartford
This Connecticut city has earned its place on the Top 10 list, as it has more than 50 public parks covering more than 27,000 acres of land. The city is also home to Central Park--the oldest publicly funded park in the country.
10. San Jose
It's not just the capital of Silicon Valley, but San Jose is also an amazing place for those that like to live healthy. Alum Rock Park is just one example of the options available to those that love the great outdoors, and you'll find that the city is home to some amazing gyms, Yoga studios, and unique fitness centers found nowhere else in the world.
Yes, the country we live in is trending towards being healthier, so consider yourself lucky if you live in one of these Top 10 Healthiest Cities in the United States of America.
Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.
