Photo: Matt O’Brien.
The results are in, and the rankings have been released for the fittest cities in America according to the American Fitness Index. The fittest cities in the country might surprise you, I know they definitely surprised me. What didn’t surprise me, is that all these cities at least have some level of access to our favorite playgrounds: the mountains and the oceans (or at least bodies of water). Check out the Top 5 Fittest Cities in the country, and see what they have to offer in terms of surf and snow.
Washington DC
Flying high in Virginia Beach. Photo: Instagram @17thstreetsurf.
Our nation’s capital is also the fittest city in the country. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area scored a total of 77.9 points, bringing it to the top of the pack. With plenty of parks and outdoor space, it’s no surprise that the residents of DC stay active. The city excels in the following areas of fitness:
-Low percentage of citizens currently smoking.
-Low death rate due to cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
-High percentage of people walking or biking to work.
Surf
Unfortunately, there isn’t much in the way of surf near DC. The closest access of surf to any kind is on the Atlantic Coast of Maryland or Delaware. However, Virginia Beach to the South of DC definitely has its day. We’ll still count it.
Snow
DC is located within an hour and a half of a couple ski resorts including Whitetail, Ski Roundtop, Ski Liberty, and Wisp. I wouldn’t expect any of these to be particularly challenging, but at least they offer the opportunity to get on a mountain. Again, we’ll still count it.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stoney Point. Photo: Youtube/ Mike Eltgroth. See full video here.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region took the runner-up spot in this year’s rankings. With plenty of scenic bike paths, like the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, and a number of gorgeous rivers and lakes, it’s hard to stay inside during the glorious Minnesota spring and summer. The city excels in the following areas of fitness:
-Low death rate due to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
-High percent of city land area as parkland.
-More farmers markets per capita.
Surf
Well, you’re about as far from the ocean as you could possibly get, but with some local knowledge you might be able to score some storm surf on Lake Superior which is about 2 1/2 hours away. Check out the video of Stoney Point that’s linked above. However, if that’s too much of a trek, you can at least jump on a stand up paddle and enjoy the many lakes in the Minneapolis region.
Snow
Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, Spirit Mountain, and Granite Peak are all relatively close to Minneapolis. However, none of these mountains (cough, cough, hills) exceed a total elevation gain above 800 feet, so don’t set your hopes too high in terms of degree of difficulty.
Denver, Colorado
Surfing, Denver style. Photo: Youtube/ Colorado Surf Supply. See the full video here.
I’m surprised Denver doesn’t rank higher on the list, but the capital of Colorado still managed a Top 3 finish. With plenty of fresh air and views of the Rocky Mountains, it makes sense that the people of Denver would prioritize fitness and getting outside. Specifically, the city excels in the following areas of fitness:
-Higher percent of citizens engaging in any physical activity or exercise in the last 30 days.
-Lower obesity rate.
-Higher percent of citizens walking or biking to work.
Surf
There’s no doubt that Denver is quite a distance from the ocean, but in recent years (2015), the South Platte River has actually had a standing wave near Denver. With enough snow melt and water flowing into the river, a standing wave can appear. This wave isn’t always around, but at least there is surfing in Denver. Plus, if the standing wave stand up paddle boarding has grown increasingly popular on the lakes and rivers nearby.
Snow
Oh, here we go. Denver is just a quick flight away from some of the nation’s top resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Telluride. However, the Denver area has plenty of high quality mountains within 70 miles as well. Echo Mountain, Loveland, and Winter Park can all be reached by a little over an hour’s drive.
Portland, Oregon
Oswald State Park aka Short Sands. Photo: Instagram @seasidesurf.
For starters, the Portland area is home to both Nike and Adidas, so naturally the region is going to be pretty active. In addition to being home to two fitness powerhouses, the Portland region is simply stunning. The Willamette river flows straight through the city, and it joins with the larger Columbia river just 10 miles from downtown. Plus, Portland is incredibly bike-able, and there are dozens of waterfalls and hikes just a short drive outside the city. Portland excels in the following areas of fitness:
-Higher percent of citizens engaging in physical activity or exercise in the last 30 days.
-Higher percent of citizens meeting CDC aerobic activities guidelines.
-More acres of parkland per capita.
Surf
The Oregon Coast certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. With water temps typically hovering in the low 50’s and even dipping into the 40’s, powerful winds, strong currents, and big fish, there are plenty of barriers to entry. That being said, the Cannon Beach area is just 80 miles from Portland, and has a number of decent surf spots including Ecola Creek and Short Sands Beach.
Snow
Mt. Hood is just an hour’s drive away, making a weekend on the slopes incredibly accessible. However, if you’re looking for some absolutely epic snow, Whistler is a little under 7 hours north. It’s a drive (or a quick flight), no doubt, but it’s definitely manageable for a long weekend trip, and it’s certainly worth the extra effort.
San Francisco
Shhh, secret spot. Photo: Matt O’Brien.
San Francisco rounds out the Top 5, which is no surprise if you’ve spent any time in the city. With Land’s End and Ocean Beach at the city’s edges, the hikes of Marin just across the bridge, the vast waters of the bay, and the fresh Northern California air, it’s no wonder people in San Francisco like to stay active. Plus, the city is home to dozens of parks perfect for a quick jog.
-Higher percent of citizens eating 3+ vegetables per day.
-Lower death rate due to cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
-Higer percent of city land area used for parkland.
Surf
There’s no question that Northern California surfers, like their Oregon counterparts, are tough cookies. The water is cold, the coastline is exposed, and there’s plenty of Great Whites trolling around for their next snack. That being said, there is some damn good surf to be had in San Francisco. From sheltered Pacifica, to the exposed coastline of Ocean Beach, to the scenic lineups of Baker Beach and Fort Point, San Francisco surfers get their fair share of waves. Just don’t expect them to be too friendly if you’re looking to get in the mix.
Snow
With Tahoe, Squaw, and a number of other mountains within a short drive’s distance away from the city, there’s really no limit to your winter activities. All you have to do is make a plan and go. There’s even a Bay Area Ski Bus that leaves from the city and transports skiers and snowboarders up to Tahoe. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that.
But what about Southern California?
Folks, we blew it this year. Even San Diego, which I consider a pretty darn healthy city, dropped from #3 to #10 this year due to declining health behaviors and an increase in health problems. Ouch.
Despite the spin studios, juice boutiques, and hipsters, Los Angeles also fell squarely in the middle of the pack, ranked 29th. Apparently LA’s limited space makes for lower percentages of parkland, golf courses, ball diamonds, park playgrounds, swimming pools, and tennis courts, all of which factor into the equation. Additionally, LA has a higher percentage of people with angina, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.
You can find the complete 2016 Rankings and Report here.
