Healthiest States, Cities in the US for 2016 Revealed
A healthy lifestyle is one of the goals people make every year. However, not everyone can maintain their fitness and wellness routines properly.
A new research, which is released by SmartAsset, suggests that some cities in the U.S. are better and more conducive to helping people get in shape. The research also highlights the difference between cities or towns located in the mountain ranges and warmer climates.
SmartAsset, which releases the report on its second year, considered metrics like the presence of gyms, fitness professionals, fitness and wellness businesses and fast food outlets in ranking the healthiest and most fitness-friendly sites in America. Over 293 metropolitan areas were surveyed and below are some of the top cities for 2016:
1) Missoula, Montana
Missoula has 18 recreation centers that serve a population of only 70,000 residents. Most of the locals are into outdoor activities as there are several sites where one can go biking, hunting, hiking, camping, running or fishing, per Smithsonian.
2) Boulder, Colorado
SmartAsset's survey revealed that there are many fitness professionals in this city and the fast food joints are few. However, fitness classes and trainer fees are quite expensive so some of the locals are habitually into outdoor recreation and sports.
3) Corvallis, Oregon
Some 17 percent of Corvallis' commuters either bike or walk to their destinations and, since it's a coastal town surrounded by hills, the climate is usually cooler. The temperature falls between 75 to 80 degrees in the summer months, so biking or hiking are still doable, per Visit Corvallis.
4) Bend, Oregon
Many fitness shops have set up business in Bend and there is a high concentration of fitness professionals working in the city, SmartAsset further reveals.
5) San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo is situated between coastal towns and wineries; it's also a secluded region compared to the rest of California. Thus, many spa and wellness sites are found in this city, Visit SLO suggests. Fast food joints are also scarce.
6) Madison, Wisconsin
Madison has five different lakes fit for swimming and other watersports. There are also 260 parks in and around the city so bikers and hikers are common sights. In fact, the city has received commendations for its bike trails, per Visit Madison.
7) Bellingham, Washington
This is the site of the annual Ski to Sea event, which has existed since the 70s. It's a competition participated by thousands and involves seven sports: skiing, snowboarding, running, road biking, canoeing, cross-country biking and kayaking, per the Ski to Sea official site. The video below shows how part of the Ski to Sea race is carried out: