Washington, D.C., is the most physically active major city in America, and the city that ranks dead last is the "Crossroads of America," Indianapolis.

American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) 2015 American Fitness Index report, titled "Actively Moving America to Better Health," communicated the health and community fitness status of the nation's 50 largest metropolitan areas.

The global leader in exercise science and sports medicine, ACSM has released reports for the last eight years, capturing the strengths and challenges of the country's top metro area. Their reliable measure of community fitness takes personal health indicators, data indicators, area strengths and environmental indicators into account, informing local decision-making, developing opportunities to enhance the quality of life for a given population. In the past, they measured the percentage of residents within a 10-minute walk to a public park, which allows for opportunities to run, walk or do other healthy activities. ACSM's insights have led to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce's development of the "Healthy Charlotte" initiative. Oklahoma City launched the "Wellness Now" campaign.

According to the report, nine metro areas improved in ranking but Cleveland, Kansas City and St. Louis saw the largest leap. Las Vegas heeded AFI's findings and expanded the city's coalition to drive health improvement efforts. Those improvements have produced preventative health behavior, personal health measures and environmental and community resources that support physical activity.

Washington, D.C., leads the nation with regards to health and fitness. The nation's target goal for any physical activity or exercise in the last 30 days is a score of 82.6, and Washington, D.C., nearly meets that goal with a score of 73. They are close to meeting goals when it comes to CDC aerobic activity guidelines (32.2 percent vs. 24.3 percent), the consumption of two or more pieces of fruit per day (35.6 percent vs. 32 percent), the consumption of three or more vegetables per day (19.6 percent vs. 17. 6 percent), obesity (21.3 percent vs. 24.4 percent) and many other categories that examine chronic health problems, built environment, recreational facilities and policy for school physical education. However, they are far off when it comes to total park expenditure per resident ($101.80 vs. $287).

D.C.'s top score is followed by Minneapolis (75.6), San Diego (75.6), San Francisco (72.6), Sacramento (71.4) and Denver (71.1). The cities with the highest AFI scores are considered to have stronger concepts of community fitness and personal fitness. These cities are also more likely to invest in community and environmental indicators that support a healthy and active lifestyle.

Hispanic-heavy cities have rankings that are all across the board. Chicago (56.3), Austin, Texas (54.2), New York (50.9), Riverside (44.8), Dallas (38.8) and San Antonio (32) demonstrate that fact. To endorse improved health and promote regular exercise, it could sweepingly reduce the risk of premature death, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer and other health risks. The report suggests implementing culturally focused activities that are meaningful to residents.