Seattle ranks No. 4 among America's fittest cities
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Seattle ranks among America's fittest cities, according to the latest report from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Elevance Health Foundation.
The big picture: The rankings assess parks and recreation infrastructure, environmental conditions, residents' health indicators and other factors across the nation's 100 biggest cities.
- Seattle came in at No. 4,
🌃 Zoom in: There are "two types of cities," the report finds.
- "One where healthy choices are built into everyday life, and another where structural barriers continue to limit long-term health."
- The top-ranked cities tend to have lower obesity and chronic disease rates, more walking and biking activity, and better parks and rec access.
📈 2026's biggest climbers: Richmond, Virginia (+20 spots, to No. 20); Charlotte, North Carolina (+19 spots, to No. 42); Virginia Beach, Virginia (+18 spots, to No. 61); and Durham, North Carolina (+17 spots, to No. 49).
- The biggest drops: Orlando, Florida (-19 spots, to No. 65); Laredo, Texas (-18 spots, to No. 88); and Jacksonville, Florida. (-16 spots, to No. 84).
Former ACSM president Stella Volpe said in a statement accompanying the report: "The cities that consistently rank at the top aren't succeeding because of one program or one investment."
- "They've built systems that support healthier living over time. They are the ones creating environments where physical activity can easily become a part of everyday routines."