Good job, Minneapolis and St. Paul, you are among the most fit cities in America.
Residents of the two cities were more likely to go for a run or bike ride, engage in strength-building activities, eat their fruits and vegetables, and overall live healthy active lifestyles than peers in other U.S. cities, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Minneapolis came in at No. 6 on this year’s American Fitness Index while St. Paul checked in at No. 18. ACSM has conducted its survey for the past 18 years using more than 30 fitness indicators to compile its rankings.
This year, ACSM added three new categories to its assessments, including trail miles, splash pads and pickleball and dual-use courts. Minneapolis has 61 trail miles per 100,000 residents, helping to boost its 2025 ranking, the report said.
“It’s not simply about traditional fitness venues; it’s about how cities’ built environments that can support all residents in moving more, playing more, and connecting with others in healthy, physically active ways,” the ACSM said.
The survey also took into account green spaces, access to parks and recreational areas, basketball hoops and bike lanes. The state’s largest city had the highest bike score of cities analyzed and ranked first for having the most recreation centers for every 20,000 residents, the report said.
The report also graded personal health measures such as obesity rates, fruit and vegetable consumption, mental health, sleep and smoking rates.
Overall, the results across America were positive with 89 of the 100 cities in the survey reporting an increase in residents meeting aerobic and strength activity guidelines.
