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America's fattest cities 2002 - 4th Annual ReportKeith Griffiths Call it America Under Stress. In seeking solace from the events of 2001, we've turned our backs on exercise in order to fill our fronts with empty calories. The drive-thru has replaced the driving range, bread mills labor as treadmills languish, and our basic crunch has a Nestle label.
Just check the nearest waistline. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 56.4 percent of U.S. adults are overweight. (That stat jumps to 0,5.5 percent on the male-only scale.) A hefty chunk of the population is officially obese--between 19.8 percent and 27 percent, depending on which CDC report you reference.
We can't solely blame current events: The obesity numbers have jumped 61 percent over the past decade. It doesn't help that 27 percent of us don't engage in any physical activity and another 28.2 percent aren't regularly active.
While it may seem frivolous right now to worry about your abs, there's nothing silly about taking care of yourself, especially in unsettling times. Being in fighting trim on the outside usually means you're in sound shape on the inside. After all, we're not talking bronzer and rhinoplasty here. The lifestyle changes that lead to trimmer midsections and broader shoulders boost energy and immune function and reduce your risk of insomnia, depression, impotence, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
"Promoting healthy lifestyles should be a national priority," asserts Frank Vinicor, M.D., director of the CDC's diabetes program.
These days, public health officials have enough on their plates without having to worry about the junk food on ours. But obesity, with its myriad health risks and economic ramifications, is still an enormously important challenge. MEN'S FITNESS sounded the alarm over the nation's fitness gap when we commissioned our first survey in 1998, and with each subsequent ranking we try to inspire individuals and communities to enlist in the fight against fat. It's not about pointing fingers and it's not about looking like a magazine cover model. It's a matter of life and death.
THE COST OF FAT
An estimated 300,000 Americans die from obesity-related causes annually, and the direct costs of obesity and inactivity account for nearly 10 percent of health-care expenses.
The fat epidemic has the potential "to bankrupt our country," warns John Foreyt, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition Research Clinic at Houston's Baylor College of Medicine. "People are living longer, but we're living fatter, with chronic health problems and reduced quality of life."
If current trends continue, "half of America will be obese by 2010," says Todd Whitthorne, producer of the syndicated radio show Healthy Living With Dr. Cooper. "Corporate America has to get involved. For every dollar spent in preventing obesity and promoting fitness, corporations will see many more back in reduced health costs."
But fitness awareness must start in the schoolroom, not the workplace, says Foreyt. "We have to help adults, of course, but the future will depend on the kids, who now spend more time watching TV than they spend at school."
Such efforts are particularly valuable, Foreyt says, where the environment is less conducive toward outdoor activities. "Jogging by the bay in San Diego is certainly more enticing than facing the heat and humidity of Houston," he admits. "A place like San Diego is a bubble, a paradise."
BATTLING THE BULGE
Still, there are victories to report, even in unbubbly locales. Two years ago, Philadelphia used its Fattest City designation as the catalyst to create an innovative, cost-effective fitness initiative involving community members, government and business--and earned the MEN'S FITNESS 2001 Fit City Achievement Award in the process. So far, Philly's success has prompted inquiries from more than 50 municipal and state representatives, and the city will host a national symposium this spring on promoting fitness.
One of the cities that called was Houston, last year's--and this year's--Fattest City. "The planets are lining up for a fitness initiative," says Mindy O'Bannon, public information officer for Houston's department of parks and recreation. Initial incentives include free trial memberships from Bally Total Fitness and a penny-per-pound-lost donation to the American Heart Association from Subway Restaurants.
Houston is no Lone Star anomaly. Texas towns take up five slots in the Fattest 15. In response, Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, San Antonio Mayor Ed Garza and Texas Governor Rick Perry have joined with the Cooper Aerobics Center and the National School Fitness Foundation to launch "Shape Up Texas," a 2002 initiative encouraging healthy eating and triweekly exercise for cowpersons of all sizes.
The Texans, like the Philadelphians, know they have to provide people with means, motivation and a little myth-busting. Americans still think that short-term diets work (they don't), that reduced-fat foods are low in calories (they're not), and that exercise has to leave you drenched in sweat to be effective (it doesn't).
Happily, this is one crisis where small steps can yield big rewards almost immediately. Don't want to turn off CNN? Switch to unbuttered popcorn while you watch, do some stretches during the commercial breaks or take a 20-minute stroll before hunkering down in your La-Z-Boy. After that? Turn to the "Comeback Workout" on page 110 or the MEN'S FITNESS Fat-Loss Handbook on page 80. The more you do, the better you'll feel; and the more you can do, the more you'll want to do.
It's an uphill road, America. Let's start climbing.
1 HOUSTON
THE REAL FAT TEXAS
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: C-
Fat factors: D+
Deadly sins: D+
Air and water: D-
Natural environment: D
Urban attributes: C-
Is Energy Alley paved with deep-fried turkey and baby back ribs? Last year, Houston grabbed the Fattest City title from Philadelphia and has yet to loosen its grip. "Texans are proud, and we took [the 2001 ranking] hard," says parks-and-recreation rep Mindy O'Bannon. But with most of the city's fitness initiatives not slated to start until this year, it's no surprise that this Harris County heavyweight kept the championship belt (size XXL).
Houston has average scores in most categories, but it gets clobbered by high TV viewership and low exercise and sports participation--the exact opposite of Fittest City Colorado Springs. There's not much that individuals can do about the poor air quality and even less about the problematic geography, but they can turn off the tube and get out to their parks, which offer a variety of free programs for kids and adults. (There's more where that came from: In the works is a 15-year, $700 million project to upgrade and expand the park system.)
On the plus side, Houston was the only U.S. city to participate in an international challenge last May promoting "healthy recreation." An impressive 133,014 residents logged in to record their efforts. That bodes well for this year's efforts.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO:
Memorial Park is the one spot everyone who is fit at heart must experience, says Shadston Pittman, fitness coordinator at the parks and recreation department. It's located in downtown Houston, but the abundant greenery makes you think you're in the country. "Even on the most hot and humid days, you'll find the place full of people running and playing," Pittman says. You can check out introductory kickboxing lessons or join the "salsa aerobics" class; the department's Web site (www.houstonparks.org) has class times and locations. For the avid bicyclist, the Alkek Velodrome in Cullen Park provides a chance to sample a professional track. Ever tried disc golf? Ever heard of it? It's big in Houston, with 18 courses in the area. It follows the rules of golf, but you throw a disc rather than swing at a ball. (Hey, your heart doesn't care what you look like when you exercise.) The Wilmont at Tom Bass Regional Park is a "championship-caliber course" that hosts the Texas State Disc Golf Championships.
2 CHICAGO
THE WINDED CITY
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: C-
Fat factors: C
Deadly sins: C
Air and water: D-
Natural environment: D
Urban attributes: D+
Chicago has the worst climate of the 50 cities surveyed. Summers are hot and humid, and winter brings nearly 90 days of below-freezing temperatures. (But those three perfect weeks in spring and fall make up for it all, don't they?) Air quality is poor, and the commute times are among the worst--it takes almost 70 percent longer than the survey average to get from place to place. And the Second City is second worst in the category of city parks and open space, with 394 people per acre compared to San Diego's ratio of 34 people per acre.
Chicago is also dragged down, like the rest of the state, by an overweight, under-exercised populace that seems to have an ingrained antipathy to fruits and vegetables.
The good news is that many locals are closing the door on the weather, but not on fitness: They rank the highest for indoor cardiovascular workouts. Also, people watch less TV and have less access to junk food, relatively speaking. Several of the country's top university hospitals are here, boosting health-care ratings. And the outdoors isn't off-limits, demonstrated by the popular summer softball leagues at Grant Park.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: If walking is one of the best ways to exercise--and it is--Chicago is, pending the weather, one of the best cities in which to do it. Start with Michigan Avenue, taking in the quintessential sights, sounds and shrugs of the City of Big Shoulders. South of the river is a gaggle of world-class museums that will challenge your mind as well as your feet, including the Field Museum of Natural History, home to Sue, the world's largest and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex. Make the most of spectacular 18-mile Lakefront Path: Winding through parks and along Lake Michigan for 18 miles, it accommodates runners, bicyclists, inline skaters and more. The Chicago Marathon in October is a fun way to wend your way through the town's old neighborhoods; the flat course is great for the beginner and hosted the current world record (2:05:42). Not too far away is Busse Woods, with extensive paved and dirt trails that make it a popular spot for bikers, inline skaters, walkers, cross-country skiers and a herd of homegrown elk.
3 DETROIT
LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEERS
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: C-
Fat factors: B
Deadly sins: C
Air and water: D-
Natural environment: D-
Urban attributes: D
Poor grades in climate and geography might be excusable, but considering how lousy the air is here, why do so many people smoke? Add substandard nutrition, a lack of fitness centers, poor access to health care, and a difficult commute (all those cars!), and the Motor City sputters and stalls.
Happily, the city rallies in the areas of exercise and team sports. Residents love their bikes; indoor roller hockey approaches a religious level; and even outdoor winter inline skating has a cult following. True to its rep, Detroit loves to bowl: More than half the sports-and-recreation listings on the visitors bureau Web site are bowling lanes, though the six-packs on display are likely to be the Stroh's behind the bar. Michigan also leads the country in public golf courses and new courses being built--so keep the cart in the garage and head to the first tee on foot. Remember: Red Wings, good; chicken wings, bad.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: It's easy to find a bowling alley, but hard to find an open lane. You've got 48 chances at Taylor Lanes or 52 at Cherry Hill Lanes in Dearborn Heights. You can join the inline skaters at the Pontiac Silverdome or play b-ball or v-ball, skate or train at Joe Dumars Fieldhouse and Bayou Fun Center, run by the former Pistons star and current exec. The 13 Metroparks form a 24,000-acre green belt around Detroit. Two of the largest, Stony Creek Park and Kensington Park, offer hiking, biking, nature study, golf, winter sports and a host of special outdoor programs; check www.metroparks.com for more details. Just outside the city, the Sterling Inn has a 22,000-square-foot indoor water park and fitness center.
4 PHILADELPHIA
THE FORMER FAT CAPITAL
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: D
Fat factors: C
Deadly sins: D
Air and water: D
Natural environment: C-
Urban attributes: C
Slowly but surely, Philadelphia is climbing up the fitness ladder. Two years ago, Mayor John Street took Philadelphia's Fattest City ranking as a call to action. He appointed Gwen Foster "health and fitness czar" and enthusiastically backed a variety of innovative fitness ideas. One attention-getting promotion with the NBA 76ers resulted in 20,000 residents signing on to lose 76 tons. Nonetheless, Foster seems most proud of exercise and nutrition programs designed to help those with obesity-related diabetes. "We've seen people who have been able to lose enough weight to go off medications and, in some cases, avoid amputation," she reports.
Philadelphians could easily clamber a few more rungs up the fitness ladder if they'd switch off the cable and stub out their cigarettes. The stricter smoking regulations that are in the works are much needed--the city has the highest incidence of lung cancer in the survey. Scores went up this year for sports and exercise, but stayed in the bottom 10 percent for health-food stores and fitness centers. The record number of pizza parlors declined, but with 487 such emporia remaining, locals still don't have to look far to get their fix of cheese and pepperoni.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: Fairmount Park, one of the world's largest municipal parks, has more than 75 miles of trails plus every other type of recreation for the mind and body, including the nation's finest rowing course. Make your way to Boat House Row and join the "Schuylkill Navy," the collection of historic rowing clubs that makes the Schuylkill River its home. Culture-loving joggers and Rocky fans will appreciate an eight-mile run starting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. When Jack Frost starts nipping, try the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing for outdoor ice-skating. The "Fun, Fit and Free" Web site (www.phila.gov/fitandfun) has links to recreation centers, sports programs and the Mobility Alternatives Program, which offers incentives for people to walk, bike or skate to work.
5 DALLAS
THE GREAT BIG D
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: C
Fat factors: D+
Deadly sins: C-
Air and water: C
Natural environment: D-
Urban attributes: D+
The Texas Star took a heavy drop in the ranking this year. Perhaps to avoid the poor air quality and inhospitable climate, too many Dallas cowboys stayed indoors to watch the Dallas Cowboys--and supported local industry by munching Fritos and Doritos the whole time. Still hungry after the game? There's a lot of eating going on here: Dallas has four times more restaurants per person than New York City. It also has more than its fair share of junk food, including 105 doughnut shops.
Not all is lost, though. Dallas ranks in the top 25 percent in racquetball and horseback riding. (If you come up with the connection, please let us know.) You can stay well-hydrated on the city's decent water, and, once you decide to put down your sausage-on-a-stick and get going, you won't have too much trouble finding a golf course or a fitness center.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: Chalk it up at Stone Works in Carrollton, which boasts a record 121 feet of vertical climbing area in ... wait for it ... a grain silo! Legacy Park (five miles) offers tree-lined trails, while White Rock Creek Trail (seven miles) meets up with White Rock Lake Trail (11 miles) for a good workout. Kayak at the lake for a cool-down. BFW Adventure Teams caters to all sorts of outdoor activities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including hiking, paragliding, water sports and horseback riding, to name a few. For a communal experience, join the local incarnation of "Hoop It Up," an annual gathering of amateur b-ball fanatics, or hie thee to "Plow, Plant and Shear," a reenactment of the pioneers' daily routine on the prairie.
6 COLUMBUS
BUCKEYES AND BUTTS
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: C-
Fat factors: D
Deadly sins: C
Air and water: C
Natural environment: D-
Urban attributes: C
Every year, Arnold Schwarzenegger hosts his famous Fitness Weekend here, which includes bodybuilding, gymnastics, martial arts and 10K races.
But does everyone put away his Asics when the Terminator takes off? Only four cities scored worse than Columbus did for overall sports participation. Golf, tennis and soccer get decent turnouts, but fewer people walk here than in any other city in the survey.
Columbus is fourth in restaurant sales per capita, boosted by the trendy Short North, German Village and Brewery District areas. The residents don't order enough fruits and vegetables, but they do light up after dinner. Ohio ranks second only to Nevada for adult smokers, with 27.6 percent admitting to the vice, abetted by some of the nation's most lenient smoking regulations.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: Officially stung by its continued ranking as one of America's Fattest Cities, Columbus has launched "Commit to Be Fit," a health initiative that culminates its first season with an expo and cycling rally in July. In the meantime, fitness info, tips and success stories are running on WBNS-TV and its Web site (www.10tv.com); Kroger markets are flagging healthy foods on their shelves; and the Ohio State University Medical Center is providing smoking-cessation advice. After you've stubbed out your last stick o' nico', sign up for Arnold's 5K Pump and Run, where bench-pressing your weight reduces your run time. Or hike the Conkle Hollow State Nature Preserve to get your legs and lungs ready for the Columbus Marathon in October.
7 SAN ANTONIO
ROUGH RIDING
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: D+
Fat factors: C-
Deadly sins: D
Air and water: B-
Natural environment: D
Urban attributes: C-
How did San Antonio take the plunge into fatness, joining the great Texas herd? It's all relative. More TV, more junk food and less exercise, combined with updated statistics showing a decline in air quality and new figures on (the lack of) sports participation, added up to bring the town down. You'll find relatively few fitness centers and training facilities, but bars are plentiful. San Antonio boasts an above-average commute, but its climate index and geography can discourage the fit-minded. There are three jogging trails downtown, but each one is only a mile long. And so it goes.
Yet San Antonio is notorious for bucking trends. Incidence of lung cancer is comparatively low, and nutrition seems to have improved--though we're not sure if this is helped or hurt by the annual Fiesta Oyster Bake.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: The Alamo is one of five missions that stretch down the nine-mile Mission Trails; walk them all and you have a solid workout. McAllister Park, near the airport, includes seven miles of hiking and biking trails. The Marathon of the Americas in November also offers a two-person relay and a 5K run. Parks, shopping and restaurants dot the Paseo del Rio (that's the Riverwalk to the gringos); you can't imagine a more pleasant place to exercise your legs (a lot) while indulging your taste buds (a little) on a hot evening in August.
8 FORT WORTH
WHERE THE WEIGHT BEGINS
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: C
Fat factors: D
Deadly sins: D+
Air and water: B-
Natural environment: D-
Urban attributes: C
Did Butch Cassidy and his gang have this problem when they hid out in Hell's Half Acre? The residents know that obesity is a problem--a third of them admitted as much to pollsters from the health department--but that hasn't made them put down their breakfast burritos. Then again, Hell's Half Acre is now Sundance Square, so maybe another attitude shift is possible.
One positive step would be to hydrate more, especially since the local agua is highly drinkable. While ratings in climate, geography and air quality tend to discourage those less motivated, the number of people who participate in aerobics suggests that exercise is definitely doable.
Where does the fat come from? For a start, too much TV and too much junk food. With 73 doughnut shops, Fort Worth beats the runner-up in this per-capita category by nearly 20 percent. And if all those raised glazed make you sick, watch out: Access to health-care here ranks near the bottom.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: The Cowtown Marathon offers 5Ks, 10Ks and three-man relays. There are 32 miles of paved surfaces for biking, walking and skating at Trinity Trails, which winds along the Trinity River. It's not the running of the bulls; but check out the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive through the Stockyards Station. In October, mosey on down to the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival
9 ST. LOUIS
BUD WRESTLING
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: B-
Fat factors: D-
Deadly sins: C
Air and water: C
Natural environment: F
Urban attributes: C
St. Louis is identified by the gigantic Gateway Arch, which should be golden to symbolize all the junk food that passes through those who pass through here. The air is clear, there are lots of fitness centers to choose from, and TV viewing is low. That's the good news. On the other side of the ledger, the water quality is bad, ditto the climate and geography, and there's lots of smoking in lots of bars. The humidity in the summer can be stifling, which may explain why St. Louis ranks fourth in the nation in ice cream parlors.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: Bypass the Ted Drewes frozen custard to find one of the nine disc golf courses in the area. Try all or part of the Katy Trail, a fairly flat, 220-mile rails-to-trails bike path. If you get inspired at the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum, head for Tropicana Lanes, which is open late. At Pete Marquette State Park, there are wildflowers in April and bald eagles in the winter, as well as hiking, boating and biking. Forest Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks, is the pride of St. Louis and offers everything from hayrides to ice-skating.
10 INDIANAPOLIS
TECHNICAL FOULS
REPORT CARD
Healthy habits: C
Fat factors: C
Deadly sins: C
Air and water: D-
Natural environment: F
Urban attributes: C+
The City on the Move lives up its name on the basketball court, with 33 percent of the residents declaring themselves hoop dreamers: No other city even comes close. Other sports get above-average turnouts as well. But Indy slings air balls when it comes to smoking (Marion County ranks fifth highest in lung-cancer deaths) and nutrition. Commute times have worsened, as have air quality and water quality, and the poor climate and difficult geography keep the team out of the Final Four and in the Bottom 10.
STUFF THE FIT-MINDED CAN DO: About 130 parks cover a total of about 8,000 acres, more than half of which belong to Eagle Creek Park. The Indy Greenways is a diverse, 175-mile network of interconnecting trails throughout the city that hosts walkers, runners, bikers, inline skaters and cross-country skiers. The more popular routes include the Central Canal Towpath, the Pogue Run Trail and the White River Trail.
HOW WE DID IT: CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS
The 50 largest cities were Selected using the most recent United States Census Bureau statistics available at the time of the survey, which was conducted between July 2001 and September 2001. Cities were assessed in 16 commensurate categories, using data specific to each city, except as noted when data was available only for a metropolitan statistical area or for a state. (When no data was available, an average score was assigned.) The categories were selected as indicators, risk factors or relevant environmental factors affecting fitness, obesity and health.
A new category--sports participation--was included this year, and a new subcategory was added to nutrition. Data was updated in every returning category except climate, federal parks, geography and health-care access, where source information did not significantly change. Every city was contacted to update information on smoking regulations, parks, and recreation facilities.
The cities were ranked first to last and assigned numerical grades based on a relative curve. The scores were then translated into letter grades, which, while a more familiar point of reference, eliminated some of the scoring nuances. Since the survey is based on a comparative scale, with cities ranked solely in relation to each other, some positions and grades may have shifted from last year without necessarily indicating significant statistical changes.
GYMS/SPORTING GOODS: Composite score, equally weighing (a) total number of clubs, gyms and fitness studios ranked per 100,000 population, from yellowpages.com; and (b) total number of sporting-goods retailers ranked per 100,000 population, from yellowpages.com.
NUTRITION: Composite score, equally weighing (a) average frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (percent that consumes five or more servings per day) in state-level data (2000) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; and (b) total number of health-food stores ranked per 100,000 population, from yellowpages.com.
EXERCISE/SPORTS: Total participation in 103 sports and fitness activities. Measured by participants per 100 residents for the top 30 metropolitan statistical areas and by state. State-level data used for Austin, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Tulsa and Wichita. No info was available for Honolulu, which was therefore given an average score. Data obtained from the Superstudy of Sports Participation Geographic Supplement (1998-2100), Volume I, from American Sports Data Inc.
OVERWEIGHT/SEDENTARY: Composite score, equally weighing (a) percentage of state population that is obese, according to the CDC's BRFSS (2000); (b) percentage of state population at risk for health problems related to being overweight, same source (1999); (c) percentage of state population at risk for health problems related to lack of exercise, same source (2000); and (d) percentage of state population not participating in physical activity, same source (2000).
JUNK FOOD: Total number of fast-food outlets, pizza parlors, ice cream shops and doughnut stores ranked per 100,000 population, from yellowpages.com.
ALCOHOL: Composite score, equally weighing (a) total number of bars/taverns ranked per 100,000 population, from yellowpages.com; and (b) apparent alcohol consumption by state, from the December 1999 surveillance report of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
SMOKING: Composite score, equally weighing (a) percentage adult cigarette smokers by state, from the CDC State and National Tobacco Control Highlights, published 2000; (b) local regulations restricting smoking at restaurants, bars and the workplace, from a MEN'S FITNESS custom survey, August 2001; and (c) estimated incidence of lung cancer as percentage of county population (1998), from American Lung Association Web site.
TV: Metered Market HUT (Homes Using Television) Analysis, Primetime, July 5, 2001, to August 1, 2001, from Nielsen Media Research. Average scores assigned to Albuquerque, Austin, El Paso, Fresno, Honolulu, Jacksonville, Tulsa, Omaha and Wichita.
AIR QUALITY: The air-quality index is based on annual reports from the Environmental Protection Agency. The number of ozone alert days is used as an indicator of air quality, as is the amount of pollutants, including particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and volatile organic chemicals. From Sterling's Best Places (www.bestplaces.net).
WATER QUALITY: The water-quality index is based on area ratings by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has a complex method of measuring the watershed quality, using 15 indicators, such as pollutants, turbidity, sediments and toxic discharges. From Sterling's Best Places (www.bestplaces.net).
CLIMATE: The climate index is based upon National Weather Service data through 1998, combining estimated annual days above 32 degrees and below 90 degrees, amounts of precipitation and sunshine, and the August heat/humidity index.
GEOGRAPHY: Accessible recreational forests, lakes, rivers, waterways, mountains, and ocean beaches, compiled from almanacs and additional sources.
COMMUTE: Based on the Travel Time Index, which measures traffic delays due to congestion, according to the 2001 Urban Mobility Report from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University. Average score for small cities assigned to Tulsa and Wichita.
PARKS/OPEN SPACE: Composite score, equally weighing (a) total acreage per 1,000 population of federal and state recreation areas plus all listed water areas, from the Places Rated Almanac (2000); number of city parks per 10,000 population, according to a 2001 MEN'S FITNESS custom survey; and (c) acres of city parks and recreational open space per 10,000 population, according to a 2001 MEN'S FITNESS custom survey.
RECREATION FACILITIES: Composite score based on totals per 10,000 population according to a 2001 MEN'S FITNESS custom survey, equally weighing (a) number of public basketball courts; (b) number of public swimming pools; (c) number of public tennis courts; and (d) number of public golf courses.
HEALTH CARE: Based on city-by-city ranking of heath resources and access as measured by Places Rated Almanac (2000).
AMERICA'S FITTEST CITIES
While most of the nation is packing on the pounds, some towns are transcending the tubbiness trend. True, they tend to be West Coast wimps who don't have to deal with stultifying summers and arctic winters, but they also tend to boast residents who have made fitness a priority and have civic leaders who support them Here are the top five: Don't hate them because you can see their abs.
1 COLORADO SPRINGS
TAKING THE CROWN
The air isn't the only thing that's thin here. Colorado Springs vaulted into the top slot this year on the strength of incrementally improving scores in nine separate categories. It continues to excel in TV viewership (translation: fewer hours watching) and gets a top ranking for exercise. The city prides itself on being a world-class haven for the sports-minded and lives tip to its reputation. Along with Denver, it leads the country n downhill skiers (14 percent) and hikers (29 percent). Need a fitness role model? Check out the U.S. Olympic Training Center or the U.S. Air Force Academy.
At 6,035 feet, Colorado Springs has the highest elevation of any town in our survey--just walking up a flight of stairs s a workout. Maybe because air is rare, residents treat their lungs with respect, resulting in the third-lowest incidence of lung cancer. The climate is less than ideal, but those who live here (or have visited) appreciate the low humidity and the short duration of the storms: You can get the excitement of six inches of snow or a summer thunderstorm, but be back to sunshine within 24 hours.
Stuff the fit-minded can do: Hike or mountain bike through Garden of the Gods while rock climbers scale spectacular red sandstone formations hundreds of feet above you, or join the park's annual 10-mile run in June. The Pike National Forest offers sightseeing, hiking, lake fishing, boating, picnicking and cross-country skiing. But enough sissy stuff. The annual Pikes Peak Marathon has a vertical gain of 7,815 feet to the 14,110-foot summit of Colorado's signature mountain.
2 DENVER
MILE HIGH AND MIGHTY
How did Denver get nosed out by its little sister to the south? Cars and bars. A lousy commute and a taste for alcohol conspired to keep the Mile High City in the runner-up slot. But should Colorado Springs be unable for any reason to fulfill the duties of America's Fittest City, Denver's love of sports, biking and jogging, its disdain for television, and its highly rated park system will enable it to step in at any time.
Stuff the fit-minded can do: Race (or pace) your dog around the jogging trails at Washington Park, where lakes, gardens, tennis courts, open lawns and mountain vistas beckon. Bike the South Platte River Greenway, a 30-mile conjoining of urban and natural settings, if you've got a week to spare, "Ride the Rockies" cycles through scenic mountain countryside: the event sells out every year. The "Bolder Boulder" is a Memorial Day 10K in which 40,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair participants pay tribute to veterans.
3 SAN DIEGO
PARADISE SLIPS
The beaches are even better now, with new sand dredged up to make room for more people. Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park and the harbor area continue to be popular venues for the walking/biking/jogging crowd, especially at sunset. And the best climate index makes even water sports a year-round affair.
So how did the three-time Fittest City lose its crown? Well, the commute's pretty bad, the air has gone from mediocre to worse, and where did all those fish-taco stands come from? Or maybe it was just stronger competition this year.
Stuff the fit-minded can do: In June, 10,000 party animals will join the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, promising a free ticket to Smash Mouth at the finish. Want peace and quiet? Lake Murray has a five-mile trail, wildlife included. Paragliding at the cliffs above Torrey Pines may be as close as you get to the popular golf course, unless you can master the reservation ropes. Only eight miles from downtown, Mission Trails Regional Park has 5,800 acres of rugged hills and valleys.
4 SEATTLE
NO CALORIES IN COFFEE
Residents of the other Emerald City take advantage of the city's splendor: More than 27 percent of the population are hikers, and racquetball is also high on the list, especially during the rainy season (and it's always the rainy season). If Seattle hadn't contracted "Ichiro fever," sports participation might have been even higher.
The spectacular geography entices the populace from their TVs. But the commute to Mount Rainier--or anywhere else--deserves its wicked reputation; only drivers in Los Angeles and Long Beach spend more time stuck in traffic.
Stuff the fit-minded can do: The Seafair is a monthlong celebration featuring an 8K Torchlight Run in front of 300,000 fans as well as a triathlon. Outrigger canoe races are part of Salty Sea Days in nearby Everett. The Burke-Gilman Sammamish River Trail is 27 miles long and devoid of motorized vehicles.
5 SAN FRANCISCO
HILL-BENT ON FITNESS
The City by the Bay consistently finds itself among the fittest five. With nearly 40 percent of the population reporting recreational walking, fitness comes naturally. State and local regulations restrict smoking in a culture that further discourages it. If it weren't for the dreadful commute, a few too many watering holes and a general disinterest in playing sports, the city might have climbed to the top.
Stuff the fit-minded can do: For the best view, start at Market Street and Castro and walk the two miles up Twin Peaks. For serious hikers, the 400-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail is half-finished, with a dozen trailheads to choose from. There are more than a few runs for charity, including the wacky 12K "Bay to Breakers," but for a real grind, try the MEN'S FITNESS-sponsored "Escape From Alcatraz" triathlon in the spring.
A DECADE OF FAT
America's economy may have retrenched, but its waistline keeps getting bigger. Back in 1990, no more than 14 percent of any state population could be called "obese" (defined as a body mass index of 30 or more). Skip ahead a decade: In 22 states, 20 percent or more of the population is obese, and the rest of the country is chewing its best to catch up.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
WHAT'S YOUR BMI?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines "overweight" as a body mass index of 25 to 29.9 and "obese" as a BMI of 30 or more. To determine your BMI, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches, divide again by height, then multiply by 703. Or access www.cdc.gov/ nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm and your computer will do it for you. (P.S. Bodybuilders should take these numbers with a grain of sweat.)
FAT [left and right arrow] AVERAGE
HEALTHY HABITS
Gyms/ Exercise/
FATTEST CITY Sporting Goods Nutrition Sports
1. Houston, TX B- B- F
2. Chicago, IL D D- B
3. Detroit, MI F D- A
4. Philadelphia, PA F D- C
5. Dallas, TX B- C D
6. Columbus, OH C D- C
7. San Antonio, TX D B F
8. Fort Worth, TX C B- D
9. St. Louis, MO A C- C
10. Indianapolis, IN B- D- B
11. Tulsa, OK F F D
12. Atlanta, GA A B- F
13. Cleveland, OH A C C
14. El Paso, TX D- C- F
15. Miami, FL A B- F
16. New York, NY F C C
17. Kansas City, MO C- C A
18. Phoenix, AZ D- A- C
19. Baltimore, MD D- B- F
20. New Orleans, LA F D- F
21. Charlotte, NC B C- D
22. Milwaukee, WI B- F A
23. Las Vegas, NV A C C
24. Mesa, AZ C A- C
25. Wichita, KS B- C- B
FAT FACTORS
Overweight/
FATTEST CITY Sedentary Junk Food
1. Houston, TX D C-
2. Chicago, IL D- B
3. Detroit, MI C A-
4. Philadelphia, PA C C
5. Dallas, TX D C
6. Columbus, OH D- C-
7. San Antonio, TX D C+
8. Fort Worth, TX D D
9. St. Louis, MO D F
10. Indianapolis, IN C C-
11. Tulsa, OK D A-
12. Atlanta, GA D F+
13. Cleveland, OH D- F
14. El Paso, TX D B
15. Miami, FL C+ F
16. New York, NY C+ A
17. Kansas City, MO D C
18. Phoenix, AZ C+ B
19. Baltimore, MD B- C+
20. New Orleans, LA F A-
21. Charlotte, NC D C+
22. Milwaukee, WI B C
23. Las Vegas, NV A F
24. Mesa, AZ C+ C
25. Wichita, KS C- D
DEADLY SINS
FATTEST CITY Alcohol Smoking TV
1. Houston, TX C- B- F
2. Chicago, IL C- C- B
3. Detroit, MI C D B
4. Philadelphia, PA B D- F
5. Dallas, TX C- C D
6. Columbus, OH C D- B
7. San Antonio, TX D B- F
8. Fort Worth, TX C- C- D
9. St. Louis, MO D F+ A
10. Indianapolis, IN B- F+ B
11. Tulsa, OK A F+ C
12. Atlanta, GA C- C F
13. Cleveland, OH C- D B
14. El Paso, TX D C+ C
15. Miami, FL F B- F
16. New York, NY A B- D
17. Kansas City, MO D C+ C
18. Phoenix, AZ C- B- D
19. Baltimore, MD C- C- D
20. New Orleans, LA F D F
21. Charlotte, NC B D+ F
22. Milwaukee, WI F C- B
23. Las Vegas, NV F D C
24. Mesa, AZ C B D
25. Wichita, KS B C- C
AIR & WATER QUALITY
FATTEST CITY Air Water
1. Houston, TX F D
2. Chicago, IL F D
3. Detroit, MI F D
4. Philadelphia, PA C F
5. Dallas, TX F A
6. Columbus, OH C C
7. San Antonio, TX D A
8. Fort Worth, TX D A
9. St. Louis, MO A F
10. Indianapolis, IN D F
11. Tulsa, OK C B
12. Atlanta, GA C C
13. Cleveland, OH D D
14. El Paso, TX A B
15. Miami, FL D C
16. New York, NY C D
17. Kansas City, MO C F
18. Phoenix, AZ F B
19. Baltimore, MD A C
20. New Orleans, LA A D
21. Charlotte, NC B B
22. Milwaukee, WI C F
23. Las Vegas, NV C A
24. Mesa, AZ F B
25. Wichita, KS B D
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
FATTEST CITY Climate Geography
1. Houston, TX C F
2. Chicago, IL F C
3. Detroit, MI F D
4. Philadelphia, PA C D
5. Dallas, TX D F
6. Columbus, OH F D
7. San Antonio, TX D D
8. Fort Worth, TX D F
9. St. Louis, MO F F
10. Indianapolis, IN F F
11. Tulsa, OK D F
12. Atlanta, GA B D
13. Cleveland, OH F D
14. El Paso, TX B D
15. Miami, FL B C
16. New York, NY C F
17. Kansas City, MO D F
18. Phoenix, AZ C D
19. Baltimore, MD D C
20. New Orleans, LA B C
21. Charlotte, NC B 0
22. Milwaukee, WI F C
23. Las Vegas, NV B C
24. Mesa, AZ C D
25. Wichita, KS F D
URBAN ATTRIBUTES
Parks/
FATTEST CITY Commute Open Space
1. Houston, TX D D+
2. Chicago, IL F F+
3. Detroit, MI D C-
4. Philadelphia, PA C F+
5. Dallas, TX C C
6. Columbus, OH B C-
7. San Antonio, TX B D-
8. Fort Worth, TX B C+
9. St. Louis, MO C C
10. Indianapolis, IN C D
11. Tulsa, OK B B-
12. Atlanta, GA D C
13. Cleveland, OH A C-
14. El Paso, TX A F+
15. Miami, FL D C
16. New York, NY F D-
17. Kansas City, MO A B-
18. Phoenix, AZ C C+
19. Baltimore, MD C D+
20. New Orleans, LA A B+
21. Charlotte, NC B C+
22. Milwaukee, WI B C
23. Las Vegas, NV D D+
24. Mesa, AZ C C-
25. Wichita, KS A D
URBAN ATTRIBUTES
Recreation
FATTEST CITY Facilities Health Care
1. Houston, TX C C
2. Chicago, IL C B
3. Detroit, MI C+ F
4. Philadelphia, PA B- B
5. Dallas, TX C- F
6. Columbus, OH C D
7. San Antonio, TX D+ C
8. Fort Worth, TX C F
9. St. Louis, MO C- C
10. Indianapolis, IN C+ A
11. Tulsa, OK B F
12. Atlanta, GA B D
13. Cleveland, OH B- B
14. El Paso, TX C F
15. Miami, FL C A
16. New York, NY D+ A
17. Kansas City, MO C C
18. Phoenix, AZ C- D
19. Baltimore, MD C B
20. New Orleans, LA B A
21. Charlotte, NC D+ F
22. Milwaukee, WI C B
23. Las Vegas, NV B- F
24. Mesa, AZ B- D
25. Wichita, KS C+ B
FIT [left and right arrow] AVERAGE
HEALTHY HABITS
Gyms/ Exercise/
FITTEST CITY Sporting Goods Nutrition Sports
1. Colorado Springs, CO B- B A
2. Denver, CO B B- A
3. San Diego, CA C- C B
4. Seattle, WA A- B- A
5. San Francisco, CA B B- D
6. Virginia Beach, VA B- A- A
7. Honolulu, HI B C- C
8. Sacramento, CA A- B B
9. Albuquerque, NM C D A
10. Boston, MA F C B
11. Portland, OR B B- A
12. Tucson, AZ B A C
13. Fresno, CA D C B
14. Minneapolis, MN A- B- A
15. Oakland, CA D C D
16. Austin, TX B- B F
17. Memphis, TN D A- C
18. Los Angeles, CA F C- D
19. Omaha, NE C- D- B
20. San Jose, CA F C- D
21. Washington, DC C C F
22. Oklahoma City, OK B D A
23. Jacksonville, FL C- C- D
24. Nashville, TN C- B C
25. Long Beach, CA D- C- D
FAT FACTORS
Overweight/
FITTEST CITY Sedentary Junk Food
1. Colorado Springs, CO A C
2. Denver, CO A C+
3. San Diego, CA B+ B
4. Seattle, WA A- C
5. San Francisco, CA B+ B-
6. Virginia Beach, VA B- C
7. Honolulu, HI A C-
8. Sacramento, CA B+ D-
9. Albuquerque, NM B D
10. Boston, MA A- B+
11. Portland, OR B C
12. Tucson, AZ C+ D
13. Fresno, CA B+ D
14. Minneapolis, MN B D
15. Oakland, CA B+ B
16. Austin, TX D C+
17. Memphis, TN D- C+
18. Los Angeles, CA B+ B+
19. Omaha, NE D C
20. San Jose, CA B+ B-
21. Washington, DC B B
22. Oklahoma City, OK D D
23. Jacksonville, FL C+ C
24. Nashville, TN D- B
25. Long Beach, CA B+ B-
DEADLY SINS
FITTEST CITY Alcohol Smoking TV
1. Colorado Springs, CO C C+ A
2. Denver, CO D- C A
3. San Diego, CA A- A- B
4. Seattle, WA D C+ A
5. San Francisco, CA C B+ A
6. Virginia Beach, VA B B- F
7. Honolulu, HI C B- C
8. Sacramento, CA B- B+ D
9. Albuquerque, NM B- C+ B
10. Boston, MA C C+ B
11. Portland, OR D- C- A
12. Tucson, AZ D B- D
13. Fresno, CA A- A- C
14. Minneapolis, MN D B A
15. Oakland, CA B A- A
16. Austin, TX C B C
17. Memphis, TN A- D+ F
18. Los Angeles, CA A- A D
19. Omaha, NE D C- C
20. San Jose, CA A- A A
21. Washington, DC C- D+ A
22. Oklahoma City, OK A- F+ D
23. Jacksonville, FL C- C C
24. Nashville, TN B D- F
25. Long Beach, CA B A D
AIR & WATER QUALITY
FITTEST CITY Air Water
1. Colorado Springs, CO A A
2. Denver, CO A A
3. San Diego, CA F A
4. Seattle, WA D B
5. San Francisco, CA B C
6. Virginia Beach, VA A B
7. Honolulu, HI B C
8. Sacramento, CA B D
9. Albuquerque, NM B C
10. Boston, MA A F
11. Portland, OR B C
12. Tucson, AZ B C
13. Fresno, CA C F
14. Minneapolis, MN D F
15. Oakland, CA C D
16. Austin, TX B A
17. Memphis, TN D B
18. Los Angeles, CA F B
19. Omaha, NE A C
20. San Jose, CA D D
21. Washington, DC A D
22. Oklahoma City, OK B B
23. Jacksonville, FL D F
24. Nashville, TN B A
25. Long Beach, CA F C
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
FITTEST CITY Climate Geography
1. Colorado Springs, CO D B
2. Denver, CO D B
3. San Diego, CA A A
4. Seattle, WA C A
5. San Francisco, CA A A
6. Virginia Beach, VA B A
7. Honolulu, HI A A
8. Sacramento, CA A B
9. Albuquerque, NM D B
10. Boston, MA C B
11. Portland, OR B B
12. Tucson, AZ B C
13. Fresno, CA A C
14. Minneapolis, MN F C
15. Oakland, CA A B
16. Austin, TX C C
17. Memphis, TN B D
18. Los Angeles, CA A A
19. Omaha, NE F D
20. San Jose, CA A B
21. Washington, DC C D
22. Oklahoma City, OK C F
23. Jacksonville, FL B B
24. Nashville, TN D D
25. Long Beach, CA A B
URBAN ATTRIBUTES
Parks/
FITTEST CITY Commute Open Space
1. Colorado Springs, CO A B+
2. Denver, CO D B
3. San Diego, CA D B-
4. Seattle, WA F B+
5. San Francisco, CA F D+
6. Virginia Beach, VA B C+
7. Honolulu, HI B B-
8. Sacramento, CA C C+
9. Albuquerque, NM C A-
10. Boston, MA F B
11. Portland, OR F B
12. Tucson, AZ B C
13. Fresno, CA A D+
14. Minneapolis, MN D B
15. Oakland, CA F D
16. Austin, TX C C+
17. Memphis, TN A C-
18. Los Angeles, CA F D-
19. Omaha, NE A C+
20. San Jose, CA D F
21. Washington, DC F C+
22. Oklahoma City, OK A C
23. Jacksonville, FL A B
24. Nashville, TN B D+
25. Long Beach, CA F C-
URBAN ATTRIBUTES
Recreation
FITTEST CITY Facilities Health Care
1. Colorado Springs, CO C F
2. Denver, CO B- B
3. San Diego, CA C+ C
4. Seattle, WA C- A
5. San Francisco, CA C- A
6. Virginia Beach, VA C F
7. Honolulu, HI B D
8. Sacramento, CA B D
9. Albuquerque, NM C B
10. Boston, MA B- A
11. Portland, OR C D
12. Tucson, AZ B- C
13. Fresno, CA B- F
14. Minneapolis, MN C A
15. Oakland, CA C D
16. Austin, TX C+ D
17. Memphis, TN B B
18. Los Angeles, CA C C
19. Omaha, NE B A
20. San Jose, CA D C
21. Washington, DC C- A
22. Oklahoma City, OK B D
23. Jacksonville, FL C+ C
24. Nashville, TN C B
25. Long Beach, CA C C
Keith Griffiths is a principal with KGB Media in Encinitas, Calif. Additional material was provided by researchers Jake Knight and Rick Minerd and contributor David Van Ness.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
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