News Summary
Six Florida cities, including Miami and Tampa, rank in the top 100 of ‘America’s Fittest City’ by ACSM and Elevance Health Foundation. The report highlights a positive trend in physical activity levels while addressing declines in air quality and rising food insecurity. Tampa ranks No. 9 for trail accessibility, promoting active lifestyles. The Fitness Index serves as a valuable resource for evaluating community health trends and guiding future initiatives to enhance public health.
Miami – Six cities in Florida have earned recognition in the top 100 of “America’s Fittest City” ranking as per the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Elevance Health Foundation’s 2025 Fitness Index. The cities making the list are Miami, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Tampa, Hialeah, and Jacksonville. This annual report evaluates fitness levels, health behaviors, and community infrastructure through more than 30 indicators across the 100 largest cities in the United States.
This year’s findings indicate a positive trend in aerobic activity, with 94% of participating cities reporting an increase in overall levels. Among the most notable cities, Arlington, Virginia, leads for the eighth year in a row, reflecting ongoing initiatives to promote physical activity and wellbeing.
Florida Cities Stand Out
Tampa, highlighted in this report, ranks No. 9 in the nation for the ample number of trail miles available to its residents. This accessibility is essential for promoting active lifestyles, with favorable options for both recreation and transportation, encouraging walking and biking as means of commuting.
The Fitness Index Advisory Board has made significant updates this year, enhancing the evaluation criteria to include metrics for trail miles and splashpads. Furthermore, the metric for tennis courts has been modified to accommodate pickleball courts and dual-use facilities, expanding opportunities for diverse forms of physical activity for all age groups.
Health Factors and Infrastructure Challenges
While there has been an increase in aerobic activities, the report reveals some concerning trends regarding health factors. Notably, air quality has experienced declines, largely due to the impacts of wildfires and droughts in various regions. Additionally, food insecurity has risen across nearly every city listed, a situation likely linked to the expiration of the expanded Child Tax Credit and the ending of several COVID-era support programs.
Despite these challenges, the Fitness Index remains a valuable tool for gaining insights into the social, behavioral, and physical health drivers within communities. In Florida, the recognition of these cities as some of the fittest showcases the importance of ongoing community efforts to facilitate healthier lifestyles.
Full Results and Implications
Florida cities that made it to the top 100 are part of a broader analysis that emphasizes the importance of accessibility to fitness resources. With the full results available online, community planners and health officials can leverage this data to address existing health concerns while also capitalizing on strengths identified through the rankings.
The ongoing assessment and improvements in public health infrastructure are crucial for sustaining and boosting the fitness levels among residents. As trends evolve, cities can take proactive measures to address challenges such as air quality and food security while continuing to enhance recreational facilities and community health initiatives.
The Fitness Index serves as a vital resource not only for assessing current health standings but also for guiding future policy and community program development. By fostering environments that support physical fitness and healthy behaviors, these cities can lead the way towards improved public health outcomes.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: 6 FL Cities Named America’s Fittest City
- WCNC: ACSM Fitness Index 2025
- CBS News: Pittsburgh Named Among Most Fit Cities
- Sun Sentinel: Miami is One of the Fittest Cities
- Wikipedia: Fitness
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
