July 23, 2025

Boston Achieves 13th Place in ACSM Fitness Index

News Summary

Boston has secured the 13th position in the 2025 ACSM American Fitness Index, showcasing its commitment to community health. The city notably ranked first for splash pads per 100,000 residents, emphasizing family-friendly recreational facilities. Arlington, Virginia remains the top fittest city. The ranking reflects Boston’s ongoing investments in public health initiatives, encouraging its residents to lead active lifestyles.

Boston Ranked 13th in 2025 ACSM American Fitness Index; Secures Top Spot for Splash Pads

Boston has achieved a commendable 13th place in the recently released 2025 ACSM American Fitness Index, which evaluates the fitness levels of the largest U.S. cities. While Boston did not break into the top ten, it notably secured the top position for the number of splash pads per 100,000 residents, highlighting its commitment to community health and wellness.

The American College of Sports Medicine and Elevance Health Foundation announced the rankings on July 22. Arlington, Virginia, continues to lead the rankings as the fittest city in the nation for the eighth consecutive year. Following Arlington, the cities ranking in the top five included Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, and Denver, Colorado.

In contrast, cities that ranked lowest in terms of fitness included Oklahoma City, Lubbock (Texas), Las Vegas, Memphis (Tennessee), and Wichita (Kansas). The American Fitness Index evaluates a total of 100 of the most populous U.S. cities by analyzing 35 personal and community health indicators, encompassing a range of factors that contribute to the overall health of residents.

This year introduced several new categories to the evaluation, which included measures for tennis and pickleball courts, splash pads, and miles of trails. Boston’s recognition in providing splash pads reflects the city’s focus on family-friendly recreational facilities, making it easier for residents to engage in outdoor activities and thus enhance their physical well-being.

Supporting statistics reveal a nationwide boost in aerobic activity among Americans. Approximately 59.9% of the population now meets or exceeds the minimum aerobic activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week. This marks a substantial increase of 9 percentage points from the previous year, which suggests a positive trend towards improved public health.

Factors contributing to this nationwide improvement in fitness include declining smoking rates and rising investments in parks and recreational facilities. These developments emphasize the importance of accessible public resources in encouraging an active lifestyle. Boston’s focus on maintaining and enhancing its recreation areas may have played a role in its decent placement on the fitness index, as keeping residents active is linked to better community health outcomes.

In addition to splash pads, cities across the country are taking various approaches to improve fitness. Many are investing in additional parks and trails, creating more space for community sports and activities. Boston’s emphasis on outdoor recreation aligns with these trends, revealing the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering an environment conducive to physical fitness.

The American Fitness Index serves as a valuable tool for cities looking to improve their health metrics, offering insights into community needs and areas for enhancement. With this latest ranking, Boston has the opportunity to assess its strengths and areas for growth as it continues to prioritize resident well-being.

As urban areas across the country aim to rebuild and promote healthy living, Boston’s ranking sheds light on the city’s efforts to create a healthier and more active environment for its residents. The 2025 ACSM American Fitness Index offers a comprehensive evaluation that can motivate cities like Boston to invest further in healthy infrastructure and public behaviors to ensure ongoing improvements in fitness levels.

With a focus on community resources and individual fitness, Boston is poised to maintain its health status and encourage residents to participate in an active lifestyle, paving the way for future advancements in public well-being initiatives.

As the city reflects on its achievements and challenges revealed by this index, it can leverage this data to further promote physical activity, contributing to a healthier future for Bostonians.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Boston Launches Free Bike-Washing Service at Seaport
New South Coast Rail Service Enhances Fall River Transport
Waltham Expands Playground Restrictions Amid Parking Issues
Boston Hosts Vibrant Summer Events and Celebrations
FPA Multifamily Sells Zen Easton for $33 Million
Fishtown Unveils New Social Sports Complex ‘Ballers’
Boston Kicks Off Summer with Weekend Festivities
Luxury Wellness Experiences Await in Boston and Beyond
Boston’s Higher Education Challenges Amid Demographic Shifts
Worcester Declared Least Healthy City in Massachusetts

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk 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 Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Stay Connected

More Updates

Scientists working in a biotech lab in Massachusetts

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit