As we’ve talked about on the blog countless times in the past, staying active is crucial if you want to help your body be the healthiest version of itself as you age, but physical inactivity is a growing problem here in the US. But which states have the most inactive people, and how do Minnesotans stack up in terms of activity level? We explore which states have the most active and inactive people in today’s blog.
The Most Active States
When you try to picture which states have the most active people, where does your mind go? Do you go to warmer states like Florida and Texas where it’s easier to be outside year round, or do you think of states with an abundance of natural beauty to explore, like Colorado or Washington? Recent data from the United Health Foundation found that people in these more picturesque states are the ones that tend to be the most active.
Topping the list were people from Colorado, as only 16.7 percent of people reported doing no exercise or physical activity outside of their job over the last 30 days. Here’s a look at the five best states in the US in terms of lowest physical inactivity rates:
- Colorado – 16.7%
- Utah – 17.3%
- Vermont and Washington – 17.8%
- Oregon – 19.9%
- Hawaii and New Hampshire – 20.0%
Minnesotans actually ranked very highly on this list as well. Minnesota came in just outside the top five, with a reported physical inactivity rate of 20.2%. Well done Minnesotans, keep it up!
The Least Active States
Despite the warmer weather, the least active states are predominantly located in the south. While we understand that many retirees who are generally less active than younger individuals may choose to move south, the data shows that physical inactivity is a significant issue in the south. Alabama topped the list as having the least active residents. Here’s a look at the bottom five states:
- Alabama – 31.5%
- Mississippi – 30.9%
- Arkansas – 30.6%
- Kentucky and West Virginia – 30.5%
- Louisiana – 29.4%
You can take a closer look at the full data for all 50 states by clicking this link. We’re proud that Minnesotans are finding ways to stay active, even during the colder winter months, because inactivity can lead to pain and a host of related health problems. If you’re finding that it is becoming harder to stay active due to pain or discomfort, let the team at OrthoRehab assist. We can develop a PT plan that helps you overcome your deficits so that you can get back to moving without issue. For more information, or to set up your first appointment, give the team at OrthoRehab Specialists a call today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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