Congratulations, Dallas: You're Now Only Slightly Lazier than Houston

Every year, the American College of Sports Medicine ranks the 50 largest U.S. cities by fitness levels, and every year we are disappointed, if not particularly surprised, to learn that Dallas ranks near the bottom. There are a number of reasons why ACSM deems Dallas is unfit. We do poorly...

By Eric Nicholson

May 31, 2013

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Every year, the American College of Sports Medicine ranks the 50 largest U.S. cities by fitness levels, and every year we are disappointed, if not particularly surprised, to learn that Dallas ranks near the bottom.

There are a number of reasons why ACSM deems Dallas is unfit. We do poorly when it comes to fat people and smokers, which we have too many of, as well as rec centers, bike commuters, and swimming pools, which we have too few of. Among the other, somewhat arbitrary, criteria the organization considers: farmers markets, primary care doctors, dog parks, public transit use, diabetes rates, and golf courses.

That last one actually bodes well for Dallas' future fitness, since we're building a course in the Trinity Forest.

But the 2013 report actually contains a nugget of good news: we're getting fitter. Dallas climbed three spots over last year, coming in at No. 44. Even better, we're closing the gap with Houston, which is No. 43.

So give us a few months to build the golf course, then bring on the Hunger Games. It'll be on.

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