One in Five Americans Skip Exercise: State Rankings Revealed

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveals that nearly one in five Americans engage in no physical activity outside of their work. This inactivity varies significantly by state, highlighting the geographical disparities in exercise habits across the nation. According to the latest America’s Health Rankings report, approximately 21.8% of adults reported getting no physical activity beyond their regular job.

Mississippi ranks as the least active state, with a staggering 30.6% of adults indicating they do not partake in any exercise during their free time. Following closely are West Virginia and Arkansas, with inactivity rates of 28.7% and 28.5%, respectively. Other Southern and Appalachian states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, also exhibit high rates, each hovering around 28%.

State Rankings and Physical Activity Trends

In contrast, Washington, D.C., boasts the lowest rate of physical inactivity at 13.9%. Among states, Colorado leads with an inactivity rate of 15.6%, followed by Vermont at 16% and Utah at 17%. These figures suggest a correlation between urban environments and higher activity levels, as states with major cities like New York and California generally report moderate inactivity rates. New York has an inactivity rate of 24%, while California is close to the national average at 21%.

Public health experts emphasize the serious health implications of physical inactivity. The United Health Foundation points out that a lack of exercise is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. “Being physically active and reducing sedentary behavior improves health at all ages,” the report states.

Federal guidelines recommend adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Research published in the journal *Circulation* indicates that meeting these guidelines significantly lowers the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Furthermore, even small increments of activity—such as just 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily—could potentially prevent tens of thousands of deaths annually.

Factors Influencing Inactivity Rates

The report also highlights that inactivity rates are notably higher among adults with lower incomes, less education, and those living with disabilities or in rural areas. Additionally, individuals in physically demanding jobs may be less likely to engage in recreational exercise compared to those in sedentary occupations.

Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs of progress in reducing physical inactivity nationally. The percentage of adults reporting no physical activity declined from 24.2% in 2023 to 21.8% in 2024, marking the lowest level since tracking began nearly three decades ago. States such as Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming have shown notable improvements in activity levels.

According to the report, New Hampshire ranks as the healthiest state overall, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah. Conversely, Louisiana is identified as the least healthy state, trailed by Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia.

In a statement regarding the report, Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, executive vice president and chief medical officer at UnitedHealth Group, emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to improve health care and promote a healthier nation.

As the data illustrates, where Americans live significantly affects their activity levels, underscoring the importance of targeted public health initiatives to encourage exercise and reduce inactivity across the country.