Holiday Activity Levels Vary Across the U.S.
It’s surprising, but about one in five Americans aren’t doing any physical activity outside of their work, especially during the holiday season. A new report highlights how your location can significantly influence your chances of staying active.
Recent federal data reveals a stark difference in physical inactivity rates among states. Nearly 22% of adults report being inactive outside of their jobs, according to the latest American Health Rankings report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and United Health Foundation. Mississippi stands out as the least active state, with 30.6% of adults saying they do not engage in any physical activity beyond work hours. Following closely are West Virginia and Arkansas at 28.7% and 28.5%, respectively.
Similar high levels of inactivity are noticeable in various southern states and regions of Appalachia. This data represents a survey of national statistics for 2024.
Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma also have relatively high inactivity rates, around 28% each.
On the flip side, Washington, D.C. boasts the lowest inactivity rate at 13.9%. Colorado (15.6%), Vermont (16%), and Utah (17%) are identified as the most active states.
Washington and Minnesota follow closely, with inactivity rates hovering around 17% to 18%.
Large urban states like New York and California tend to fall somewhere in the middle; New York’s inactivity rate is approximately 24%, while California is closer to the national average at 21%.
Tennessee is the only state lacking available data on inactivity rates.
Public health experts emphasize the serious health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The United Health Foundation points out that low physical activity is linked to increased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, specific cancers, dementia, anxiety, and depression. “Being physically active and minimizing time spent sedentary is crucial for improving health at all stages of life,” the report states.
Federal guidelines suggest that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. A substantial study published in the journal Circulation has shown that adults who meet or exceed these activity guidelines have a considerably lower mortality risk from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Just adding 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each day could prevent tens of thousands of deaths annually.
Interestingly, the United Health Foundation notes that inactivity rates are significantly elevated among adults with lower incomes, less education, disabilities, and those residing in rural areas. It’s also worth mentioning that individuals in physically demanding jobs may not participate in recreational exercise as frequently as those in less strenuous roles.
Despite the concerning numbers, there are signs of improvement in physical activity levels across the U.S. Nationally, the percentage of adults reporting inactivity dropped from 24.2% in 2023 to 21.8% in 2024, marking the lowest rate since tracking began almost 30 years ago.
States like Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming have shown remarkable advancements in reducing inactivity.
Interestingly, many states with lower inactivity rates are also among the healthiest overall, with New Hampshire ranked at the top, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah. In stark contrast, Louisiana is noted as the least healthy state, followed by Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia.
Dr. Margaret Mary Wilson, executive vice president and chief medical officer at UnitedHealth Group, emphasized the need for an ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare in the country, aiming for a healthier population overall.
