America's fattest cities 2002 - 4th Annual Report

Men's Fitness, Feb, 2002 by Keith Griffiths

TV: Metered Market HUT (Homes Using Television) Analysis, Primetime, July 5, 2001, to August 1, 2001, from Nielsen Media Research. Average scores assigned to Albuquerque, Austin, El Paso, Fresno, Honolulu, Jacksonville, Tulsa, Omaha and Wichita.

AIR QUALITY: The air-quality index is based on annual reports from the Environmental Protection Agency. The number of ozone alert days is used as an indicator of air quality, as is the amount of pollutants, including particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and volatile organic chemicals. From Sterling's Best Places (www.bestplaces.net).

WATER QUALITY: The water-quality index is based on area ratings by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has a complex method of measuring the watershed quality, using 15 indicators, such as pollutants, turbidity, sediments and toxic discharges. From Sterling's Best Places (www.bestplaces.net).

CLIMATE: The climate index is based upon National Weather Service data through 1998, combining estimated annual days above 32 degrees and below 90 degrees, amounts of precipitation and sunshine, and the August heat/humidity index.

GEOGRAPHY: Accessible recreational forests, lakes, rivers, waterways, mountains, and ocean beaches, compiled from almanacs and additional sources.

COMMUTE: Based on the Travel Time Index, which measures traffic delays due to congestion, according to the 2001 Urban Mobility Report from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University. Average score for small cities assigned to Tulsa and Wichita.

PARKS/OPEN SPACE: Composite score, equally weighing (a) total acreage per 1,000 population of federal and state recreation areas plus all listed water areas, from the Places Rated Almanac (2000); number of city parks per 10,000 population, according to a 2001 MEN'S FITNESS custom survey; and (c) acres of city parks and recreational open space per 10,000 population, according to a 2001 MEN'S FITNESS custom survey.

RECREATION FACILITIES: Composite score based on totals per 10,000 population according to a 2001 MEN'S FITNESS custom survey, equally weighing (a) number of public basketball courts; (b) number of public swimming pools; (c) number of public tennis courts; and (d) number of public golf courses.

HEALTH CARE: Based on city-by-city ranking of heath resources and access as measured by Places Rated Almanac (2000).

AMERICA'S FITTEST CITIES

While most of the nation is packing on the pounds, some towns are transcending the tubbiness trend. True, they tend to be West Coast wimps who don't have to deal with stultifying summers and arctic winters, but they also tend to boast residents who have made fitness a priority and have civic leaders who support them Here are the top five: Don't hate them because you can see their abs.

1 COLORADO SPRINGS

TAKING THE CROWN

The air isn't the only thing that's thin here. Colorado Springs vaulted into the top slot this year on the strength of incrementally improving scores in nine separate categories. It continues to excel in TV viewership (translation: fewer hours watching) and gets a top ranking for exercise. The city prides itself on being a world-class haven for the sports-minded and lives tip to its reputation. Along with Denver, it leads the country n downhill skiers (14 percent) and hikers (29 percent). Need a fitness role model? Check out the U.S. Olympic Training Center or the U.S. Air Force Academy.