The annual American Fitness Index™ (AFI) data report reveals the ranking of the top 50 largest metropolitan areas in the country according to health and community fitness standards. The data, captured and released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), provides a thorough review of these areas in terms of health behaviors, chronic disease conditions, as well as community resources and policies that support physical activity programs and initiatives.

The 2014 report gave the No.1 metropolitan area ranking to Washington, D.C. with a score of 77.3 out of 100. The D.C. area was followed by Minneapolis-St.Paul who held the coveted title for three straight years from 2011-2013. Portland, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; and San Francisco, California rounded out the top five scoring positions. Memphis, Tennessee came in last with a score of 24.8.

“The AFI data report is a snapshot of the state of health in the community and an evaluation of the infrastructure, community assets and policies that encourage healthy and fit lifestyles. These measures directly affect quality of life in our country’s urban areas,” said Walter Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, who currently serves as chair of the AFI Advisory Board, according to a statement released by the ACSM.

With support from the Wellpoint Foundation and the Indiana University School of Family Medicine, data was collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The Trust for the Public Land City Park Facts, and other data providers to offer a comprehensive view of the largest metropolitan areas. Researchers looked at both personal health indicators and community and environmental factors to determine the ranking order.

This report provides large cities with an overview of their health and wellness indicators so they can more suitably encourage residents to get active and embrace healthy lifestyles in their local communities.