One in Five Americans Skip Exercise, State Rankings Revealed

Approximately one in five adults in the United States report not engaging in any physical activity outside of work, highlighting significant disparities across different states. According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the United Health Foundation, nearly 22% of adults indicate they do not participate in exercise beyond their regular job duties. The findings suggest that geographical location plays a crucial role in influencing physical activity levels.

State Rankings Show Disparities in Exercise Habits

The report reveals that Mississippi has the highest rate of inactivity, with 30.6% of adults reporting no exercise outside of work. Following closely are West Virginia and Arkansas, with inactivity rates of 28.7% and 28.5%, respectively. Other states with high rates of physical inactivity include Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, each around 28%.

In contrast, the report identifies Washington, D.C. as the area with the lowest overall rate of physical inactivity at 13.9%. Among the states, Colorado leads with 15.6%, followed by Vermont at 16% and Utah at 17%. Other states such as Washington and Minnesota also demonstrate lower inactivity rates, ranging from 17% to 18%.

States with major urban centers, like New York and California, reported inactivity levels of about 24% and 21%, respectively. Notably, Tennessee was the only state lacking available data for this report.

The Health Implications of Inactivity

Public health experts warn that the consequences of physical inactivity are severe. The United Health Foundation emphasizes that insufficient physical activity is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, dementia, 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 per week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. A large study published in the journal Circulation highlights that those who exceed these minimum activity guidelines experience significantly lower mortality risks from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Even small increases in daily activity, such as an additional 10 minutes, could lead to substantial health benefits, preventing tens of thousands of deaths each year.

The report also notes that inactivity rates are notably higher among adults with lower incomes, less education, disabilities, and those residing in rural areas. Individuals in physically demanding jobs may also be less likely to engage in recreational exercise compared to their counterparts in less physically intensive occupations.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of improvement in national physical activity levels. The proportion of adults reporting no physical activity has decreased from 24.2% in 2023 to 21.8% in 2024, marking the lowest level since tracking began nearly three decades ago.

New Hampshire emerges as the healthiest state, while Louisiana ranks as the least healthy overall, followed by Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia, according to the report. Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, executive vice president and chief medical officer at UnitedHealth Group, stated, “As we reflect on the findings in this year’s Annual Report, we must rededicate ourselves to improving health care in this country and creating a healthier nation for all.”

As communities and policymakers confront these disparities, the data serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of promoting physical activity and addressing the barriers that contribute to inactivity across different regions.