One in Five Americans Skip Exercise Outside Work, State Rankings Revealed

A recent report highlights a concerning trend: approximately one in five Americans engage in no physical activity outside of their work. This statistic, drawn from federal data, underscores significant disparities in exercise habits across the United States, suggesting that where a person lives can greatly influence their level of physical activity.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the United Health Foundation, nearly 22% of adults report no exercise beyond their regular jobs. The latest America’s Health Rankings report, which analyzed data from 2024, reveals that Mississippi has the highest rate of inactivity, with 30.6% of its adult population not participating in any physical activity outside of work. Following Mississippi are West Virginia and Arkansas, with inactivity rates of 28.7% and 28.5%, respectively.

Geographical Disparities in Physical Activity

Several states in the Southern and Appalachian regions also reported high rates of inactivity. Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma each have around 28% of adults indicating they do not engage in recreational exercise.

In stark contrast, Washington, D.C., boasts the lowest rate of physical inactivity at 13.9%. Among states, Colorado (15.6%), Vermont (16%), and Utah (17%) rank as the most active, reflecting a healthier lifestyle trend in these areas. States with major urban centers, such as New York and California, typically fall in the middle of the rankings, with New York reporting an inactivity rate of 24% and California near the national average at 21%. Notably, Tennessee was the only state without available data on inactivity rates.

Public health experts emphasize the serious health implications of inactivity. The United Health Foundation indicates that insufficient physical activity is linked to heightened risks of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, dementia, anxiety, and depression. The report emphasizes, “Being physically active and reducing sedentary behavior improves health at all ages.”

Health Guidelines and the Path Forward

Federal guidelines recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Research published in the journal Circulation shows that adults exceeding these minimum activity guidelines have significantly lower risks of mortality from cardiovascular diseases and other causes. Even a modest increase of just 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per day could prevent tens of thousands of deaths annually.

The report also identifies that inactivity rates are disproportionately 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 leisure-time exercise compared to those in desk-oriented roles.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of improvement. The percentage 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. States such as Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming have shown notable improvements in their physical activity rates.

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

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.”

The findings underscore the urgent need for public health initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity, especially in states with higher rates of inactivity, to enhance overall health and well-being among Americans.