Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n11)
Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - A Journey for Balance - by Laura Minor
posted: May 29, 2015
A Journey for Balance
Indiana and Indianapolis have been in the national spotlight at least a handful of times in the past few years. Whether it be the Super Bowl, the NCAA finals or something less flattering such as the RFRA shenanigans. I for one pay a lot of attention to our national "image" as I am super proud to be a Hoosier and love living in Indianapolis. However, we recently had another blow to our ego shown by a recent study of the most (and least) fit list of major cities and in the US. Indianapolis came. . . drumroll please. . . .LAST!
When I read this, I was not only disappointed, I was a bit surprised. In recent years I have witnessed, as I am sure you have as well, the creation of several fitness trails all over town, hundreds of bike lanes on streets, public bike rental sites, many a fitness fair, and dozens of fitness-based studios speckled all over the city. "How can this be?" I thought.
The article stated "Leading experts in the field of sports medicine and exercise say personal and environmental factors contribute to the ratings." The American College of Sports Medicine (which ironically is internationally based in Indianapolis of all places) created this ranking system called the American Fitness Index and it is based not only on how healthy a metro area is right now, but also on the priority of their leaders to promote pathways to active lifestyles and positive health outcomes. Several factors go into the criteria some of which include access to public parks, walk-ability, outdoor exercise options, obesity and diabetes rates.
Top 5 fit cities:
1. Washington, DC
2. Minneapolis
3. San Diego
4. San Francisco
5. Sacramento
Bottom 5 fit cities
1. Indianapolis
2. Memphis
3. Oklahoma City
4. San Antonio
5. Louisville
Obviously Indianapolis has a harder way to go with lack of natural fitness draw such as mountains and oceans. And I personally don't know any adult that doesn't own a car and I know of one person that rides his bike to work every day. But call me crazy, who hasn't witnessed the mob scene on the Monon trail on any nice day of the week, or the weekly farmers market in Broad Ripple and Carmel (yes, Carmel was included in our ranking as well) not to mention many others? We host the nation's largest half marathon every year, hundreds of 5Ks, bike races, outdoor yoga events, etc. We have Eagle Creek, one of the nation's largest parks with several events a month, gorgeous Ft. Benjamin Harrison park and so on. . . ..So, what gives? Are these other 49 cities really outshining us? If so, I am impressed, because I feel that Indy does pay attention to fitness and activity. I will say that in regards to diet, Indy does have a ways to go toward access to healthy food as opposed to junk/fast food joints which are appear to be everywhere.
Lastly, I do not feel that Indy leaders are doing a bad job with fitness initiatives, but I do think that people need to USE them more. So, I challenge you Indy, get out on the cultural trail for a walk, rent a public bike, go canoeing at Eagle Creek, hit the farmer's market for fresh, local produce, etc. and take advantage of what our city has to offer. Let's improve our perception to the rest of the country. No one like being last place! 😄
Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail
laura@BroadRippleGazette.com
laura@broadripplegazette.com