16 CA Cities Rank Among The Nation For Active Lifestyles: Is Your City Ranked?

CALIFORNIA — When the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, Americans across the country took the New Year as an opportunity to aspire for change in their lives. For many, the New Year is a time to celebrate together with the hope that the next year will be better than the last. That's where New Year's resolutions come into play.

While such resolutions often feel about as useful as an umbrella amid a hurricane, they're fun aren't they?

According to a YouGovAmerica study, the most popular New Year's resolutions have to do with exercising more and losing weight. However, as many as 80 percent to 91 percent of people fail to keep their resolutions every year.

With this statistic in mind, WalletHub compared the 100 biggest cities in the United States based on 34 key indicators of an active lifestyle.

According to the report, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego are ranked among the best cities to pursue an active lifestyle in the United States, with San Francisco topping the national list.

Sixteen of California's largest cities ranked out of 100 in the nation — is your city on the list?

• #1: San Francisco, CA.
• #4: San Diego, CA.
• #6: Los Angeles, CA.
• #16: Irvine, CA.
• #22: Sacramento, CA.
• #46: Long Beach, CA.
• #56: Oakland, CA.
• #59: Anaheim, CA.
• #60: Fremont, CA.
• #71: Stockton, CA.
• #78: Chula Vista, CA.
• #82: Fresno, CA.
• #90: Riverside, CA.
• #92: Bakersfield, CA.
• #94: Santa Ana, CA.
• #95: San Bernardino, CA.

San Bernardino, Bakersfield and Santa Ana are among the lowest ranked, according to Wallethub's report. Sandy Bargainnier, professor of health promotion and wellness at the State University of New York at Oswego said that low gym accessibility and health insurance premiums may be a contributing factor to cities with a low activity score.

"Proximity to gyms and recreational facilities is critical to access and long-term use. Worksite fitness and recreation facilities are some ways to make this happen," Bargainnier wrote in the study. "In addition, lowered health insurance premiums for workers enrolled in a worksite wellness program may be another motivating factor."

Golden State residents looking to hone in on a healthier lifestyle this year are encouraged by Bargainnier to practice the following:

• Build walking or biking into your daily routine as the primary mode of transportation whenever possible. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity each week.
• Invest and get fitted in the best running/walking shoe possible for your body and change them every 500 miles.
• Walk everywhere whenever possible.
• Take the stairs inside your building, place of work, and outdoors whenever possible.
• When you must drive, park as far away from your destination and walk more.
• Watch YouTube or other free videos for in-home strength, core, and flexibility exercises 3-4 times/week.