New study shows Downey is among most physically active cities

Two people work out at Furman Park in this 2013 photo. (Photo by Joan Anderson)

DOWNEY — Downey is among the most physically active large cities in the United States, according to the results of a nationwide study. 

Researchers at RetailMeNot analyzed recent CDC data to find the most physically active cities in the United States. Apparent in their findings was a strong correlation between physical activity among adults and both physical and mental health.

The analysis found that in Downey, 78.4% of adults reported being physically active outside of work within the last 30 days, which is higher than the national average of 73.7%. Here is a summary of the data for Downey, CA:

• Percentage of adults who are physically active: 78.4%

• Percentage of adults in good physical health: 88.5%

• Percentage of adults in good mental health: 87.9%

• Median household income: $74,590

• Poverty rate: 8.0%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Percentage of adults who are physically active: 73.7%

• Percentage of adults in good physical health: 87.4%

• Percentage of adults in good mental health: 86.2%

• Median household income: $65,712

• Poverty rate: 12.3%

Despite a growing interest in health awareness, COVID-19 led to a sharp, immediate decline in physical activity among U.S. adults as gyms closed and residents increasingly stayed home.

A recent study by the American College of Physicians using fitness trackers found that average daily step counts were down 15 percent in the United States within two weeks of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic. Globally, the average number of steps taken per day decreased by 27.3 percent within a month.

As Americans settle into the new normal of COVID-19, residents living in areas with convenient outdoor access, and who embrace new at-home fitness technologies, are more likely to maintain high levels of activity in the months ahead.