This FoxBusiness.com article offers a preview of what’s next for the ACSM American Fitness Index program.

“Four years in, AFI is taking its initiative even farther by undertaking a demonstration project in which four low-ranking cities will learn from the wellness role models of the 10 best.”

Stay tuned for more information on these projects.

Upon the release of the latest ACSM American Fitness Index™ (AFI) data report, the metro area of Oklahoma City found itself at the bottom of the list, again. Oklahoma City’s rank is disappointing for a community that is working hard to improve health and fitness levels.

Mayor Mick Cornett has taken a personal interest in the health of his citizens. On December 31, 2007, led by his own 42-pound weight loss, Cornett put Oklahoma City on a diet (www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com), sparking a movement to change the culture of obesity in Oklahoma City.

Despite these efforts, there is still much work to do in Oklahoma City and a story from The Oklahoman reports Oklahoma City “looks a little sick, unfit.” The article goes on to highlight ways in which the area is trying to make the healthful choice the easy choice.

In 2011, Oklahoma City will take part in a new effort under the AFI program to provide technical assistance in an effort to guide health and fitness improvements.

Read the article: Oklahoma City looks a little sick, unfit.

The Twin Cities metro area ranked first among the 50 largest U.S. city areas according to the latest ACSM American Fitness Index™ data report. Minneapolis/St. Paul edged out Washington, D.C., which ranked first in 2008-10. Check out the coverage in Twin Cities Business (Read: Twin Cities Top List of Healthiest, Fittest Metros).

The Indianapolis Star reported on how the Indianapolis metro area faired in the latest ACSM American Fitness Index™ data report (Read: Area’s health ranking falls for 3rd year in a row). Indianapolis ranked 45th in the 2011 report.

The American College of Sports Medicine is based in Indianapolis and will be involved in a pilot effort by ACSM, with support from the Wellpoint Foundation, to improve physical activity and health awareness.

The Star also included a sharp critique of Indianapolis’ efforts to be a fit city (Read: Out of shape and out of excuses).

Chicago just fell short of making it into the top 25 fittest cities. The Windy City finished 28th among the 50 largest metro areas in the United States. Check out coverage of AFI from the Chicago Sun-Times: How healthy is Chicago? Well, it could be worse.