Keep physically active has never been so important. With less movements to the office and more remotely work, many of us risk reducing physical activity, with possible negative effects on mental health. Exercise has an impact on the brain, since it regulates stress hormones and improves communication between the areas that control mood, motivation and memory. Even simple activities such as walking, cycling, jogging or dedicating themselves to gardening help the body better manage stress and strengthen mental resilience.
However, remaining active does not depend only on personal commitment: the environment in which we live plays a fundamental role. City with green spaces, safe paths to walk, to go by bicycle and accessible gyms encourage movement and facilitate an active lifestyle.
To understand how some Italian cities favor active lifestyles and mental well -being, we have created an index of the cities of the movement. The latter ranks the 33 most populous cities in Italy based on opportunities and motivation to practice physical activity. Analyzing density of gyms, walking habits and cycling, paths to run, green spaces and online interest for fitness, we reveal not only where people can move, but also where they choose to do it.
The most active cities in Italy
Although more and more Italians recognize the benefits of motor activity, regular exercise remains low. Only 27% of adults practice aerobic exercise at least once a week, well below the European average of 44%. This inactivity can have serious consequences on mental health, but which Italian cities are more dynamic and which offer the best opportunities for an active lifestyle?
North cities dominate the Italian ranking of moving cities, thanks to a combination of accessible structures, adequate infrastructures and active living habits. These locations are distinguished not only for the opportunities offered, but also for the way residents adopt a dynamic lifestyle.
Padua leads the ranking as the most active city in Italy. A mix of green spaces, large paths to run and walk and the habit of moving on foot or by bicycle favors the daily movement. Gyms at affordable prices complete the offer, helping people to transform opportunities into lasting healthy habits.
Bergamo and Prato are also placed in the first places. Bergamo benefits from a network of paths and a widespread habit to move on foot or by bicycle, while Prato stands out for the wide availability of green spaces and outdoor routes. Both show that an environment designed to encourage movement can be as important as the number of gyms available.
Milan and Monza highlight the role of the infrastructure combined with motivation. Milan, with its numerous gyms and the high interest for fitness, demonstrates how opportunities and willingness to move contribute to creating an active population. Monza, despite having less green spaces, still obtains good results thanks to well -designed paths and a lifestyle oriented towards outdoor activities.
Smaller cities like Bolzano and Rimini surprise for the results obtained. Bolzano stands out for the high number of people who use the bike or move on foot daily, reflecting a deeply active lifestyle. Rimini offers large green spaces, creating an environment in which residents can easily integrate the movement into their routines.
The less active cities in Italy
While some Italian cities excel in promoting active lifestyles, others face significant challenges in encouraging regular physical activity. Foggia, Taranto and Bari are among the less active cities. These locations tend to have fewer outdoor paths to walk and run, lower rates of travel or by bicycle to go to work and higher levels of obesity at regional level. Even where there are green spaces, other factors such as limited fitness structures or poor participation in active movements seem to hinder residents from inserting regular movement in daily life.
Catania and Naples face similar challenges. Despite offering some paths and green areas, these cities record lower physical activity rates of physical activity and a lower proportion of residents that integrate movement into everyday life. Cultural, environmental and logistical factors combine making constant exercise habits more difficult in these areas.
Access to gyms alone is not enough. Opportunities must be accompanied by an environment that encourages and normalize physical activity.
Dr. Valeria Fiorenza Perris, psychotherapist and clinical director of Unebravo, observes:
“Environmental factors play a crucial role in determining the levels of activity and mental well -being. City with few safe paths for walking, limited green spaces and minimum infrastructures for cycling or outdoor activities make more difficult for residents to keep in motion. Promote physical activity through well -designed urban spaces not only favors body well -being, but also supports mental health, reducing stress and having a possible protective function from protective function anxiety and burnout. “
How physical activity can improve mental well -being
Being active does not necessarily mean running marathons or lifting heavy weights. Even daily movements, such as going to work on foot, by bicycle or stretching at home, can have positive effects on the mind. Regular physical activity can encourage physical and mental well -being in different ways:
Reducing stress and anxiety: “Moving regularly can help lower stress hormones levels such as cortisol and help the body better manage tension. Even light exercises, such as walking or doing yoga, can calm the nervous system, reducing sensations of concern and restlessness.”
Improving the quality of sleep: “Physical activity can regulate energy levels and support the sleep-wake cycle. Those who usually train can be able to fall asleep faster, to sleep more deeply and wake up more rested.”
Improving mood and self -esteem: “The exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, the ‘neurotransmitters of happiness’, who improve mood. Over time, fix and achieve small daily goals, such as getting up early for a walk or dedicating 10 minutes to evening stretching, can help strengthen self -confidence and self -esteem.”
It can be a beneficial mental pause: “Practicing physical activity can offer mental break from daily stress. Whether it’s a race, a dance lesson or a team sport, the movement can create space to reorient the mind, reducing brooding and negative thoughts.”
Favoring social interaction: “Group or team sports can create community and connection. This social support can strengthen resilience, contrast loneliness and contribute to long -term emotional well -being.”
Integrate movement in daily life does not require a lifestyle revolution. Small constant steps can make a difference. By reducing stress, improving mood and promoting sociability, physical activity becomes one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect mental health. When the exercise becomes a natural part of the routine, it can constitute a solid base for lasting well -being.
Sources and methodology
To identify the most active cities in Italy, Unabravo has analyzed the 33 largest municipalities, classifying them according to the following factors:
- % of green spaces
- Number of gyms – Google Maps bees
- Number of routes to run or hike
- % of people who go to work on foot or by bicycle
- Monthly cost of a gym
- Obesity rate by region
- % of active people by region
- Number of online searches related to fitness – Google Keyword Planner
All the metrics have been weighted in equal measure to calculate the final score of the moving cities index, expressed out of 10.
