According to a study conducted by YouGov, the most common resolutions for 2020 were to take care of themselves (45%), exercise more (43%) and lose weight (41%). It is no wonder that millions of people around the world are starting the new year with a good purpose to take care of themselves, whether it be joining the gym or eating a healthier diet.
However, fitness and diet are not the only parameters that define being fit. In fact, the environment that surrounds us and the choice of lifestyle are also important factors that determine our level of health.
Lenstore analyzed 44 international cities to find out which ones promote a healthy lifestyle. It was possible to evaluate each city according to 10 different parameters, including the levels of obesity and the rate of pollution. That said, there is only one final question to ask: Do we live in one of the healthiest cities in the world or not?
1. AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is the city that offers the healthiest lifestyle ever. Known around the world for its bicycles, it is no wonder that the Dutch capital is ranked first. Amsterdam offers more than 400 outdoor activities to keep you active and healthy; as well as ranking fifth among the ‘happiest’ cities in the world. Furthermore, the Netherlands ranks sixth among the European countries with the lowest obesity rate (20.4%). All these facts make Amsterdam the ideal city for all those who wish to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
2. SYDNEY
Sydney has 2,636 hours of sunshine per year. In addition to continuing to attract tourists from all over the world with its dream beaches (including the world famous Bondi Beach), this city offers more than 406 activities to enjoy outdoors. Despite the relatively high average gym membership price 45.83) and a life expectancy of 82 years, Sydney ranks second among international cities offering the healthiest lifestyle.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
3. VIENNA
Known for its cultural heritage, Vienna not only exudes culture through its works of art, its music and its palaces, but also offers the possibility to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Thanks to a very low average registration fee in the gym of 28.31 (almost half compared to Sydney), and an obesity rate among the lowest in Europe of 20.1%, the Austrian capital is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to stay healthy.
Furthermore, the level of pollution is among the lowest ever (17.33 100), about four times lower than in Beijing, with a pollution level of 85.43 100, and three times lower than Barcelona. Paris and London.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
4. STOCKHOLM
Stockholm is among the best cities when it comes to maintaining a balance between personal and working life. When looking at the number of hours worked per year, Stockholm ranks fourth with an average of 1,452 working hours per year (30.25 per week), giving Swedish workers the chance to yearn for a more balanced lifestyle. Furthermore, considering other parameters such as the very low pollution level (20/100), and the very high general happiness level (7/10), Stockholm ranks fourth in the ranking.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
5. COPENHAGEN
Stockholm is among the best cities when it comes to maintaining a balance between personal and working life. When looking at the number of hours worked per year, Stockholm ranks fourth with an average of 1,452 working hours per year (30.25 per week), giving Swedish workers the chance to yearn for a more balanced lifestyle. Considering other parameters such as the very low level of pollution (20/100), and the very high general happiness level (7/10), Stockholm ranks fourth in the ranking.
However, living in Copenhagen can be expensive. In fact, Copenhagen ranks third among the cities with the highest price for a bottle of water 2.41), surpassing New York 1.45) and London 1.28).
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
6. HELSINKI
Helsinki is the happiest city in the world. In fact, in addition to having the lowest pollution rate among all the cities analyzed in the study, equal to 13.8 100, it is in the top 10 of the cities with the lowest number of working hours. Boasting happy citizens, low pollution levels and a good work-life balance, Helsinki ranks sixth among the healthiest cities in the world.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
7. FUKUOKA
Located north of the Japanese island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is best known for its culinary specialties. However, the potential of this city in maintaining a healthy lifestyle should not be underestimated. The cost of a bottle of water is just 0.86, and life expectancy is the highest of all the cities analyzed (83.2).
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
8. BERLIN
Although life expectancy in the German capital is 80.6 years, the average cost of gym membership is 28.72, ranking third among the cheapest fitness costs in Europe. In addition, Berlin offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the time in the fresh air, offering more than 254 outdoor activities (the largest number in Europe) as well as ranking 9th among the cities with the lowest pollution level in Europe.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
9. BARCELONA
In addition to being among the 10 most visited cities in Europe, Barcelona is also among the 10 cities with the healthiest lifestyle. Furthermore, the Catalan city maintains the record for the number of outdoor activities (580); perfect combination considering the 2,591 hours of sunshine per year.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |
10. VANCOUVER
Vancouver is famous for offering different types of recreation, sports and adventure activities, maintaining a leading position in the world of fitness. With a life expectancy of 81.7 years, a very low pollution level (24/100), and happy residents (7/10), Vancouver is the 10th best city in which to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
| Hours of sunlight | 1,938 |
| Average working hours per year | 1,670 |
| Levels of happiness | 7.23 |
| Outdoor activity | 218 |