Campus Life

Penn State ranks No. 1 for active lifestyles

The National Collegiate Fitness Index 2015 Report lists Penn State first among large public universities

Allie McIlvanie, a student instructor, leads a fitness class in the White Building at University Park. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State recently ranked No. 1 in the National Collegiate Fitness Index rankings (NCFI) for large public universities. This ranking included information from 39 large public universities.

The NCFI ranked college and university campuses for physical and programmatic resources that promote active living and healthy lifestyles. The rankings are divided into three categories: large public universities, small public universities and private universities.

Participants in the annual THON 5K race were urged on by 2016 THON committee members as they made their way along the course on the morning of Nov. 7. Proceeds from the annual 3 mile run/walk support THON's overall goal of raising funds for and awareness of pediatric cancer. Credit: Cameron Hart / Penn StateCreative Commons

The NCFI identified campuses that support active living and have few challenges to hinder physical activity. The Index looked at the quantity and quality of physical activity opportunities and resources, taking into account exercise facilities, programming and classes, campus walkability, educational curricula and policies that promote health and wellness.

In the three subcategories — transportation, recreation infrastructure, and recreation and educational policies and services — Penn State scored highest in the transportation category, ranking second among large public universities. The transportation results included a walk score, campus walking/biking plan, perimeter free parking and bike sharing/rental.

Penn State also fared well in the recreation subcategory, ranking sixth, and the recreation and educational policies and services, ranking fourth.

“These rankings highlight the work we do to provide students with the best and most accessible ways to participate in some form of fitness,” said Josh Davis, strength and fitness program manager in Campus Recreation, a division of Penn State Student Affairs. “Campus Recreation offerings together with kinesiology classes provide numerous opportunities for our student body to become involved. We are successful because of the enthusiasm and participation of our students.” 

The NCFI is modeled after the American Fitness Index (AFI) program, which assesses the health and wellness of the 50 largest cities in the United States. The NCFI is a collaborative project between the National Academy of Kinesiology, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Kinesiology Association.  The full report is available online.

Equipment at Penn State's new fitness center at the newly renovated Intramural Building. Visit http://www.athletics.psu.edu/rec/imbldg/imbldg_addition.asp to take a virtual tour of the facility. Credit: Sara BrennanAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated April 19, 2017

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