Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Executive Director, Jami Haberl

The costs of inactivity are staggering for our individual health, our economy, and our state’s future. Iowans get less physical activity than most other states, and many of us aren’t active outside of work at all. A lack of parks and public spaces only makes matters worse, especially for children who need safe, accessible places to play and move. With one-third of adults in Iowa living with obesity and another third living with overweight, it’s never been more important to prioritize physical activity and renew our focus on health.

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity — conditions in which Iowa ranks at or above the national average. Nationally, we rank 43rd for the percentage of adults getting the necessary amount of physical activity. This number isn’t a surprise when 25% of Iowans don’t engage with any physical activity outside of their regular jobs. As a reminder, adults are recommended to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, five days a week.

The bottom line is, we are not moving enough. As a result we are putting not just our own long term health in jeopardy, but the long term health of our state as well. The habits we make are also passed to our children. When we should be creating a culture around habits of staying active and eating healthy, we have grown more sedentary over time. Programs like the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! work to create healthy habits through schools, workplaces, and healthcare clinics but it will take everyone to make meaningful long-term change.

The impact of inactivity extends far beyond individual well-being. The economic toll is enormous, costing Iowa an estimated $5.3 billion each year in lost productivity, higher medical expenses, and increased workers’ compensation claims.

Access to outdoor spaces plays a big role in this challenge. Many Iowans may not realize there are county and state parks within reach of most communities, offering trails, green spaces, waterways, and playgrounds that make it easy to get outside and get moving. Even neighborhood sidewalks can be great spaces to walk, run, or play. What matters most is using the spaces we already have.

That said, Iowa could benefit from more. We currently rank 47th in the nation for public land area, ahead of Nebraska and Kansas, but behind nearly every other state. Investing in new parks, trails, and recreation spaces would go a long way toward improving the quality of life and promoting active lifestyles across Iowa.

The costs of inactivity are clear, but so is the path forward. To build a healthier, more active Iowa, every one of us has a role to play by moving more, supporting community health efforts, and advocating for spaces where everyone can thrive.

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation President, Joe McGovern

While many Iowans may not be moving enough, the good news is that improving our health doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent steps make a big difference. Something as simple as a 30-minute daily walk can dramatically improve cardiovascular health, boost energy, and reduce stress. Making time for physical activity, whether alone, with friends, or as a family, is one of the best investments you can make in your well-being.

Spending more time outdoors also delivers powerful benefits. Iowa’s trails, parks, and green spaces offer opportunities not only for physical activity but also for improved mental health. Research highlighted in “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams shows that as little as 15 minutes in nature can reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. With 45 minutes outdoors, cognitive performance can also improve — a reminder that time spent in nature is time well spent for both body and mind.

Many Iowans would be surprised by what beautiful spaces are in or near their communities that they didn’t know about. You can find a trail near you with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s Iowa By Trail website, a local park at MyCountyParks.com and state parks in your area via the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks tool.

Advocacy also plays a key role in creating a more active Iowa. Supporting the development and preservation of trails, parks, and natural areas ensures that every Iowan has access to spaces that encourage movement and connection with nature. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation recommends increased funding for the State Recreational Trails Program, which is consistently underfunded — with annual trail requests averaging five times the available funding. There are currently more than $200 million in unmet trail needs across Iowa, 75% of them in rural communities. Research shows that people who live near trails are 50% more likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

INHF provides opportunities to get involved and learn more about nature advocacy in Iowa so that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty that we do today. Issues include:

Iowans can also adopt the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Program in:

Schools and healthcare clinics by becoming registered 5-2-1-0 sites for free.
Workplaces by having leadership sign the CEO Pledge for physical activity and adopting movement-friendly strategies that enhance employee health.

Building a healthier, more active Iowa will take conscious effort from all of us. By prioritizing movement, spending more time outdoors, and supporting investment in our state’s parks, trails, and waterways, we can strengthen both our health and our connection to the land we call home. Let’s get moving — for ourselves, for our communities, and for Iowa’s future.

Spread the Word: Download these graphics for free and share them on social media with #HeyIowa and #HealthiestStateMonth!

Support the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative: The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is a nonprofit, not a government agency, our work is made possible by the support of Iowans like you! Consider making a donation to help continue our work across the state!