CHARLOTTE, NC - How's your 2012 New Year's resolution to stay fit coming along? Well, there's always next year.

Studies show breaking a sweat turns into a lifetime of benefits. Around Mecklenburg County, there's plenty to help you reboot that goal, which in turn helps reboot Charlotte.

"I think fitness is definitely a lifestyle choice that you must incorporate into your life," said Southwest Charlotte resident Jonathan Young. "Charlotte is a really good place in terms of parks and stuff."

Young drove north to Mecklenburg County's Hornet's Nest Park to meet his friend for a game of tennis. Every week, they alternate between here and Renaissance Park, which is close to where Young lives.

Plenty of access to outdoor fun and recreation is one reason why Charlotte and Mecklenburg rank high among livability lists.

For example, Kiplinger’s Magazine ranked Charlotte #2 in its 2011 best value cities list. One reason is because of green, and it wasn't related to banking. The magazine wrote people here are outdoorsy.

With just over 35 miles of developed greenway trails all over Mecklenburg, green space is never far away.

"And to have them connected not only for exercise but for work and for play and for family," said County Greenway Planner Gwen Cook.

The longest greenway run is nine miles; the shortest is one mile. The county master plan shows over 185 miles of future greenway.

"To keep our citizens healthy and active and engaged in the outdoors," said Cook, "and engaged with other people, be able to meet people in the greenway."

Whether used for walking, jogging or biking, it’s aimed to be fun with the natural environment all around.

Kiplinger also pointed out the YMCA/YWCA system is one the largest in the country, providing everything from fitness to community programs.

"The communities that have access to greenways and wonderful facilities like ours can definitely have an active population," said Amy Hoffner, Wellness Director at the Dowd YMCA.

In partnership with the Carolinas Medical Center, they help people not only stay fit, but healthy for life.

"We encourage people to make small changes throughout their lifestyle," said Hoffner. "We encourage people to set short term goals, weekly goals and try to make improvements."

And staying fit, both indoors and out, is helping all of Charlotte reboot its future one step at a time.

Mecklenburg County is also a top five best overall health finalist, according to CountyHealthRankings.org. And last year, it was a finalist for the National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal.