HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) — For the fourth year in a row, Howard County residents prove to be the healthiest in the state.

Jessica Kartalija reports the county has held the top spot for the past four years.

On historic Main Street, Hilary Brich opened the new Go Go Guru yoga shop after more and more locals expressed an interest in getting fit.

“People are healthy. They like to work out, they are doing spinning, they are doing yoga. Everyone who comes in here has a story to tell about their workout,” Brich said.

And it shows.

A study comparing Maryland counties and Baltimore City found residents in Howard County are less obese and live longer than their neighbors.

Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Frederick and Carroll counties also round out the top five.

“Our beautiful physical environment allows people to recreate, get physical activity and make healthy choices in their lives,” said Dr. Maura Rossman.

“We have a population that follows healthy behaviors. They get preventive care, which we hope is keeping them out of the hospital, but there’s always more work to be done,” said Paul Cheichauf, Howard County General Hospital.

Back at Go Go Guru, they’re not surprised to hear Howard County is the healthiest.

“I can feel the energy is getting excited again. There’s more life here,” said yoga instructor Danielle Beyers.

Health officials say now their challenge is making sure Howard County stays at the top.

The five counties with the worst health were Baltimore City and Allegany, Dorchester, Somerset and Caroline counties.