Arlington, Virginia, ranks first in 2026 American Fitness Index for ninth straight year

Arlington, Virginia, took the top spot in the 2026 American Fitness Index compiled by the American College of Sports Medicine, marking its ninth consecutive year at number one. , finished second overall and recorded the highest score nationwide for community and environmental factors.

Washington Examiner reported that Arlington posted stronger results than most large cities on regular exercise, nightly sleep of at least seven hours, self-reported excellent health, and lower smoking rates.

Led on access to parks and walkable neighborhoods. The index draws on 31 indicators selected by a panel of 26 health and fitness experts. These indicators cover personal health conditions and behaviors as well as community resources such as parks, bike lanes, and local policies.

Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the EPA, and Walk Score and Bike Score metrics. Washington Examiner reported that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr. is advancing the Make America Healthy Again agenda through the Trump administration. The agenda includes efforts to remove dyes from certain foods, improve hospital meals, and limit SNAP purchases of unhealthy items.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz demonstrated squats and pull-ups to promote summer physical activity.