Things are really shaping up in the commonwealth. Arlington was selected again this year as the nation’s fittest city by the American College of Sports Medicine.
“Arlington, Virginia continues its long-standing position as the nation’s fittest city, reflecting strong performance across multiple indicators including physical activity levels, access to parks and recreational facilities, and supportive transportation infrastructure,” the group said.
The American College of Sports Medicine’s index measures personal health behaviors, chronic disease outcomes, community infrastructure, and environmental factors to “provide a comprehensive picture of how well cities promote fitness and well-being.”
Arlington is noted for its network of bike and pedestrian pathways that make it easy to get around by biking, walking, or running.
“It’s great for outdoors greenery—a combination of the urban and suburban environment,” a cyclist named Jerry told the Daily Signal during a pit stop along the W&OD bike trail. He added he rides trails a couple of times each week.
A cyclist named Jasmine told the Daily Signal she has taken up riding since moving to Northern Virginia and hopes to ride the entire 45 miles of trail from Arlington to Purcellville.
“There are a lot of people out today, especially with the nice weather,” a cyclist named Cameron told the Daily Signal. He said he’s lived in Arlington for 14 years and has seen the area make a lot of progress. Another rider, who lives in Fairfax County, said that the bike paths make it easy to get exercise.
“Increasing physical activity decreases our risk of chronic diseases of all types. It doesn’t mean we’ll never get a disease, but it decreases our risk greatly,” Dr. Stella Volpe, a former leader of the American College of Sports Medicine, told WTOP. “Physical activity and exercise is the best medicine.”
Other Virginia cities made big moves this year. Richmond improved more than any place in the U.S., jumping 20 slots to land at No. 20 and increasing its total score by 7.2 points. A runner named Mary-Kate, who is training for the Richmond marathon in November, said she isn’t surprised by the city’s improved showing. “I see more people getting out running every year,” she told the Daily Signal. “The marathon has already sold out.”
Virginia Beach moved up 18 places to No. 61 this year. The city’s Parks and Recreation department is looking to build on the momentum by sending a FitPop van to host pop-up adult fitness classes around the city.
Southwest Virginia may also creep up in the rankings soon. That’s because the entire length of the Virginia Creeper Trail, from Abingdon to Whitetop, will reopen on March 31, 2027. Hurricane Helene knocked out 17 miles of the trail in 2024.
“This trail is part of the heartbeat of our community,” Ed Wright, district ranger for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, told WCYB.
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[ H/T The Daily Signal ]
