Top 20 Fittest Politicians in America 2020

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Health Fitness Revolution
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Regardless of party affiliation, it is important that our elected officials demonstrate a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind!

Every year, Health Fitness Revolution recognizes politicians who choose to demonstrate healthy lifestyles for themselves, in addition to promoting physical activity within their communities. We recently published our new lists of the Top 40 Fittest United States Representatives 2020, Top 10 Fittest Governors 2020, Top 20 Fittest Senators 2020, and Top 20 Fittest Mayors in America 2020 as part of this effort to promote health and fitness in the U.S.

We are at the forefront of fitness in politics, and our previous lists of the fittest politicians have generated buzz in some of the nation’s leading media outlets. From the New York Times, to the LA Times, to the Houston Chronicle, Refinery29, Washington Post, and so on… Politico dubbed our list of the Top 10 Fittest Senators 2016 their “List du Jour”, they recently also mentioned our Top 20 Fittest Mayors in America 2020 list.

HFR founder and author of ReSYNC Your Life, Samir Becic intends to use this list to motivate other politicians to be more active, fit, and even more importantly- promote a healthy lifestyle to their constituents. “Especially now that our nation is greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is immensely important to promote a healthy lifestyle for both our physical and mental health. Let’s strengthen our immune systems as much as we can!” says Becic.

Here’s what matters to us in order of importance: promotion of fitness (actions, interviews, and social media)- this is the most important factor because sharing is caring, personal fitness level, nutritional habits, and age. “There were many extremely fit politicians who didn’t make this list because even though they are personally very fit, their lack of promotion of healthy living made them ineligible” says Becic. Here are the Top 20 Fittest Americans Politicians of 2020:

Representative Markwayne Mullin, 43

  • Former college wrestler.
    • Still very involved in the wrestling community.
  • Former MMA fighter.
  • Inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.
  • Hosts a regular MMA style workout routine for fellow congress members in the House gym.
  • Leads annual outdoor fitness workout for Men’s Health Month.
    • Includes an hour of various cardio and strength movements.
    • Over 60 people attend.
    • Has been joined by other politicians, former NFL players, and leaders in the fitness and nutrition industry.
  • Encourages people to physically “push their limits” during a workout.
  • Often posts instructional workout videos on social media to encourage and guide others.
  • Prioritizes a healthy lifestyle and shares tips including:
    • Stay active, get good sleep, eat a balanced diet, and don’t neglect your mental health.
  • Made our 2015 Top 10% Fittest American Congress People list.
  • Made our list of Top 40 Fittest Congresspeople 2020 list.

Senator Kyrsten Sinema, 44

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-8LHsH8lz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Representative Adam Kinzinger, 42

Mayor Steven Fulop, 43

  • Steven Fulop is the Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey.
  • Has completed two and a half Ironmans, one of which was finished in under 12 hours!
    • Has said that the Ironman was probably the hardest single task he was a part of because it really requires not only physical endurance but mental endurance.
  • Ran in the 2012 NYC Marathon.
  • Believes that being healthy and active can teach extreme discipline which is needed in order to be successful. 
  • Created an Adult Fitness Class to help encourage the adults of Jersey City to become fit and then pass the mentality onto their children.
  • Made our list of Top 25 Fittest Mayors 2018 list
  • Made our list of Top 10 Fittest Mayors 2019 list
  • Made our list of Top 20 Fittest Mayors 2020 list
  • Read our exclusive interview with Mayor Steven Fulop here.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard, 39

  • Has worked out with Aaron Schock, Paul Ryan, and Scott Peters
  • Is an Army National Guard major
  • Frequently tweets her grueling workouts including a military-style workout of 25 exercises using just a bench and another video shows Gabbard lifting weights and doing burpees. 
  • Follows P90X
  • Does a Brazilian martial art called “Capoeira”
  • Surfs and paddleboards on her more leisurely days. She told a fellow surfer at a town hall, “It’s magic, man! It’s magic. It’s hard to describe. The renewal you get from the ocean and across Mother Nature keeps us centered and connected to our planet.”
  • Veteran
    • Took the Army Physical Fitness Test with a score of 287
    • Did the Army 10-miler this year (remotely because of COVID-19)
  • Took up yoga during the Pandemic
    • Helps to calm her mind and relax
  • Made our 2015 Top 10% Fittest American Congress People list.
  • Made our list of Top 40 Fittest U.S. Representatives 2020.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, 63

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Governor Phil Scott, 62

  • Former race car driver and snowmobile racer
  • Has a passion for building things, which has driven him to be innovative and more fit
    • Used to build wooden race cars
  • Began strength training and biking during his 20’s to build endurance and maintain his physique
  • Competitive biker
    • Placed second in his age group at Race to the Top biking competition in 2015
  • Wakes up before 5 am and cycles for at least 30 minutes before beginning his days
    • “by staying in shape, I might have a bit of an edge over some of my competitors.”
  • Devoted to helping maintain and preserve Vermont’s outdoor recreation.
  • Made our list of Top 10 Fittest Governors in America 2020.

Representative Tim Ryan, 47

  • Uses mindfulness techniques for stress reduction and encourages them to others
  • Wrote a book on it called “A Mindful Nation”
    • “Well, What more can you give to a human being than to teach them how to be responsible for their own health by reducing their stress level, increasing their focus and boosting their immune system?”
  • “If we can shave a fraction of the health care costs of chronic stress, we’re talking about real savings,” He said. “Heart disease. Type 2 diabetes. Politically, this cuts across the aisle. You hear one side talk about being compassionate towards kids and investing in education. We also hear about saving money and deficits and individual responsibility.”
  • Plays on the Congressional Baseball Team
  • Snowboards with family
  • Walks for Down Syndrome
  • Made our 2015 Top 10% Fittest American Congress People list.

Senator Chuck Grassley, 87

Mayor Ron Nirenberg, 43

  • Mayor Ron Nirenberg has served as the Mayor of San Antonio, Texas for the past 3 years and as mayor, Nirenberg has stated that his main priority is “restoring public trust so that all residents are confident that their representatives are working in their best interests.”
  • Prior to politics, he pursued careers as a fitness and nutrition consultant, as well as a competitive bodybuilder for seven years.
  • He is a firm believer in mind, body, spirit, and balance.
    • Uses his high-intensity fitness regime to balance himself out and to keep sane and happy.
  • Credits athletics, especially being in individual sports with very little instant gratification that requires a long-term outlook and self-discipline.
    • Did some graduate work in bodybuilding.
  • He emphasizes the importance of a balance between the mental and physical, which exercise allows him to have.
    • Describes that getting his “adrenaline flowing and endorphins pumping” makes him feel his best.
  • Started a “Get Strong” fitness campaign which was intended to show all the different ways that people can have fun and get fit and adapt to the lifestyle that best suits them.
    • During COVID-19, this campaign provided the public with creative ways they can stay fit utilizing San Antonio outdoor spaces, as well as several resources they can utilize to tackle the mental and physical implications of COVID-19. 
  • Recently joined by San Antonio Spurs player, Lonnie Walker IV, Mayor Nirenberg discussed how to remain physically fit during the pandemic and while in quarantine. 
  • Made HFR’s list of Top 10 Fittest Mayors in America 2019, Top 25 Fittest Mayors in America 2018, and Top 20 Fittest Mayors in America 2020.
  • Read our exclusive interview with Mayor Ron Nirenberg here.

Senator Cory Booker, 51

  • Eats a vegan diet.
  • Works out consistently.
  • An active voice for weight loss.
  • Was an honorary vice-chairman of Michelle Obama’s Partnership for a Healthier America.
    • The initiative in his city focuses on better food options and more-active lifestyles.
  • Played football at Stanford University.
  • During his first year as the Senator of New Jersey, Booker gain almost over 60 lbs.
    • Booker has slimmed down and stayed fit through running, cycling and a vegan diet.
  • In past campaigns, “Run With Cory” jogging events have dotted his schedule.
  • Made our Fittest American Politicians 2017 list.
  • Made our list of Top 20 Fittest Senators 2020.

Senator Jeff Merkley, 64

  • Has said that his workouts have been “very helpful in managing the stress of the job.”
    • “When things go awry and you’re trying to make a project happen… I say to myself, ‘you know, I’m going to hold off on worrying about that until I’ve worked out tomorrow.’”
  • In 2012, Senator Merkley completed an iron distance triathlon- which consists of 140 cumulative miles of swimming, biking and running.
  • Lost a whopping 30lbs between 2010-2012.
  • His very own daughter is an avid runner who maintains  an active lifestyle- which in turn positively influences senator Merkley to stay fit. 
  • Made our 2016 list of the Top 10 Fittest Senators. 
  • Made our list of Top 20 Fittest Senators 2020.

Senator Mitt Romney, 73

  • An avid jogger, Romney has said he runs at least 3 miles a day and reportedly hits the elliptical machine for 30 to 40 minutes at hotel gyms while on the road.
  • While campaigning for the 2012 presidential election, he said he used fellow very fit politician Paul Ryan as both his running mate and personal trainer.
  • Frequently enjoys the great outdoors of Utah with his family- they hike, bike, horseback ride!
  • In May 2020, he challenged his team to a virtual fun run, his team in Utah and Washington ran a 34-mile relay race—using technology to pass the virtual baton. He wrote on Instagram “We might have to physically keep our distance, but it’s important that we remain connected with friends and family. These are challenging times, but one thing is certain: We’re in this together.”

Representative Dan Crenshaw, 36

  • Former U.S. Navy SEAL officer
    • Lost an eye while in combat
  • Skydives
  • Showed off his regular workout on FOX26Houston as a campaign to get fit and stay fit before New Years.
    • Bench pressed 225 lbs
    • Deep lunges with barbell and 50lbs added on
    • Tire flips
    • Encourages people not to give excuses when going to exercise 
    • Start with attainable goals and don’t “shoot for the stars” when setting exercise expectations
  • Did a five-day 100-mile run through his district in Texas.
    • Did it to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief
  • Made our list of Top 40 Fittest United States Representatives 2020

Representative Sharice Davids, 40

  • Former MMA fighter
    • 5-1 amateur, 1-1 MMA Fighter
  • Boxed at local gym with a group of all-stars
    • Did this during Sharice’s Shift, an outreach program designed to connect directly with local small businesses
  • Joined KCK Youth in the Ring Boxing
    • Build relationships between police and community
  • Did push ups for good luck at Capitol Hill while awaiting finding out position in the office lottery
  • Plays on Congressional Women’s Softball Team
  • Made our list of Top 40 Fittest United States Representatives 2020

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez “AOC”, 31

  • Does push ups (in her heels) whenever she needs to take a break and get some new ideas
  • Goes on walks with her dog around Capitol Hill
  • Also loves to go on runs through Capitol Hill
  • Loves to garden
    • Created community gardens all over New York to bring fresh fruits and veggies to the people that live in those areas
    • Has a community garden in DC as well
  • She announced in December of 2018 that she was taking a self-care break, and now she makes sure to take care of her body even when she is very busy and overwhelmed.
  • Before congress, Ocasio-Cortez did yoga three to four times each week, ate nutritious foods, and wrote for leisure, according to the Huffington Post
    • As she shared in 2019, now, she is very busy and sometimes eats fast food for dinner because of lack of time. However, she is trying to get back on her workout schedule.
  • The first couple months of her term were very exhausting, and she was not taking care of herself, according to Vogue
    • Now, she makes sure to take time for herself even if she feels guilty about it
  • Made our list of Top 40 Fittest United States Representatives 2020

Pete Buttigieg, 38

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