With the dawn of a new year and a big election behind us, it’s time for our popular annual list of the 10 Fittest Heads of State in the world! Being the leader of an entire country is a dynamic role in itself, and yet a select 11 from all around the world have set themselves apart with their own fitness aptitude and their promotion of a healthy lifestyle for all.
This year, the list was particularly important because as the world has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 12 months, health has been at the forefront of the news.
Now, more than ever, we are realizing that we have to emphasize our personal wellbeing through exercise and healthy nutrition. These simple yet profound lifestyle changes can help build our immune systems to better handle whatever viruses and bacteria the future has in store.
These leaders continue to demonstrate to their country that no matter how frenzied life can get, fitness and health should always be a priority. Since our inaugural list in 2014, we’ve published an updated “Top 10” annually including 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The 11 heads of state that make our 2021 list are not only pioneers as global ambassadors, but they are also leaders outside of the office when they are competing in sports, simply biking with their family or being pioneers in being able to curb the pandemic in their countries.
“The ‘Fittest Heads of State’ list was started to promote global fitness,” says Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic, who has 20 years of expertise in the fitness industry and was named No. 1 fitness trainer in the world for BTF and appointed “Fitness Czar” for the City of Houston. “This year’s COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more apparent that we need to build our immune systems through healthy lifestyle changes in order to make it robust for any future and unpredictable pandemics. We know now that next to social distancing, wearing a mask, washing our hands, and vaccinations, building our immune systems through healthy living is necessary- maybe even critical for our survival as a species.”
In no particular order, the following world leaders have become healthy role models for their citizens. From accomplished athletes to recreational weekend warriors, nutrition enthusiasts to nutrition policymakers, these heads of state are doing their part to lead by example in the quest for a stronger, healthier global community. It is important to note that although we found leaders who we knew were fit but because we were unable to find any accessible data on their routines, they were ineligible for this list. Samir adds to all world leaders “please share your healthy lifestyle habits!”
Criteria for the Fittest Heads of State:
- For each country, the first and second in charge are eligible for the list. For example: Canada and New Zealand have their Prime Ministers on this list even though their respective monarch Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state. The same goes for the United States, both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris qualify for this list.
- Have to be healthy and fit personally.
- Should promote a healthy lifestyle globally.
- Physical fitness relative to age has been taken into substantial consideration.
Click to see who else made the Top 11 Fittest Heads of State 2021.
- The California senator is known for her daily morning workouts, eating a balanced Mediterranean diet, exercising with her husband on Sundays, and doing SoulCycle spin classes regularly.
- Harris famous said in a 2015 interview: “In order to find balance, I feel very strongly about two things in particular in terms of routine. Work out, and eat well. I can’t say how many women I’ve mentored in college. I say, “Are you working out every morning?” No. Then I say, “You’ve got to work out.” It has nothing to do with your weight. It’s about your mind. I work out every morning. Only half an hour. I get on the treadmill. That’s it. Every morning, I don’t care what time. It gets your blood flowing. It gets your adrenaline flowing. I believe in eating well. It’s not fanatical. Eat good food. Make sure you’ve got good vegetables.”
- Plans on implementing a universal healthcare program that will provide standard, quality healthcare to every citizen regardless of their wealth.
- Wants to expand drug coverage under Medicare.
- Made our Top 10 Fittest Senators 2017 and Fittest Senators 2020 list.
- Plans to expand Medicare to everyone.
- Works out with her husband Doug on Sundays.
- “I work out every morning, regardless of how much sleep I’ve had” Harris has said.
- “I had liter water bottles that I filled, of course, with water to use them as hand weights,”
- 30 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill, or swimming
- If she has time on the weekends, she will take an hour-long Soul Survivor class at SoulCycle.
- Follows the Mediterranean Diet.
- Enjoys swimming.
- Samir Becic: “Vice President Harris, I’m honored to be able to include such an inspirational role model on this year’s list! Keep motivating Americans to get active.”
