Plano just got a healthy dose of national recognition. In the 2025 American Fitness Index released by the American College of Sports Medicine, the North Texas suburb jumped to 14th place among the 100 largest U.S. cities — its highest ranking yet.
A New Benchmark For Fitness In Texas
Outpacing major metros like Austin (#21), Dallas (#46), Houston (#49) and Arlington (#83), Plano secured the top spot in Texas. The annual index considers more than just gym memberships, it pulls from a variety of health and environmental data points to assess how cities support physical activity and overall wellness.
Key metrics include access to parks and bike trails, air quality, rates of food insecurity, mental and physical health data and nutritional habits like fruit and vegetable consumption.
By The Numbers: How Plano Stands Out
Plano’s strong showing can be traced to its active and health-conscious population. According to the report:
- 83.5% of residents said they exercised in the past month
- 67.3% meet recommended aerobic activity guidelines
- 63.9% sleep at least seven hours a night
- 49.2% are considered to be in “very good health”
- 29.5% eat two or more fruits per day
These numbers not only outpace most of Texas but also reflect broader national trends. On average, the index shows a 9% jump in Americans meeting aerobic activity guidelines, rising from 50.9% in prior CDC data to 59.9% in 2025.
Plano Among Fastest-Growing In Fitness
Plano, alongside Fort Wayne, Indiana, saw one of the largest gains nationwide in aerobic activity levels. It’s a sign that local investments in health infrastructure — like walkable neighborhoods, park access and public wellness initiatives — may be paying off…