FitArlington is a network of organizations and interested parties who support fitness and wellness in the Arlington. Check out some resources below.
Nutrition and Diet
Eat a Colorful Diet
Strive for five different colors from natural foods. Try to incorporate at least five different fruits and/or vegetables daily into your daily diet. By eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, you add essential nutrients and vitamins into your diet. Read more…
Portion Control: Energy In = Energy Out
Simply put, watch those calories. If you eat more calories than you are burning off in a day, you will gain weight. If you burn off more than you take in, you will lose weight. Here are some simple tips on portion control. Read more…
Buy Fresh/Buy Local
There are many local farmer’s markets in Arlington that serve several purposes. These markets directly support farmers and reduce the carbon emissions required to move foods long distances from farms to traditional grocery stores.
Simple Tips: Plan, Prepare, and Pack
Don’t feel desperately hungry and get caught in front of a vending machine or having to run out to grab some lunch. Pack lunch the night before including leftovers from dinner or a sandwich. This will likely save calories and a few cents in your wallet. Bring a piece of whole fruit to eat as a morning and/or afternoon snack.
Healthy Snacking
It’s okay to have a snack to hold you over between meals or indulge in moderation. The FitArlington Healthy Vending Initiative helps Arlington residents and workers make healthier choices by replacing sugary snacks and beverages in vending machines throughout the County with more nutritious foods and beverages. Read more…
Stay Active and Exercise
Play a Sport
There are lots of sports leagues in Arlington, ranging from everything from kickball, to table tennis, to boxing and everything in between. Learn about all of the options here.
Find a place to play in an Arlington park
Arlington parks have courts, fields, playgrounds, spraygrounds, trails, climbing walls and lots more to keep you active. Head over to your nearest community park! You can find it all with this easy to use tool.
Go Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get out into nature while exercising. You can take advantage the naturalist hikes that are led several times a year. To see a current listing, browse the class catalog under nature center programs. Or maybe you want to get out and hike on your own in the parks. Use the park locator link above, or check out the full list of Arlington’s 48 miles of multi-use trails here.
Exercise
Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you need to do two types of physical activity each week to improve your health–aerobic and muscle-strengthening. Read more…A little rusty? For tips on starting an active lifestyle, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website. And if you’re looking for a place to work out check out our community fitness rooms or some of our FitArlington partners!
Go Car Free
Become even more fit by walking, biking or using public transit to get to the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington.
Be Smoke Free
Enjoy a Night Out – Smoke Free!
Legislation banning smoking in Virginia’s bars and restaurants went into effect Dec. 1, 2009. This ban protects restaurant workers and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Learn more about the Smoke-Free Initiative.