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Men’s Fitness Magazine Picks 25 Fittest Men in America

May 20 2009, Published 11:01 a.m. ET

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Let the debate begin.

Men’s Fitness magazine has just selected the 25 Fittest Men in America, and while everyone on the list is clearly an advanced physical specimen, there are bound to be disagreements about the rankings and others left off. (Ok, we’re not even going to mention our debate with Editor in Chief Roy Johnson about selecting Lebron James and leaving off our fav Dwayne Wade. Oops, we just mentioned it.)

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Notables on the list include actor Hugh Jackman, singer Akon, football star Larry Fitzgerald, college football star Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators. There’s even a “regular Joe” on the list, an entertainment lawyer!

No. 1? Drum roll please... Rafael Nadal the 23-year-old tennis player from Spain.

This is the fifth anniversary of the Men’s Fitness list and the mag’s editor Roy Johnson told Breaking Celebrity News exclusively: “To put it very simply, these guys live life. They pursue excellence in their careers, and succeed by being smart, fit and passionate about their pursuits. The actors don’t just get fit for a film project. The athletes don’t just get fit for a season. Every guy on the MF 25 does what it takes to win; they represent the best among men.”

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Here are the 25 Fittest Men in America, courtesy of Men’s Fitness magazine, which features them in the June/July issue:

Number 1: Rafael Nadal, 23, Spain

Why Nadal? Because of his stamina, his physique and of course the four-hour 48-minute victory over Roger Federer in the Wimbledon Finals last summer. After winning six Grand Slams and 33 tournaments, he is undoubtedly the best tennis player in the world, and without a doubt the “Fittest Guy in the World.”

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The rest of the list:

•    Larry Fitzgerald, 25, USA (NFL Star)

The 6’3” 220-pound wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals was the biggest reason the Cardinals reached the Super Bowl last season. His physical ability can be partly attributed to intense off-season workouts that improve his already-profound jumping ability and speed.

•    Clive Owen, 46, United Kingdom (Actor)

At well over six feet, Owen towers above many of his fellow Hollywood actors. To prepare for some of his most demanding roles, the Coventry native trains with a London kickboxer. While he regularly goes to the gym, he says, “When I’m getting ready to film, I train much more intensively. My fitness regimen is completely dictated by, ‘Do I have to take my top off in this movie?’"

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•    Lewis Hamilton, 24, United Kingdom (Formula One Racer)

The youngest Formula One World Champion ever, Hamilton is also one if its fittest. To stay fit, he trains for nearly four hours at least six days week during his off-season.

•    Kevin Rose, 32, USA (CEO)

Five years ago, the former Attack of the Show host launched Digg.com. He also often launches himself to the top of local climbing walls near the company’s San Francisco offices. He also plays racquetball twice a week and runs twice a week. 

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•    Georges St. Pierre, 27, Canada (UFC Fighter)

The Canadian fighter also known as GSP routinely kills it in the gym with strength and conditioning coach Jonathan Chaimberg. Normally 188 pounds, he cuts about 20 pounds for a fight and carries about only 5% body fat.

•    Akon, 30, USA (Singer)

The Senegalese-American singer maintains his lean, muscular build with a preshow pump that consists of 500 pushups, pull-ups and dips. When not on the road, he plays hoops and soccer and kickboxes. 

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•    Phil Keoghan, 42, New Zealand (TV Host)

Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan typically loses 10 pounds while on the road for the show. So before he hits the road, he amps up his workout by boxing and doing 100 push-ups a day.

•    Adrian Fenty, 38, USA, (Mayor of Washington D.C.)

The D.C. mayor exercises like a pro-athlete rigorously and regimented—despite his crazy schedule. Three times a week, he gets in an early-morning run and also swims and cycles when he finds time.

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•    Manny Pacquiao, 30, Philippines (Light-welterweight fighter)

He’s only 5’6”, but this Pac-Man packs a ton of power. To prep for fights, he works out for two weeks before training with trainer Freddie Roach. Then for two months, he’ll run in the mornings, do 1,000 sit-ups, shadowbox, jump rope, punch the heavy bag and spar in the afternoons for four rounds, building up to 12 as the fight nears.