How Michelle Obama Stays In Shape

By Kimberly Papa

To anyone who's seen Michelle Obama in one of her trademark sleeveless dresses one thing is clear: She's in great shape (those arms!).

The new First Lady has earned her fabulous figure by sticking to an impressive exercise routine. Find out what she does to stay fit and how she squeezes workouts into her busy life.

Emmanuel Dunand, AFP / Getty Images

She makes exercise a priority

"A proper diet and regular exercise have always been important to me, for both the physical and mental benefits," Mrs. Obama told Redbook. Speaking about her time on the campaign trail she said, "On the road, I talk to a lot of women about the importance of their well-being; we women often put ourselves last on our 'to do' lists, and we need to take better care of ourselves."


M. Spencer Green, AP

She sticks to a routine

Michelle is devoted to carving out time for exercise. She told MomLogic that she goes to the gym three times a week, where she works out with a trainer for about an hour.

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She's an early bird

It's been reported that when the Obamas lived in Chicago, Michelle would join her friends for 4:30 am workouts at the gym.

EyeWire

She exercises to de-stress

"Exercise is really important to me -- it's therapeutic. So if I'm ever feeling tense or stressed or like I'm about to have a meltdown, I'll put on my iPod and head to the gym," the First Lady told Marie Claire.

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She stays focused

Her friend Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker told O, The Oprah Magazine that Obama is "One of the women who leave you in the dust. She's a gladiator. She jumps rope 200 times without messing up. We talk in the beginning, but once the workout gets going, she is all business."

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She makes exercise a family affair

Mrs. Obama told Redbook magazine that her family spends time together doing outdoor activities, such as riding bikes and swimming. It's also been reported that when she can't get to the gym, she'll go for a run with her daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Alex Brandon, AP

She adds variety

Michelle told USA Today that her workout routine includes a mix of cardio, free weights, hitting the treadmill and stair-walking.

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Her hubby is her workout buddy

While the First Family was visiting Hawaii in December, it was reported that Michelle and Barack headed to the Semper Fit Center on Marine Corps Base for a morning workout together.

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She has a positive body image

During an interview with People last summer, Michelle said that when she looks in the mirror she says she sees a healthy woman.

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