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Michelle Obama in Best Shape Ever at 45
Posted on Sep 29th 2009 4:00PM by Jacki Donaldson |
| Photo: Kwaku Alston |
"I've had more time [to work out] as my kids have gotten older," Mrs. Obama shares in the November 2009 issue of Prevention magazine. "There was a period, actually right before the campaign started up, that I was really in tip-top shape. I was really there. And then my husband ran for president," she jokes.
Michelle is obviously weathering the presidency quite well, thanks to a smart diet that allows for some wiggle room. "I try to have no absolute no's," she says. "I love French fries, I like a good burger, and I like pie. And that's okay. I would be depressed if I felt I could never eat the things that I love."
Then there's her 4:30 a.m. exercise routine (she goes to bed by 10 p.m.), which is dedicated to Pilates, cardio, stretching and weights. Her favorite moves? "I enjoy arm exercises because you can see what it's hitting," she says. The girl is not kidding, and a very specific 9-minute arm workout has helped earn her those gorgeous guns. But it's head-to-toe training that does the whole body good. That, plus a healthy diet and lifestyle, of course.
For more on how this busy wife and mom stays in such great shape, click through the gallery below.
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.
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.
Bauer-Griffin
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.
Getty Images
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."
Mark Wilson, Getty Images
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.
Getty Images
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.
Getty Images
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.
Retna
Another one of Mrs. Obama's passions: Locally-grown foods.
Check out more of the First Lady's magazine covers.
