Michelle Obama Hula Hoops For Kids' Health

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Oct 22nd 2009 2:00PM

Win McNamee, Getty Images

First Lady Michelle Obama has killer arms, is in the best shape of her life and loves living a healthy lifestyle. She is certainly leading by example as she encourages America's children to get fit, too. The First Lady recently held a Healthy Kids Fair on the South Lawn of the White House, where she gave some healthy advice to some very lucky kids. And she drew from her own experiences, not only as a mom, but as a child to her own mother. "When I was growing up, fast food was a treat," she said. "We had pizza ... once every semester when we got good grades." In very motherly fashion, she then told the kids to eat their veggies: "We don't want to hear the whining. We want you to eat it. Just eat it, right?"

Mrs. Obama isn't just taking on unhealthy eating habits though. She issued a challenge to kids to be more active every day. "Turn off the TV on your own. Get up and throw a ball. Run around the house. Don't break anything, but move," she says. It's pretty obvious advice, but advice that needs saying these days nonetheless. And, of course, she practiced what she preached by having a go with a hula hoop and jumping rope.

She's taken on a tough cause -- changing the diet and exercise habits that are the foundation of our country's obesity epidemic -- but the First Lady seems up for the job. What do you think? Can Mrs. Obama inspire America to change its unhealthy ways?

Click on the gallery below to learn about Michelle Obama's workout routine.

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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

How Michelle Obama Stays In Shape

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

Michelle Obama might be known for her incredibly toned arms, but she isn't the only lady rocking gorgeous guns. Check out who has the best arms in Hollywood.

Comments (64)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

BETTY 10-22-2009 @ 2:09PM

not fair,,, the hoop could not fall.

JUNK IN THE TRUNK !!!

Dorothy 10-22-2009 @ 3:05PM

Don't Hate! Appreciate what is God given.... :-)

gini godard 10-22-2009 @ 3:37PM

Is our first lady pregnant? Sure looks like it!

carik 10-22-2009 @ 2:17PM

Albert, evidently you wanted to see Mrs. Obama hula hooping, or you wouldn't have opened the story. Insofar as your petty, ignorant comments you make a fool of yourself breathing. Get a life Bimbo

cordell 10-22-2009 @ 2:20PM

Please Please stop all the hate!

gibbscourtney 10-22-2009 @ 2:19PM

You are obviously ignorant and very much of an complete idiot!!!!

rob 10-22-2009 @ 2:24PM

RU PAUL!!!!!

Sherry 10-22-2009 @ 2:28PM

I admire the First Lady. She's getting out there and trying to make a difference, unlike all you hateful, ignorant racists who can't see beyond your own narrow, narrow minds!

Bmntywlsh55 10-22-2009 @ 3:09PM

So you are among those who think that anyone who complains about what Mr Obama is doing or what his wife is doing is a racist.
There are many colored people who think that as well.
Were any who criticized other presidents racists as well?
Look at what is happening before you call names the way some associated with Obama. They are talking about us - that includes you.
Maybe you will pay the income tax I will have to pay because of his new payouts.
Enjoy the "change" - more taxes and less representation.

Carmen 10-22-2009 @ 2:40PM

Some folk cannot stand to see others prosper and have good taste. Some of the arguments on here are sooo narrow minded, hateful, it only shows that the individuals are themselves hateful and narrow because they came out of homes with those same traits. The chip never fall far from their tree right? Good health, good manners, good looks good body good heart is what life is all about! America get off your fat "sit upons" and do what you used to do back in the days- walk more, play ball, hop scotch, jump ropes fish, dance or just plain climb a tree! hahahaaaa- have a good laugh today too- it releave stress and get rid of the all the negative talk and outlook!

dowell 10-22-2009 @ 3:13PM

albert, you're an absolute idiot. i wanted to be nicer, wanted to tone it down, wanted to have intelligent discourse with you, but when my fingers hit the keyboard, all that came out was 'albert, you're an absolute idiot'.

Sharon 10-22-2009 @ 3:19PM

You must be kidding!

Michelle is not fat. She is a very attractive woman. You shouldn't believe jealous uninformed and stupid statements you "hear" on line.

It just makes you look uneducated, uninformed, and just plain stupid.

dowell 10-22-2009 @ 3:20PM

you did read the article, right? she's not hula hooping in a vacuum...she held a children's fitness fair on the whitehouse lawn.
it's kinda like laura bush reading a book to kids, which i admire, but it's a different and much needed message to kids about fitness and taking care of themselves, which i also admire.

are you opposed to kids taking care of themselves? is your message to them to eat all the twinkies they want while they play video games? i personally prefer michell's message over yours.

Dorothy 10-22-2009 @ 3:34PM

Get a life you racist bigot!
Talk about something you know about. I am so sick and tried of all of this hate shown to our President and First Lady. You all can't stand it that he is who he is.
I bet you hide behind calling yourself a Christian don't you? Well let me tell you, it is not Christ-like to be hateful.

vgillfanlynne 10-22-2009 @ 3:58PM

I'll treat your president with the same respect as you treated mine!

Loie 10-22-2009 @ 4:00PM

ALBERT........IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE. I NEVER KNEW AN ALBERT THAT WAS NOT A "FATTY".

copperhead434 10-22-2009 @ 4:10PM

who is michelle obama?

PJ 10-23-2009 @ 5:08PM

The first lady of our land, the wife of our president, Barack Obama, the mother of two beautiful daughters and a fine attorney. That's Michelle Obama. Now you know. You are just jealous and by the way, who are you?

Judy 10-22-2009 @ 4:07PM

I await the day when playing with a hula hoop in yet another hideous, ill-fitting outfit "makes a difference."

Pamela 10-22-2009 @ 4:54PM

I'm glad my paycheck doesn't depend on you liking my outfits. Else, I'd starve to death. Fortunately for her also, Michelle Obama's livelihood doesn't depend on whether you like her outfits. She's rich whether you vote for Obama in 2012 or not.

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