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Michelle Obama Hula Hoops For Kids' Health

Celebs & Entertainment

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.



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.

Shape Up, America - Your President Said So

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

barack-obama
Photo: Pool/Getty Images
There's little doubt that the Obamas care about their own personal health. They eat light -- Michelle is known for asking White House chefs to cook cream of broccoli soup without the cream. They're champions of local foods, and they're committed to exercise, despite heavily scheduled lives. But their concern for health and fitness goes far beyond their own family -- they want America to shape up too.

Obama's health reform bill is expected to be heavy on prevention: Workplace wellness, money for bicycle and walking trails, obesity screening, grocery stores in poor neighborhoods and improved nutrition and exercise in schools. "He has expressed more interest in preventing diseases and promoting health than any previous president. It is not a breath of fresh air. It is a tornado," Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, recently told Politico. "That contrast is breathtaking. This is really a rare opportunity to make progress on so many issues."

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Michelle Obama's Arms - How to Get Them - This Week on AOL Health

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation

Michelle Obama
People can't stop talking about the First Lady, and neither can we on "AOL Health." First, we ran down her whole fitness routine. Then, we went to celeb trainer Kacy Duke for her best moves to get Michelle Obama's sleek, toned look. Plus, we paid tribute to the other famous ladies with arms we can help but admire (among them -- Alicia Keys, Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore and more!). Learn how to get First Lady-like arms here.

Malia and Sasha Obama Found a Surprise in the White House

Fitness

Malia and Sasha Obama
Barack and Michelle Obama have been a bit busy lately, what with 10 inaugural balls and his being sworn in as President of the United States and everything. (And I think I'm busy ... ha!) The Obama's girls have been busy in their own right.

Recently, they had friends from their new school visit them at the White House. After watching movies, the girls participated in a scavenger hunt through the presidential halls (how cool is that?). The hunt was designed to help the girls become familiar with the White House and to feel more comfortable there. The final surprise of the hunt led them to the Jonas Brothers hiding behind a door. I think I could hear the pre-teen squeals from four states away. But what I'm really wondering is if the Jonas Brothers got a chance to bowl?

While your kids don't have anything as palatial as the White House to get used to and you can't rustle up a pop star as a final surprise, you can still set up a scavenger hunt in your own house for your kids. If, like me, you live in an area that's been suffering super-cold temps, you have to get a little creative to keep your kids active indoors. A scavenger hunt is a fun idea -- your kids might also enjoy a relay race throughout the house.

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Oprah - Did She Drop 15 By Obama's Inauguration?

Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

OprahOprah was hoping to drop 15 by the time Obama's inauguration rolled around. A week ago, I asked you what you thought she would reveal at the big event. Here's what 60 of you said:

  • 38.3 percent of you thought Oprah would reveal a quick slimdown.
  • 30 percent of you thought she'd sport a slow status quo.
  • 9 percent of you didn't know what she'd show.

And so the big day has rolled around, which means Oprah is either slimmer or not. Have you gotten a look at her lately? Do you think she made good on her wish?

Oprah - Did She Slim Down in Time?

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Inaugural Luncheon - How Many Calories?

How Many Calories?


Yesterday's inauguration for new president Barrack Obama involved lots of celebration, topped off with a fancy luncheon held in honour of the president and new vice-president. So what was for lunch? "Seafood Stew," for starters, followed by "A brace of American birds, served with sour cherry chutney and molasses sweet potatoes." And for dessert? "Apple cinnamon and sweet cream glace." Of course, each dish was paired with a suitable wine selection.

Sounds delicious ... and decadent. Good thing Obama went for a workout before the big event. No one can know for sure how many calories are in this meal, but we can guess right? So, according to recent estimates ...

How Many Calories ... Were in Obama's Inaugural Luncheon?

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Barack Obama - The Campaign Trail Did His Body Good

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment

Barack ObamaThe Obama family has a Christmas tradition of visiting the President-elect's home state of Hawaii. This year is no exception. And, while Barack Obama is ridiculously busy selecting cabinet members and preparing for his transition to the White House, I'm glad to see he's keeping a family tradition intact.

Daily Mail has a photo snapped of President-elect Obama while on vacation, and he's looking kind of ripped. Not surprising, really. We already knew how important fitness is to the Obama family. What is surprising is when you scroll down the Daily Mail article and see the photo of Barack Obama that was taken on his vacation last year.

When you compare his abs from 2007 to 2008, it appears that in the midst of his hectic and stressful campaign, Barack Obama has toned up. Whatever your opinion of our up and coming President is, you have to admit that's inspirational. If he can find the time to get more fit while campaigning to be President of the United States, than surely the rest of us can find time, too. And, as Barack Obama certainly knows, physical activity is the healthiest way to manage your stress level.

Barack Obama(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Multi-taskingOn the roadMaking healthy choicesLean and meanPresidential hopeful

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Oprah - "How Could This Happen Again?"

Celebrities and Entertainment, Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

Oprah magazine cover

After watching her weight zig-zag through a range of about 100 pounds over the years, Oprah Winfrey has done it again. Apparently, she's regained the weight she once worked so hard to lose and is stuck at 200 pounds, in a very uncomfortable position.

Oprah reveals that she had envisioned a beautiful dress to wear to President-Elect Obama's inauguration but is now worried she won't be able to fit into it.

"How could this happen again?" she wonders. After losing weight following very public liquid diets, marathons and detox diets, we're all left to wonder: Will Oprah ever keep the weight off for good? Oprah is clearly wondering the same thing.

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The Obama Diet - How to Eat Like a President

Celebrities and Entertainment, Celebs & Entertainment, Nutrition & Supplements

Now that he's been elected the leader of the free world, Barack Obama is the subject of intense scrutiny. But it's not just his foreign policy that's attracting attention -- his eating habits are being examined and copied throughout America.

It could be worse -- the Obamas are pretty healthy folks, after all. They make fitness a priority and they eat well to boot. According to Steady Health, Barack's favourite foods include chili, Mexican food, almonds, pistachios and vegetables. His dislikes include mayonnaise, beets, soft drinks and ice cream. And he never skips breakfast.

His one unhealthy weakness? Cookies. At Baby Boomers Cafe in Des Moines, next door to Obama's campaign headquarters, they can't make enough of his favourite chocolate chunk cookies to keep up with demand.

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Barack and Michelle Obama - Fitness Comes First

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment

Obama family

Lots of change going on for the Obamas as they gear up for a new life in the White House. One thing Barack and Michelle won't alter as they adjust to their new roles and routines, though, is the way they approach fitness.


We told you recently that President-elect Obama works out six days a week for about 45 minutes. We also told you he'd love to go longer -- 90-minute workouts would be ideal. But here's some new skinny on how the 47-year-old Pres-to-be keeps his shape: He pumps iron and prefers lateral pull-downs, one-arm dumbbell curls, shoulder presses, and leg presses. For cardio, he takes to the treadmill or the basketball court. Since kicking his smoking habit (well, almost -- he did admit to bumming a few smokes during the campaign), Barack has become even more committed to being fit.

Michelle, also fierce about her fitness, starts her workouts as early as 4:30 AM. She likes to sweat and opts for a mix of cardio and weight training. It's three times a week for the almost-First Lady, who gives 90 minutes to her exercise window. Her favorite fitness gadgets: Free weights, treadmill, stair-stepper, and spin bike. Often exercising with a buddy or a personal trainer, Michelle says exercise is more than just physical for her -- it's therapy too. More on Michelle here, in this AOL Health gallery.

Seems the Obama girls are following in their parents' fitness footsteps. Malia apparently favors soccer, and Sasha picks gymnastics and tap. Both girls play tennis.

Barack Obama(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Multi-taskingOn the roadMaking healthy choicesLean and meanPresidential hopeful

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Ralph Nader proposes Medicare for all

HealthWatch, Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment, Nutrition & Supplements

Just when it seemed like things couldn't possibly get any more crazy in this year's election, this past weekend Ralph Nader decided to throw his hat into the ring.

The third-party, independent candidate made his announcement this past Sunday. If he is able to get enough signatures, Nader's name will once again appear on the presidential ballot. What does Nader bring to the table that the other candidate's don't? Well, according to Mr. Nader, there are several things. But, what many people find most intriguing is his proposed "Medicare for All" program.

Whereas all other candidates have not supported single payer health insurance, Nader is a proponent of such a system. On his website, www.votenader.org, he states that he supports a "Canadian style, free choice, Medicare for all health care system."

How do you feel about Mr. Nader's efforts to join the race for the presidency? And, do you think his Medicare for all program is a good idea?



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Does it help that Mitt Romney is HOT?

Womens Health, HealthWatch, Celebrities and Entertainment, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Men's Health

I just overheard some women chatting at lunch today about the "hotness" of Governor Mitt Romney. Will that help him in this election? All of the polls and newscasters are predicting Senator John McCain to win the most delegates today, Super Tuesday. Hmmm. Maybe Mitt's sexiness will help him pull ahead.

I just bring up the question, because the chatty ladies put it in my head. I do agree though, that Romney is a looker. If I were a single lady and he were a single man.......I'd let him take me to lunch. But, that doesn't really sway me. I'm not that type of voter. I actually think extremely highly of both candidates. I do find it funny in fact, that Mitt's looks haven't been a topic.

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