Obamas bring hard core fitness to the White House

December 3, 8:05 AMMinneapolis Fitness ExaminerMalia Frey

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White House addition?

Barack Obama has held a coveted spot as one of Men's Health Magazine's 25 Fittest Men in America, not only once but twice, first in 2005 and then again in 2008.  Both Obamas have fitness routines that will undoubtedly qualify them as the fittest couple to move into the White House.  As Americans get to know their new first family, the Obamas' exercise habits have become the topic of much discussion.
 
Barack Obama, 46 and a recent non smoker, told Men's Health that he spends 45 minutes every morning at a local DC  health club.  He alternates cardio and strength days, either running on the treadmill or lifting weights. He said he would prefer to spend closer to 90 minutes at the gym.  Obama 's first love, however, is basketball and he has quipped that he hopes to turn the White House bowling alley into a basketball court.
 
Michelle Obama's impressive fitness routine is evidenced by her toned muscular arms.  She is also a morning exerciser admitting to several sources that her routine begins at 4:30 am.  She splits her time at the gym between weights, spinning, treadmill and versa-climber.  The 44 year old commits to a three day a week habit and is described by her friends as being "competitive" in the gym.
 
The Obamas follow in fit footsteps as they make their way to Pennsylvania Avenue.  In 2003, George Bush published the Healthier US Initiative, which inspired ,The White House Workout, a fitness and health advice book which sports the President on the cover.   Bush, an avid runner and mountain biker,  claims to exercise every day, including those days when he is on the road when and runs on the Air Force One treadmill.
 
Michelle and Barack Obama, George Bush and all of the fit policy makers before them have set an impressive standard.  If nothing else, their commitment makes it nearly impossible for the rest of us to say we don't have time to exercise.