Obamas set example for exercise and fitness

Playing basketball is sometimes part of Obama's regular
fitness routine  (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, FILE)

It is unfortunately unusual for prominent politicians to set a good example.  Whether it be some scandal, or misappropriation of funds, or some conflict, or personal war, Americans typically have cynical opinions when it comes to them.  

Is change on the way?  Can our new President-elect set the standard by which all Americans can follow?  Barack Obama is off to a good start with his fitness routine at the very least.

With the obesity epidemic sweeping the nation and raising the cost of health care, exercise and fitness needs to be part of Obama's plan to make it affordable to all.

Both Barack and Michelle Obama have exercise routines that set them well above the average.  There has always been constant talk of Michelle's "buff" arms from her appearances on 'The View".  Barack has made headlines with his skills on the basketball court and his commitment to early morning workouts.  In an interview with Men's Health magazine Obama stated "Most of my workouts have to come before my day starts.  Usually I get in about 45 minutes 6 days a week.  I'll lift one day, do cardio the next."

Perhaps Obama's rigorous fitness routine is another reason he was able to carry on such a successful and exhausting campaign schedule; flying to multiple cities within a day, all while looking calm, cool, and collected in front of cameras. 

The future first lady Michelle Obama is no slouch either.  In a People magazine interview this summer she stated she fits in a 90-minute workout three times a week.  Addressing an overwhelmingly female crowd at a campaign event in Chicago last year, Michelle encouraged "One of the things I always talk about is (you've) got to exercise". 

Hopefully the change many Americans voted for, will also include a change to their waist-line.  The President will be leading the way.