Most of us can barely spare an hour in our 9-to-5 worlds to work out. But one of the busiest men in the country still makes time to achieve his fitness goals. The presumptive next President of the United States, Barack Obama, “is religious about working out,” according to his campaign spokesperson, Nick Kimball. “He demands that he has time to work out.” Most recently, he worked out at a Ritz-Carlton hotel on a visit to Germany.
Barack Obama’s workout During a trip to Florida, Barack trained at Equinox Fitness in Miami Beach. Kellie Williams, a certified personal trainer at the gym, says that he started with a 30-minute warm-up of running and walking on the treadmill.
He followed that with 45 minutes of arm work and then lunges and leg presses. His well-rounded sweat session “wasn’t too intense” says Kellie. “It was intense enough that he was sweating and resting in between. He was focused and in sync with his routine.”
How Barack Obama stays fit Whether or not there is a gym nearby, Barack makes sure to stay physically active any way he can. He is a strong advocate for cyclists and often goes for rides with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters around their neighborhood in Chicago. He is also a fan of basketball.
“When he has time to do that, he gets in some hoops,” says Kimball. His right-hand man, Reggie Love, who used to play basketball for Duke University, often joins Obama on the court. Reggie recently told The New York Times, “He’s quick, and he’s strong.”
If you are away from home and still want to get in a workout, here is what you can do:
Push-ups To strengthen the upper body, try modified push-ups with knees bent on the floor and hands on a chair. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.
Tricep dips Sitting at the edge of the bed, place hands next to body. Lower butt down till it almost touches the floor and push back up. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.
Squats Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, with weight on your heels. Squat down, making sure to keep your weight back so that your knees do not extend past your toes. Add weight and intensity by lifting a phone book out in front of you. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.
Abs The bicycle crunch is one of the most effective exercises for the abs. Lying on your back, alternate right knee to left elbow and left knee to right elbow. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps. [via]