The Train Station/

Arms like Michelle, Body like Barack…

Would you like to have arms like Michelle Obama? Wouldn’t it feel good to bare your arms in a sleeveless dress or blouse with the heat of summer coming on?
And guys, how would you like to look as sleek as the Prez in his tux or out for a jog?

Well, both the first lady and President Obama have workout routines that go beyond what most of us consider strenuous. The famously fit First Couple start their exercise routines early in the morning In the November issue of Men’s Health magazine. Barack Obama, said in an interview: “There’s always a trade-off between sleep and working out. Usually I get in about 45 minutes, six days a week. I’ll lift one day, do cardio the next. Most of my workouts have to come before my day starts,” His preference, he said, would be to work out for 90 minutes. It is also well known that his favorite fitness activity is basketball.

Michelle Obama is equally devoted to her fitness routine, she manages a 90-minute workout three times a week. Her toned arms are becoming a trademark and she is inspiring women to seek similar results from their workouts. As a personal fitness trainer, I often hear women express doubts about strength training because they’re afraid they will quickly develop large, unattractive arm muscles. However, most women are able to develop nicely toned arms that are attractive but not over muscled. Most women don’t have the hormones to develop huge muscles by strength training, Only the use of steroids and extreme workout intensity would lead to overdeveloped muscle.

Of course, arm exercises alone are not enough to get toned arms. You cannot “spot reduce” and just eliminate fat from the arms. I would always recommend an exercise program that targets all of the major muscles of the body. In addition, I would incorporate moderate intensity cardio for 30 minutes, five times a week to burn off excess fat. Both cardio exercises and strength training are needed to speed up metabolism and burn body fat. Building lean muscle and eliminating excess body fat are, hands down, the most effective way to produce long lasting fitness results.