They are evidence of a forty-five-year-old womans refusal to give up every free moment to her husband, kids, and other demands. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Some people say, Women shouldnt look like that. Wheres the happy medium for women? First lady Michelle Obama, joined by school children from across the country, jokingly flexes her muscles for members of the media as she harvests the White House Kitchen Garden, June 6, 2016, at the White House in Washington. Mrs. Obama has a shapely figure and is quite smaller on top, thus she plays up her toned arms and enviable decolletage regularly. .

On some blogs, there have also been accusations that the attention to Mrs. Obamas arms feeds into racial stereotypes. Then there was the purple sleeveless Narciso Rodriguez she wore to the president's joint session of Congress on Tuesday.

Proper rest and meditation are two ways to achieve this balance. Theres no exercise that can get rid of the real problem, says Dr. Lawrence Reed, a Manhattan-based plastic surgeon who teaches at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Everyone's body is different and the definition in the arms can take a while to show, so don't get discouraged if the results don't show after just two weeks, trainers said. Why not volunteer instead at a soup kitchen?. Morrison advises that an easy way to save money while eating healthy is by purchasing foods when they are in season. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Madonnas arms defy logic, actually get grosser, reads one Web headline accompanying a picture of the singer, sleeveless, revealing her sculpted physique. Kirsch, the fitness expert, says women should take heart, because Mrs. Obamas arms are obtainable without much expense (though the first lady does use a personal trainer, a proposition only for the fairly wealthy.) Crazy Cat Love: Caused By Parasitic Infection? They will be a lot more abundant and less expensive. When I was approaching 50, I wanted to feel strong, says Davis, who works out with a trainer once a week. If she was able to do 35 pounds on the incline, she could do 50 on the flat bench because youre able to use larger muscle groups, Neil says. This is the result of a balanced lifestyle. Never before, surely, has a set of bare arms launched so much discussion than in the weeks since Mrs. Obama appeared sleeveless at her husbands speech to Congress in chilly February. The First Lady has been quite vocal about the importance of fitness and healthy eating in her life. "Women are just really terrified of weights," she said. In the Obama-Madonna equation, its not surprising that few are in the Madonna camp, considering her well-defined build and low body fat, coupled with her age -- few 50-year-old women look like that. She says Hathaway wanted to feel healthy overall, toned, but not in a very sculpted way.. On the other hand, he suggests that to deflect the attention, maybe Mrs. Obama would be better off mixing up her wardrobe a bit which her advocates would surely say she does already. So when youve got it, flaunt it, babe. Not only has More featured Mrs. Obama sleeveless on the cover virtually all its celebrity cover models bare their arms, including Meredith Vieira, 55, and Jane Fonda, 71.

Try Bonnie Fuller, the former celebrity editor, who blogged that those arms look powerful enough to wrap around a distressed nation and lift it up.. "When you're trying to maintain muscles, choose lean protein, like fish, chicken without the skin, eggs, beans. Duke stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy spirit as well as a healthy body. Certainly not in equally chilly January 1963, when Jacqueline Kennedy wore one of her many sleeveless outfits to her own husbands State of the Union address. And a hamburger doesnt have to be unhealthy.

Another component is to maintain a healthy weight, said Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. So how does a normal woman, who doesn't have a personal trainer or healthy meals from the White House chefs, get tight and taut biceps? While the Alberta, Canada-based competitive female bodybuilder is not as muscular as some of the sports more extreme contestants, baring her ripped arms in public never fails to prompt reactions. Duke reveals that one delay for women in starting a regular fitness routine is lack of time. Some have termed it sexist. Answering best diet question, Obama outlines ambitious agenda for 'lasting prosperity', MayoClinic.com: Aerobic exercise-- what 30 minutes a day can do, MayoClinic.com: Fitness training-- 4 elements of a rounded routine, Dieters in Weight Watchers study drop up to 15 pounds in a year, Half of Americans sip sugary drinks daily, Plate icon to guide Americans to healthier eating, Women inspired by first lady's arms ask trainers about muscle definition, Trainer says women don't develop huge muscles by strength training, Healthy diet, strength training and cardio exercises needed to tone arms. When you work out youre sculpting your curves, advises Duke. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Braganza says some of the celebrities she trains -- especially those who have an athletic background -- dont fear a muscle striation or two. While some praise Obama as a role model in a world gone obese, others say shes gone too far in displaying the fruit of her workouts.

The First Lady is an advocate of healthy eating. campaign. Rylan Duggan, a personal trainer who runs Go Sleeveless, a blog that instructs women how to tone up flabby arms and "eliminate bat wings," said that in addition to asking how to get "Madonna arms" or "Kelly Ripa arms," clients are now asking about getting "Obama arms.".

All rights reserved. Its your fit calling card, and it lets people know that if your arms are in shape, your bodys in shape., The first ladys taut form may be forcing women to think about their upper-body musculature, but lets not forget a potentially bigger influence: fashion. She looks like a woman.. — -- First Lady Michelle Obama hosted children from across the country to harvest the White House Kitchen Garden today -- and it was hard work. First, a person has to get rid of body fat from the body, meaning "you can't spot reduce and just eliminate fat from the arms," Duggan said. And thats not a decision that will wait until youre 74.

She does 15 minutes with four to five different exercises in front of her television, before going to bed. All About Exercise and Fitness Health and Fitness Women's Health Michelle Obama, Low-fat?

Obama gets them that way with an intensive weight training regime that works several upper arm muscle groups. "She was already a workout beast, so she was intimidating," Rush said. Walking or running outside is free and in the right moderation can achieve excellent results. (CNN) -- First lady Michelle Obama has a fashion following, with blogs tracking her daily garment choices. When we strength train, we are building lean body mass and decreasing body fat.". Michelle Obama tweeted a video of her workout as part of her #GimmeFive campaign to encourage healthy activity. Push-ups are another way to get your workout on at home or in a local park without the need for expensive gym equipment. Mr. Obama has made it known that he has a priority to start his day with a workout. When toned, the area between the elbow and shoulder communicates strength and vigor. Why do we care so much?

Her curvy biceps have become something of a lightning rod for remarks from both sexes in a larger discussion of how much female muscle constitutes too much. Hopefully she can help prevent obesity by being a tangible example of someone who looks good and stays in shape, says Thoreson.

The produce grown in the garden has been used for everything from official functions to family dinners, and some of it has been donated to local homeless shelter and soup kitchen, Miriams Kitchen.

Obama has said she exercises in 90-minute workout three times a week with a personal trainer. (Letsmove.gov), A few Washington Post employees try out the #GimmeFive workout routine to see how they compare to first lady Michelle Obama. Read one online forum comment: There is nothing uglier than manly, muscular arms on a woman. Dr. Morrison, who has been a nutritionist for five years, suggests that Mrs. Obama is probably the type of person who shops on the outside of the grocery store and eats fruits and vegetables that are grown locally. Because for all this talk of scary female muscles taking over the world, many women still believe that if they hoist more than 10-pound dumbbells for a few reps, theyll look as massive as the Incredible Hulk. Not sure you have the willpower to keep your physique slim and trim like the First Lady because of those annoying munchies? "Focus on a nice, balanced diet, with lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, that's the way to maintain a healthy physique," she said. He says its a strength that will serve her well as she ages.

Pick the option that seems most suitable to you, she advised. Keep clicking for the 411 on getting and keeping a body like First Lady Michelle Obamas. But theres one aspect of this seemingly benign photograph thats causing something of a commotion, and it lies in that exposed 10-inch-or-so stretch between her shoulder and elbow. "They're on cardio machines, elliptical for 60 minutes and wondering why they don't see definition and tone. "I was always the biggest person in the room. Invest in an instructional fitness video or one of the aforementioned books to help you get started and take baby steps. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We caught up with fitness expert to the stars Kacy Duke and top New York City nutritionist and doctor Jeffrey Morrison, M.D., to get the insider scoop on Mrs. Obama fitness. For history buffs, it was back in the 80s when Linda Hamilton, the ultra-toned Terminator actress, introduced muscular female arms into our popular culture.

But when you get the president asking you for fitness advice, it's always a thrill to have a conversation about that, knowing that they're into fitness and they see the work you put into it.". But the most famous celebrity arms until now, perhaps belong to Madonna, now 50 and still sporting rock-hard biceps. Rush's 24-inch biceps went viral in 2018 when he was photographed preparing food for a White House Ramadan event. "She seems to have time to keep her arms toned, so why can't I?". If she was at all self-conscious about her body, she wouldnt put it out there. And that may be intimidating and unsettling to some who are used to seeing first ladies more covered up. To get started, check out the journal in ESSENCEs The Black Womans Guide to Healthy Living (Time Inc. Home Entertainment). Former first lady Michelle Obama. The first lady told People magazine that during an average day in the White House, she and the president get up at 5:30 a.m. and usually work out and have breakfast.

Love your body and it will love you back!

Personal trainers across the country have experienced an influx of requests by women who are interested in toning their arms and admit to being inspired by the First Lady. But personal trainers say arm exercises alone are not enough to get toned arms.

Michelle Obama's appearances in sleeveless outfits have inspired some women to start toning their arms. But even he was intimidated by first lady Michelle Obama's workout regimen. The evidence of that work . Come get a plate of goodness!

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And she's on the cover of the latest People magazine in a lacy pink number, also without sleeves. "It was her arms being so toned in spite of her life," she said. For example, grapefruit is in season in the spring, says Morrison.

He does 2,222 push-ups a day, but said Michelle Obama is a "workout beast. Matthews recommends strength training twice a week, on nonconsecutive days to allow muscles to repair themselves. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Every day we're serving Black women deeply. He now uses his platform to advocate for military service members and suicide prevention. We are all works in progress and the First Lady understands this, says Duke. Even more vitriolic comments have been aimed at Madonna, whose ber-ripped physique is a perennial favorite subject for photographers (the British press reported that her copious hours in the gym factored into the performers divorce). "My interactions with the presidents were always about my physical stature," Rush told Insider.

When she finished, she jokingly flexed her muscles. Here's how she stays so fit and fly.

"Women shy away from strength training, because they're afraid of big muscles. "When it comes to starting developing muscle mass, it really varies. Joe Do It Neil, a nutritionist and fitness instructor from Chevy Chase, says hes very, very impressed with the video. Visit the American Council on Exercises library for detailed instructions on these arm exercises. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider MRS. OBAMAS ARMS SIGNIFY DISCIPLINE: To others, the arms serve as an example of a woman who has the self-esteem, willpower and diligence to keep herself in shape.

Try parking your car a little farther at the mall to sneak in a power walk in the parking lot.

Lee, for one, hopes they do: I like that we have these images of strong women, she says. Or, lift household items like 1-quart size bottles of water while you watch American Idol. For an extra push, try freezing those bottles of H2O.).

Its unclear what kind of specific exercises Mrs. Obama does to maintain her buff arms, but experts agree that it appears to be both back and arm workouts. Do you exercise regularly? "Even if the goal is just the upper body, you want to train all major muscles," said Matthews. For more by ONeal, visit wapo.st/lonnae. Folks across the country are starting to do what we're doing here at the White House, and it's really helping a lot of kids eat better, the first lady told the children. Personal trainer Matthews recommends moderate intensity cardio for 30 minutes, five times a week or vigorous intensity cardio for 20 minutes, three times a week.

But others were amazed, like 25-year-old Jessie Rosen. It sounds complex, but Duggan is optimistic that women of any age, no matter how saggy her arms are, can improve. After the harvest, the kids and first lady chopped up vegetables and cooked a delicious-smelling spring vegetable curry. not so much. Reportedly Mrs.Obama used to join a friend for 4:30 A.M. workouts. "She may be working out on machine, dumbbells, bands or using her body weight," Vourliotis said.

Before Angelina: Portraits of Breast Cancer Previvors and Survivors, When Celebrities Battle Cancer: Photos of 20 Inspiring Survivors, The Artistry of Sleep: Photos of Icons Getting Some Shut-Eye, Why a Texas Dad Who Killed His Daughters Alleged Rapist Wont Face Charges, Why Stressed-Out Men Prefer Heavier Women. (Jason Aldag/The Washington Post), First lady Michelle Obama demonstrates exercises to inspire fitness. In a recent interview, Mrs. Obama herself jokingly referred to the uproar. I generally feel like a slug. Survey any red carpet lineup of stars clad in sleeveless and strapless gowns and youll see thin arms, but not necessarily muscular ones. For some women, that may mean opting for plastic surgery instead of -- or in addition to -- lifting weights. . This time, they were joined by celebrity chef Rachael Ray and Chef Frankie Celenza. Michelle Obama has only been the First Lady since January, but her toned arms have already become legendary. The Right to Bare Arms. The White House Kitchen Garden was first planted in the spring of 2009 as a part of her healthy eating initiative and the Lets Move!

Duke explains, You dont just get great arms overnight. Finally, Hair Ties That Wont Damage Your Hair. First Lady Michelle Obama turns 50 today, and she's looking better than ever. MRS. OBAMAS ARMS SIGNIFY STRENGTH: Lets face it, wrote New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd, one of this theorys chief proponents. Mostly, Ive been like meh, and please pass the Doritos because I dont feel like getting up. A former Army chef, Rush prepared meals for Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump. Its just hanging skin and extra fat -- which he refers to as visual stigmata of the aging process., As the first lady continues to go sleeveless -- she graces the March cover of Vogue, again showing some bicep -- only time will tell if her workout habits influence the culture.

Her womanly curves are still present in her athletic build. There's not a specific timeline.". Mrs. Obama is equally devoted to her fitness routine, telling People magazine last summer that she manages a 90-minute workout three times a week. All due respect.". I saw the accumulation of steady work, says Michaela Angela Davis, a Brooklyn-based image activist who is also 51.

"She's a great role model," said Jessica Matthews, a continuing education coordinator for the American Council on Exercise.

Heres how far prices have fallen, USC researchers identify symptoms associated with increased risk for long COVID. And not just for sophisticated tastes, fashion sense or creative motherhood, but as a standard-bearer who neither slinks nor sashays her way through middle age. It just took a few power moves by the first lady to remind me. The panic will be starting soon, no doubt., Though that fear may send them scrambling for the nearest lat pulldown machine, most women wont be hitting the weights that hard. This was a departure from years past, when I used to run miles and dance, when I turned cartwheels, did splits and generally felt my younger self to be superbad. For Obama (who told People magazine she hits the gym almost every day), the decision to wear sleeveless designs that show off her physique sends a strong message, says Janet Lee, deputy editor of Shape magazine.

But perhaps the biggest danger is that all the chatter might be drawing attention from what Mrs. Obama is doing day-to-day as first lady: Her visits to federal agencies.

Her body and confidence is a source of inspiration for women all over the world. After seeing Obama at the speech Tuesday, she went to the Adidas store in New York and bought two five-pound dumbbells. (Amanda Lucidon/The White House). And the sad fact is that no amount of tricep dips will do anything to remedy the drooping flesh at the back of the arm when it becomes impervious to exercise. If nothing else, the hullabaloo over Michelle Obamas occasionally sleeveless attire, which reached a fever pitch this month, has unleashed a torrent of clever puns from headline writers the better to distract us from that economic news wed rather not be hearing. And thats what readers want, Seymour says: It proves the old theory wrong, that once you turn 40 you need to cut your hair short and cover up your skin., MRS. OBAMAS ARMS COINCIDE WITH A FASHION TREND: If you look back at fashion history, youll see that erogenous zones have moved up and down the body, says Susan Cernek, senior fashion and beauty editor at Glamour magazine.

It wasn't the first time his muscular build attracted attention the presidents he worked for often took notice, as well. Read more tips on getting First Lady Michelle Obamas body . Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

One person who didn't need his fitness advice? That can help prevent injury, illness and general decline, because muscles are use it or lose it. Has the First Lady encouraged you to get and stay fit? Up in Arms. And a source of inspiration for some women. Theres lots of fabulous stuff shes doing that isnt getting coverage while were all talking about her fabulous arms, says Seymour, of More magazine. "This woman is redecorating White House, trying to raise two children and backseat driving the nation," Rosen said. I remembered what it felt like to connect with my physicality, my desire to be strong. I know that physical fitness is the first ladys thing, that she looks great in her clothes and that shes fit overall.

First Lady Michelle Obama's toned arms are coveted by many. Strength training increases muscle mass and revs up the body to burn fat at a higher rate, allowing for the lean muscle definition to show. In 2015, in honor of the fifth anniversary of Let's Move!, she shared a video of her gym routine, which included jumping rope, squatting, sit-ups, kickboxing, and lifting a pair of 35-pound weights. Everybody should do what makes them feel secure in themselves and doesnt harm them.. is quite threatening.. Maybe you can hand deliver that memo at the office instead of e-mailing it. The arm exercises sculpt the muscle underneath, which should protrude as the fat fades. The first lady is buff, and shes not afraid to show it. Braganza trained Anne Hathaway before this years Oscars (the actress appeared in a silvery strapless Armani). Im not being hard on how she looks, but sometimes its nice to have a little body fat as you get older. I dont think so..

Michelle finds the time to take care of herself. (That, by the way, is next to impossible unless the hoisting is accompanied by copious amounts of steroids. Sleevegate. The first lady harvested the garden with the same kids who planted it. I realized that Obama, 51, has become a stand-in, especially for women over 40.

"The Obama effect has been that women of all ages have been inspired to take responsibility for their health and their body," said Duggan.

You guys are champions in that effort.. Just about everyone in the worlds of fashion, media, politics and fitness has a theory on this pressing question for the body politic.

Michelle Obama lifts 35-pound weights, dons boxing gloves in the gym. Mrs. Obama has the abs, legs and overall physique that makes us scratch our heads and wonderHow does she do it?. "As the first lady of the United States, at 44 years old, and with two young children, Mrs. Obama has shown the world that you are never too busy to take care of yourself and look good doing it too," he said. So many people start [their weight loss] from a place of self-hate.

Going sleeveless in subzero temperature is just showing off.

When a friend suggested I take a look at the workout video tweeted out Tuesday by first lady Michelle Obama, I was skeptical. attend SoulCycle classes around Washington, DC. You saw her body make shapes through space, and it was strong and long, she says. What I really like about Michelle is that she is happy with the body that she has, says Duke, observing that the First Lady is not a size 2. Michelle says, This is who I am and Im going to make sure I take the time to honor myself, Duke adds. But, she added, I do think a little more coverage is appropriate., And what does the woman herself think? Its something I used to know. ". Even larger women can have beautiful lines.

But when skin begins to sag, it speaks of nothing but age. Which leads us to the next theory: MRS. OBAMAS ARMS ARE THE EVERYWOMANS ARMS: When I look at Madonnas arms I see someone whose priorities are way out of whack, says Tyler Thoreson, executive editor of men.style.com. Heres a woman whos balancing family and other issues like the rest of us, and shes creating the time to be strong, says Mikki Taylor, beauty and cover director for Essence magazine.

Try tacking a full-length picture like this one of Mrs. Obama on your fridge at home or in your office at work.

In society I dont think there is one, she says. Shes setting a great example by signaling she gets up every day to work out.. Well, according to Dr. Morrison, this is normal and still healthy. We need to focus on Baracks shoulders now, and whether theyre big enough to carry us through this economic crisis, Seymour says. For many of the students, this wasnt their first time at the White House. Morrison adds that the First Lady always talks about the importance of healthy eating in addition to her exercise routine. 2022 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events.

Says personal trainer Ramona Braganza, a member of Golds Gym Fitness Institute, Shes burning so many calories constantly and her metabolisms sky-high. Its just healthier looking, and people almost look younger when they do that., And though strong legs and a flat belly are often interpreted as sexy features on a woman, bulging biceps .

Dont fret; Duke informs us that there are tons of exercises that dont require major equipment. Read more tips on getting Michelle Obamas body .

Also, an exercise program has to target all major muscles of the body.

The First Lady proves that it is possible to balance being a supportive wife and a caring mother with our own busy lives while still maintaining a fit physique.

Ive told my trainer that I want Michelle arms. In some ways its kind of an old, tired way of thinking about women and power and boundary policing -- when you can display that power and when you cant, or when its appropriate, says Sarah Banet-Weiser, an associate professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication. Duke warns that alternating your fitness routine every few days is essential because of the bodys muscle memory. The issue speaks volumes about how men and women view the parameters of femininity and strength. Complimented by ABCs Robin Roberts on her physique, the first lady quipped with a smile: Well I covered my arms up., But are there negatives to all the attention? Both cardio exercises and strength training are needed to speed up metabolism and burn body fat. If Hillary Clinton were president, wrote feminist author Gloria Steinem in an e-mail, would the same stories now being written about Michelle Obamas arms be written about Bill Clinton? By contrast, Mrs. Obama embodies someone who has a balanced perspective, says Thoreson. Obesity Paradox: Why Being Thin with Diabetes Is a Dangerous Combo. Its all about portion control, says Morrison.