Barack Obama's Fitness Routine

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Dec 2008 02:09 PM

How does your fitness regime stack up against President-Elect Barack Obama's?

For starters, unless you are hitting the gym six days a week, then you might not be able to out run the soon-to-be "leader of the Free World" in an impromptu sprint or beat him in a pick-up game of hoops.

Obama details his fitness routine in the November issue of Men's Health magazine. According to the 47-year-old President-Elect, he plans to keep up his daily exercise regime even after he makes the move to Washington, D.C. next month.

Currently the former high school basketball standout says he gets in a workout any way he can. While at home in Chicago that typically involves visiting a fitness center six days a week. Obama says he alternates two days of cardio with four days of weight training. In addition, the politician reveals that he will never turn down the chance to participate in a game of basketball. According to Obama, he can "drive left but gets pushed around in the paint."

The country's next president tells the magazine that as much as he enjoys playing hoops, he is adaptable when it comes to staying fit. Obama reportedly uses treadmills, stair machines and weights at whatever gym he happens to be closest to in the early morning hours (his preferred workout time).

As a senator, Obama used to exercise at a Washington Sports Club branch in Washington's Dupont Circle, but once January rolls around he says he will be sticking closer to the White House to burn calories.

In a recent interview with Barbara Walters, the President-Elect hinted at adding basketball hoops to the White House's outdoor tennis courts. The legendary Washington landmark is equipped with a half-court, but Obama says it's cramped and unusable in bad weather.

"The bowling alley, I understand, offers us some potential for expansion," Obama told Men's Health.

Other revelations regarding Obama's exercise routine include his preference to listen to an iPod or read a newspaper while warming up on a treadmill, Stairmaster or recumbent bicycle. In addition, the health-conscious future president says he favors MET-Rx chocolate roasted-peanut protein bars as a post-workout snack.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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