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The majority of us Americans have not-so-fond memories of the Presidential Fitness test. In our youth, some may have asked, “Who wrote these tests?” Even Junior Seau jokes about how he dreads doing pull-ups, on Insider Training with Gabby Reece, because they remind him of those days of old. Now, we have a President who sets a fantastic example of healthy and fit living.
However, I have read that our President has been accused of being workout obsessed because he spent two hours working out, one day during his campaign. Exercise has been proven to alleviate one’s stress. President Obama is going into the White House with a healthy, low blood pressure level, healthy BMI, and body composition, with one of the most stressful jobs in the world today. I tip my imaginary hat to the man for keeping up his daily fitness routine, so that he can remain our healthy Commander-in-Chief for the term of his presidency. In fact, 2/3 of the American population (yes, that’s how many Americans do not get the recommended amount of physical activity) have lost the excuse that “I am too busy/too stressed to exercise.” If the President can do it, yes, you can you, too! “Yes we can.” (Sorry, that is not getting old for me anytime soon.)
I was going to finish this post here, but I am sure that single parents are saying that they don’t have help at home with their kids, thus restricting exercise options. My solution: visit your local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club (if necessary, they also offer financial assitance for families who qualify), parents can workout while the kids get to participate in various programs. Some locations even offer childcare for the kids who are not yet old enough to participate in the art and fitness classes that they provide. For those of us in California, where there isn’t snow or sleet, take your kids out on a walk with you. Getting/staying fit is easy, if you let it be.
In addition to the above suggestion, the next one applies to each and everyone of us: Make a daily appointment with yourself to exercise, and keep it. Your date can be with the well-lit stairwell at your office for 15 minutes per day.
If you would like more guidance, feel free to contact me offline, comment, our visit my website~www.balancedstrength.com. Also, register for a V4 Fitness account for free through January 31, 2009. It is an online health club, complete with daily exercises, fitness tips, and interaction with our total fitness coaching staff of nutritionists, personal trainers, and life coaches.
Tags: barack obama, exercise, fitness, gabrielle reece, insider training, junior seau, Presidential fitness, v4 fitness, workout
January 26, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Of course, Bush 43 is probably the fittest president in history, but since he is not liberal the press derogatorily referred to it as an obsession most of the time. Suddenly, now that we have a collectivist in office, a serious fitness routine is a good thing. Go figure.
I have little doubt that 43 could break 44 over his knee.
But, alas, 43 is a real man and 44 is one of those effete metrosexual types. Comparing them is apples and oranges.
January 26, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Recently, our Presidents’ fitness routines have become more public. I remember seeing the photos of Bill’s jogging date with W. All of it is a very good thing, but to have called Barack’s daily routine obsessive connotes negativity, since it is something we should all be doing in order to prevent chronic illness.
Did you think that I took the stand that Bush 43 was obsessive? If so, I was referring to the news’ reference to Obama’s “obsession”. Either way, liberal or conservative, any leader who can find time to exercise to off-set the stress of being our Commander-in-Chief sets a great example for all of us.
January 27, 2009 at 12:16 am
Publius – not sure why you had to bring the whole “43 vs 44″ smackdown into this… I’m pretty sure the author wasn’t trying to make any derogatory comments about any of the other presidents, former Pres. Bush included.
Christine, I think you make a very good point that we should take Mr. Obama’s dedication to his fitness routine as a cue for each of us to be more dedicated to our own level of fitness – and maybe step it up a notch.
January 27, 2009 at 1:05 am
perhaps there would be more focus (and positivity) on 43’s workout regimen, if his political regime didn’t eat up the spotlight and give the media so much fodder from which to feed. after all, it’s also part of the reason why obama has been casted in such a favorable light.
christine, i certainly hope obama’s yes we can spirit can spread and encourage america’s dedication to fitness. making time for fitness is as important as you say. staying physically fit increases the likelihood that you can stay mentally fit. . which is important for everyone, especially obama.
January 27, 2009 at 1:16 am
Thanks, legallyme. You drive home one of the points I am trying to make, “making time for fitness is as important as you say. staying physically fit increases the likelihood that you can stay mentally fit. . which is important for everyone, especially obama.” Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog! Also, for more about Obama’s “yes we can” spirit, my previous post is about inciting change and how that can provoke fear and procrastination in us~how to invite change more easily and overcome the “tomorrow, I’ll do it” syndrome.
January 27, 2009 at 1:43 am
Did Obama release his medical records in the campaign? If I recall, he just released a “Doctor’s note.” Also, not sure if we should also follow his smoking habits, but I know he’s trying to quit.
Anway, forget Obama…now, if *Christine* says we should be fit, I’d be MUCH more likely to follow her lead.
January 27, 2009 at 1:55 am
Thanks for the confidence in my words of advice, BC. You are right on both the the doctor’s note and smoking habit. Given that, the quote on his low BP is just his word and some hearsay. And I really do hope that he quits smoking. That he does smoke, I’m relieved that, at least, he exercises regularly to stave off some of those health risks.
Anyhow, I am not looking to any President to be the perfect role model for our own health & well-being (sorry for the deceiving headline), but my point is that if the Prez can make time to exercise, then so can the majority of Americans.
Thank you, BC for visiting and commenting. I appreciate those reminders…
And thank you, Publius, for your first comment that started this discussion!
January 27, 2009 at 2:31 am
I love that Mr. President is so fit! How wonderful to not see a bulge coming over his belt. Hopefully he’ll start another trend in Washington. He’s fit, she’s curvy (Mrs. President)…I’m feeling like the world is a better place.