Photo courtesy of Barack Obama

Barack Obama manages to keep up a workout routine while running for President in one of our most historic elections. Barack does weight training 2 times a week and the cardio 2 times a week. For cardio, he does 30 minutes of basketball, running on a treadmill, or goes for a 3 mile run.

Here is Obama’s weight training routine, witnessed by Politico and documented by Gyminee.

Tricep Pushdowns - Rope
3 sets: 10 reps, 10 reps, 10 reps
Same as the Tricep Pushdowns except with the rope attachment. At the bottom o…Same as the Tricep Pushdowns except with the rope attachment. At the bottom of the movement you should pull the rope “apart” to get the best contraction in your triceps.

Shoulder Press - Dumbbell, Seated
3 sets: 10 reps, 10 reps, 10 reps
Raise a barbell to your shoulders. Sit at the end of a bench, with your feet …Raise a barbell to your shoulders. Sit at the end of a bench, with your feet at about shoulder width, flat on the floor. Keep your chest high and your back straight. Press bar to arm’s length overhead. Use a slow, steady motion, without swinging. Lower slowly to starting position. Can also be done standing or with dumbbells.

Barbell Step Ups
3 sets: 10 reps, 10 reps, 10 reps
Place a barbell on your shoulders like you would if you were doing Barbell…Place a barbell on your shoulders like you would if you were doing Barbell Squats. Step up onto a flat bench with your left leg. Then step up with your right leg so you are now standing on the bench. Step down with your left leg, then your right leg. Repeat, starting with your right leg this time. Be careful not to fall! Use lighter weights. Can also be done with two dumbbells in your hands instead of a barbell. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 21% [?]

Courtesy of sirwiseowl

Over the last four years, I have developed a passion for running.  I just love getting outside and running for 30 to 60 minutes.  It is a great way for me to push my body to the max and clear my mind after a hard day of work.  Over the past couple of years, I have been unable to find any other exercise that gives me the same full body workout as running.
A few days ago, my girlfriend asked me to go to a spinning class with her.  I was tentative at first because I thought that spinning was a class just for women.  I was surprised to learn that the class was about 50% guys and 50% girls.  I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical because I didn’t think I would be able to work my body as hard as I normally do, but I shortly discovered that I was wrong.  Spinning is done on a stationary bike, this bike contains a knob which can increase or decrease the amount of resistance while you are pedaling.  I kept the resistance at a high level for the hour long spinning class and I was walking slowly for the next hour because my quads were so soar, especially going down stairs.  It was exciting for me to discover an alternative exercise that can push my body to it’s limits besides running. 

What exercises do you enjoy doing?

Popularity: 8% [?]

Do you need some motivation to help jump start an exercise program?  Look no further, all the reasons you need are right here.  Taking 30 minutes out of your day to walk, run, bike or swim can have more positive impacts on your body than you can possibly imagine.  Regular aerobic exercise can reduce health risks, such as high blood pressure and heart attacks.  Aerobic exercise can also improve your immune system, clear your arteries of bad cholesterol, relieve stress, fight depression, increase stamina and help keep off those extra pounds.  As you get older, aerobic exercise will help keep muscles strong and your mind sharp.  And the most important reason of all, people who regularly engage in aerobic activities live longer than people who do not.

What more motivation do you need?  Get out there and start exercising!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/EP00002

Popularity: 13% [?]

Men’s Health came out with a recent article showing some exercises that can help you break out of that plateau. We often get set in our own routines because our body adjusts to the workouts and stalls you from making progress fast. Here are some of the exercises (full list), I’ve never done any of these…

Dumbbell Split Jerk

Swiss-Ball Mountain Climber

Front-loaded Bulgarian Split Squat

Popularity: 3% [?]

I’m a big fan of the Nintendo Wii, not only because I can break a sweat playing it but the games are tons of fun for group activities. Nintendo has announced Wii Fit, a new game coming out that takes advantage of a balance board technology and helps you get in shape. This balance board is sensitive to weight shifting and can even measure your body mass index. Some of the activities you can do in this new game include: yoga, push ups, step aerobics, hula hooping and more. No clue how much this new game will cost or when it will be released. One thing for sure is that Nintendo’s really reaching out to a new group of gamers.

Popularity: 6% [?]