Michelle Obama Inspiring Others To Get Fit!

Our new first lady Michelle Obama has no problem baring her arms in public as she show how confident she is of her toned figure. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that others are being inspired by Mrs. Obama, and reports this quote by Jennifer Smith, a fitness and sports director at the High Ridge YMCA in Rogers Park:

Michelle Obama's arms are attractive because they are toned enough for you to see the muscle distinction but not to the point that it takes away from her femininity." "This proves that women can do weight training exercises and reach their desired results without bulking up." Smith also recommends the following exercises and says that results can be seen in 21 to 30 days:

TRICEPS EXTENSION: Position your dumbbells (5 pounds or more) overhead with both hands under the weights in a heart-shaped grip. With elbows overhead, lower the forearm behind the upper arm by flexing your elbows. Flex your wrists at the bottom to avoid hitting the dumbbell on the back of neck. Raise the dumbbell overhead by extending your elbows while hyperextending your wrists. Return and repeat.

The purpose of this exercise it to work all three heads of the triceps at different stages of the movement. Keep the arms and elbows close to your waist. Hold the dumbbell in a neutral position and extend forearm back as far as possible (using the elbow as a pivot point). Do not move the arm. Repeat for two sets of 12 repetitions.

Fitness tip: To maximize results, slow it down and count backward 4-3-2-1. This requires the muscle to work harder and tone faster.

Hold the weights comfortably in your hands your with arms at your sides. Keep your elbows tucked firmly against your body and slowly raise the weights up to your shoulders, keeping a neutral wrist, and then lower. Repeat for three sets of eight to 10 repetitions.

TWO VARIATIONS ON BICEPS CURLS:Hammer curl: Start with the weights in your hands at your sides, palms facing each other. Bending your elbows, lift the weights up almost to arms; slowly lower. Repeat for two sets of 12 repetitions.

Angled biceps curl: Hold your weights in your hands with elbows tucked against the body. Angle your arms slightly out to the sides; slowly raise and lower the weights. Repeat for two sets of 12 repetitions.