Who watched Madam President, Michelle Obama, wipe the floor in a press-up competition with day-time chat show host Ellen DeGeneres last week?
Okay, I admit it. I was impressed when Michelle pumped out 25 on national TV - it was politics meets showbiz in a way that only our American cousins can pull off.
So for those of you who were inspired by the First Lady, her elegantly toned arms (do you think she does Pilates?) and her impressive technique - here's how to do the perfect press up:
Four steps to Obama arms
The press-up, also known as a push-up, is a versatile exercise that when performed correctly targets the chest, arms and core. The key is to keep your back straight, head in line with your shoulders and your core engaged at all times in order to support your lower back.
Step one: Get down on your hands and knees, hands shoulder width apart and knees and feet together.
Step two: Imagine there is a door lying flat across your back. Keeping your eyes to the floor press the back of your head up against the imaginary door and at the same time tilt your pelvis under so that you are constantly trying to reduce the curve (gap) between your lower back and the door.
Step three: Maintaining this head and pelvis position, extend your legs, one at a time, behind you until you are standing on your toes. This is the starting position.
Step four: Keeping this posture, bend your elbows out to the side, lowering your chest until it's a few inches off the ground. Hold for a second, then press back up. It is important to maintain this image of the "door" lying across your back in order for you to correct your position after every press-up.
So now, with national pride at stake (yours not mine - I'm an Aussie), maybe it's time for Sam Cam to challenge Mrs O to an away match.
Any takers on the likely winner?
David Higgins is co-founder of TenPilates (tenpilates.com)
