Washington may be the nation’s capital — and one of America’s fittest cities — but its trainers apparently don’t cut it for President Barack Obama, who frequently flies his personal fitness instructor from Chicago to D.C., reports the New York Times.
Cited as the mastermind behind first lady Michelle Obama’s “famously toned arms,” trainer Cornell McClellan has managed the Obamas’ workout routines for more than a decade. The owner of Naturally Fit, a Chicago-based personal training and wellness center, McClellan spends part of his week in D.C. at the president’s request.
“It was an easy sell for me, because I thought of it as kind of a duty, to serve the president,” McClellan said.
McClellan usually works with the Obamas in early morning sessions at the White House gym. The first lady and president both attempt to work out for at least an hour each day, and Mr. McClellan says he typically sees them two to four times a week, depending on their other duties.
The president incorporates cardio and strength training into his regimen in addition to playing golf and basketball during his spare time.
“He is very motivated and he loves to work, so that makes it very easy for me,” Mr. McClellan said.
It’s unclear how often McClellan makes the trip from Chicago to Washington, but this news comes as somewhat of a surprise considering the president ordered federal workers last year to cut down on business travel to reduce heat-trapping emissions.