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President Obama Pulling His Own Weight!
Like most of you, I watched TV yesterday, along with the 1.5 million in DC, as the new President of the United States was sworn in. Amidst the sea of red, white, and blue flags, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in being Black and American. I truly feel that our country has taken a huge step forward on the social front, and, as I travel internationally, maybe I can stop telling people that I’m Canadian . . . 
No, seriously, whether you voted for President Obama or not, I do feel that there is a new infectious energy of hope and change that Americans are experiencing right now. I just really wonder how long it will last? Time will tell …
However, on the fitness front, I have to say that the President has issued a nice fitness challenge to all you guys out there: pull your own weight!
Challenge to the Men of America - Can You Do This?
January 21st, 2009 at 10:19 am
Well we finally have a fitness role model in the White House. I tired a pull up the other day and am ashamed to say I only made it half-way up.
I’m just starting out with the body weight thing… I saw one of your posts talking about a beginning workout doing pushups and such and have done more pushups in the last week then in the previous year.
Anyway I think I’ll try and follow the presidents lead and get in a better shape this year (rectangle vs. round).
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 11:02 am
That’s great about the pushups John! Listen, I can remember every stage of my slow progress to being able to do one pullup. As a matter of fact, I wasn’t able to do my first pullup until the end of 2006! Not many guys can do them simply because they’re hard, especially if you’re heavy. Start with bodyweight rows first, then work your way up to doing negative reps, and then you’ll be able to do your first one. Take your time and work your way up to them; nevertheless, you have the right idea about working on dropping more fat before even worrying about doing your first pull-up.
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January 21st, 2009 at 10:46 am
Haha, I you shouldn’t be telling people your Canadian Muata, I don’t think our Prime Minister can do a chin up or at least one as easily done as President Obama’s.
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 10:58 am
LOL! That’s too funny Jerry. Hey, maybe Obama will start a fitness challenge among all the world’s leaders. Hey. I’d like to place a bet on who could do the most pullups or who could run the mile in the best time. Jerry, I think we’re on to something here
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January 21st, 2009 at 10:49 am
I watched the inauguration in the TV department of Sears on my lunchbreak. I think the US and the world is in for some exciting (in a good way) times with President Obama. Love your comment about being “Canadian” as you travel. I am Canadian!
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 10:56 am
That’s great Dave, and I hope so too! Hey, what’s funny is that I have nothing but good things to say about Canada and her people. Some of the coolest folks I’ve met have been Canadian; I just need to explore more of Western Canada since I’m living in California now. Any suggestions?
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January 21st, 2009 at 11:57 am
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/black_man_given_nations
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Pretty funny article Robert. Thanks for posting it …
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January 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
This is a good goal. You know, when I was young I got a presidential fitness award from Reagan. Today, I could not do one pull up. Partly because of being out of shape but mostly because I need to hoist nearly 300 pounds up there (of course, they’re part and parcel to the same thing).
I need to figure out what to do differently. I found some quick weight loss with sever carb restriction but it has really stalled and I need to figure something else out. This discussion will drive me to do some more research tonight and see what I need to change.
Great post. This simple goal, of being able to lift yourself, addresses sooooo much. Sadly, most 40-somethings I know, like myself, can’t do one.
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Casey, check your calorie intake if you’ve hit a plateau partner. And keep in mind that it’s more about calories than carbs. Don’t worry about not being able to do pullups right now; set this as one of your long term goals and go after it!
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January 21st, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Muata,
well being in California I would suggest just head up the coast to Vancouver and explore everything that city has to offer along with the Rockies. Vancouver is without a doubt the most active and fitness minded city up here due to the climate. So come on up, we’d love to have you visit!
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Dave, thanks for the invite and don’t be surprised if I take you up on it
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January 21st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
The true American (or world)evolvement will be
when a person is judged by his character and integrity rather than the colour of his/her skin.But continuing to celebrate that phenomenon while not focusing on the person- his accomplishments,as well as his agenda -
serves as a contradiction and an oversight
that will contiue to endure and perpetuate a barrier between the races.
PS shame on you for misrepesenting your country of birth
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Thanks for your comments “m” but I think that what you’re saying was the point of this entire election. Obama wasn’t elected because of the color of his skin, and that’s not what I believe most Americans are celebrating. The celebration is that his presidency signals that we as a society are in the process of evolving and pressing forward pass this man-made notion of race. Are we close to being there? Of course not, but at least it appears we are heading in the right direction.
PS – Lighten up, I was only joking about saying I’m Canadian. I usually do a bad Steve Irwin impersonation and tell folks I’m from New Zealand.
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January 21st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Im working on my pull ups with those tips you gave. As I get lighter, and stronger, I should be doing pull ups just fine.
I’ve already been able to hold myself up a second longer and have only been using your tips for a week. SO thats good progress.
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Muata Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
That’s excellent progress Israel because static holds using small second increments really works; hell, go ask any gymnast or dancer! Keep it up partner …
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January 21st, 2009 at 9:47 pm
My 3 year old has been walking around for 3 days now insisting on wearing the Obama shirt her mama made her yelling “Yes we can!” and “Go Obama!” She was thrilled to wantch “the decoration” Tuesday although she didn’t understand what it was about. I think she got the idea that it was an important event.
I am am certainly impressed with the fitness of our new leader, I just hope the strains of office don’t strip him of that. I think it could have a great effect on the people of this country to have a leader that was in shape both physically and mentally and maybe inspire some folks to get off the couch. I hope he can maintain through all of the hardships ahead.
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Muata Reply:
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:02 am
That’s too cute about your three year old! Imagine when she grows up to tell your grand-kids about the “decoration”! Yes, I hope that the new President can keep his trim physique throughout his time in the White House. I believe that kids will respond to trying to do pullups like the President, but time will tell . . .
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January 22nd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Obama fell off the wagon and started smoking again, but the WH is a smoke-free zone. Let’s see if/how he compensates.
Physical fitness aside, this man is the ultimate role model. He has, in one fell swoop, changed (well, at least a little) the world’s impression of American, black America’s view of itself, black America’s view of white America, and America’s view of the black man and family.
More, his success is stunning. Five years ago, he was just about as average as any of us posting here, just a state senator in IL – an accomplishment, but not something you would think would indicate he’d be president a mere 5 yrs later. He took every opportunity (speaking at the 2004 Dem Conv), strategized correctly (brilliant campaign from start to finish), and didn’t trip over a single pebble. He’s the American Dream, and King’s dream, realized.
G’Obama!
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Muata Reply:
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:54 am
Very good points Thomas! And, let’s hope that his smoking doesn’t hurt his pullup numbers too much
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January 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Aside from his one drawback of being a politican , I don’t need President Obama to inspire me —-I got MUATA, and as far as i can tell he ain’t no politican.
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Muata Reply:
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
LOL! Thanks for your kind words Bill. BTW, I heard that the new President could only squeeze out three pull-ups. So, at least I can say that I can do more pull-ups than he can ..
Oh, and I’m far from a politician even though I was once a Congressional Page back in 1988 (please, no Page jokes guys..)
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January 23rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
When I was in the Marines, I used to do pyramid sets of pullups to improve the number I could do for our physical fitness test. 1 pullup, rest, 2 pullups, rest – you get the picture. I went up to 5 and then back down to 1.
Also concentrated on going all the way down and not “kipping” on the way up.
Good advice for anyone who is able to do a pullup or two, but need some help in raising the number they can do in a row.
-Rob (rcolmn)
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Muata Reply:
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
That’s excellent advice Rob! I actually use pyramids too, and you’re right! They are great for improving your numbers, and I go for being able to control each rep with no “kipping” too. When I am finally able to tell folks that I can do 20 straight pull-ups, I want them to all be controlled reps!!
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January 23rd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Wow, that picture is quite a find! Do you have a link to what Obama actually said about fitness/pullups? I’d be very interested to read it.
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Muata Reply:
January 24th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Hey Mark, the picture was taken for the Time Magazine cover story they did on him last year. You can see the rest of the pics here. As far as a quote from Obama, I haven’t seen one specifically about pullups, but he has been quoted as saying that he works out 6 days a week (4 weight training/2 cardio) and eats healthy food the majority of the time; he says his works out so much to relieve stress. I hope this helps …
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January 24th, 2009 at 6:08 am
. . . and just for the heck of it, there was a UFO at the Inaugural
http://www.disclose.tv/action/viewvideo/16685/
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Muata Reply:
January 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Interesting video Keith … I guess we “earthlings” weren’t the only ones interested in the inauguration
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January 24th, 2009 at 11:40 am
now if he can just stop that smoking habit
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Muata Reply:
January 25th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Ya know …
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