The 'Right' To Bare Arms

I will be aggressive and articulate on the subject of Michelle Obama's, Smart Sensuality bare arms, as the media moves to scoop each other on the subject. It's totally fabulous to see so much discussion around our First Lady's physique, especially her arms.

Reading the ABC post Obama's Choice to Bare Arms Causes Uproar, I became concerned.

A news headline is designed to attract attention, and this one got mine. I opened the article, prepared for battle, but none will be waged. ABC agrees that most people are positive about Michelle's arms. The uproar is an affirmation, not a criticism.

I've followed the topic of Michelle's Smart Sensuality arms very closely, including reading extensive comments on the MSNBC and CBS websites. I chose CBS because they are known for having an older audience.

Interviewed myself late last week, I reported my sense that online, comments are heavily (90%) favorable, in supporting our First Lady wearing sleeveless dresses whenever she wishes.

ABC News video on Michelle Obama's armsChicago Tribune style writer Wendy Donahue is interviewed on the ABC News video reporting that people did complain over the FOTUS decision to wear Narcisco Rodriguez's purple sleeveless dress to POTUS's speech before Congress last week.

I remind us all that people with a negative response to any subject will always be heard more loudly than the 'silent majority' who approves. In this case, I take nothing for granted and want to affirm to us all that the nation overwhelmingly approves and CELEBRATES Michelle Obama's arms.

The most-posted comment I've seen online is (to paraphrase): "If I had those arms, I'm go sleeveless, too."

The Sleeveless Fashion Trend

Lest anyone think that Michelle Obama is inventing a sleevess in winter trend, she isn't. I have five sleeveless, Smart Sensuality wool dresses hanging in my closet, from Banana Republic, J Crew and Club Monaco.

Sleeveless was adopted by women who work out and are proud of their arms. On that subject, CNN has a feature this morning on how to get those arms and reports on the Go Sleeveless blog  ---- to guide your workout.

Our First Lady just sent sleeveless into the stratosphere, and 'yes' the land of the haves (got great arms) and the have-nots.

Michelle Obama the Change Agent

Anyone who thinks that Michelle Obama isn't a Smart Sensuality change agent, needs to get on onboard the nation's, women's lifestyle momentum. The FOTUS decision to wear sleeveless in winter is as much about her personality and independent Smart Sensuality spirit, as it is personal style, fashion trends and toned arms.

Her Change Agent train left the station on Inauguration Day, and you're chasing it, my friends. Here, let me stretch out a hand . . . careful now, don't trip on the railroad ties.

For everyone who writes how slowly FOTUS is taking things, I say: "She's a sly fox, that South Side girl."

Lots of Muscle Lust

Thankfully, we are finally 'talking turkey' on weight lifting for women.

Weights are the key to looking buff, as part of a larger exercise-training program. Historically, women have been afraid of using weights, afraid that they will "bulk up", looking like Amazonian entrants in weight-training competitions. This is not true.

Michelle Obama's arms give us an accurate vision of what women can achieve on their arms and the rest of their bodies, via an ongoing exercise program combining weight-training with cardio and weight-bearing core exercises like planks, squats and lunges.

As a 50-something woman who does this exercise routine almost every day, I say that it's not fun stuff, but the results are worth it. It's never too late to reclaim your body. You will:

• look great and 'hot'

• have incredible mental focus

• learn and practice self-discipline

• improve your health and wellbeing, reducing disease

• most probably improve your sex life

• love 'you', the women in the mirror

Improvement Over Years

We learn in the ABC video that Michelle Obama works out for 90 minutes several days a week and has a personal trainer. Key points to remember here . . . for those of us wanting instant gratification:

• Michelle-Obama arms don't appear overnight. I'm consulting my own trainer for a professional opinion, but visible results should come in two-three months. Michelle's arms take one-two years of dedicated exercise, in my opinion. In fact, those 'muscle lust' arms keep getting better and better.

• Michelle-Obama arms are part of a larger cardio and core body program, designed to reduce her body's BMI (body mass index). The 'buff' nature of those arms comes from fat reduction, not only weight training.

• I celebrate the fact that Michelle Obama's, Smart Sensuality physique is attainable by real women, who work hard over time. While we cannot exhibit a body like hers overnight, women CAN reclaim and transform their bodies month by month, with visible results.

Excuses, Excuses

Hopefully, Michelle Obama will launch a fitness movement to get women moving towards their 'best, fully-integrated, sexy and smart selves'.

For those who whine that Michelle has a personal trainer and the luxury of living in the White House, I refer us all to her mantra to poor kids looking into the future: 'It's in your hands.'

All excuses aside, when it comes to wearing Michelle Obama arms, or delighting in a Michelle Obama's Smart Sensuality body (trust me, you WILL enjoy being YOU), discipline is key. If YOU want that body badly enough, you will make time for it.

Michelle Obama began working on her body when she couldn't afford a personal trainer, and so split the cost of one with her friends. Our South Side girl First Lady didn't have staff waiting on her hand and foot until recently.

Consider that Michelle Obama maintained this body in the midst of getting her husband elected president, traveling constantly, being a great mom . . .. sorry my dears, we're plum out of execuses.

The 'Right' to Bare Arms

Michelle Obama fought hard for this body, and those arms. The country is celebrating her victory, and I personally pray that she ignites a Smart Sensuality fitness revolution like America has never seen.

Love and good luck, Anne