Michelle Obama Tries To Set World Record With Students For Most People Doing Jumping Jacks
WASHINGTON -- First lady Michelle Obama is trying to help set a world record for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period.
An overcast sky and light drizzle didn't stop Mrs. Obama from leading about 400 elementary and middle-school students from Washington, Maryland and Virginia in one minute of continuous jumping jacks on the South Lawn.
To break the record, more than 20,425 people from around the world must be recorded doing jumping jacks by 3 p.m. EDT Wednesday. National Geographic Kids magazine is supporting Mrs. Obama's initiative by hosting events across the country in schools, malls, parks and other places.
"The whole country, the world is going to see just how much fun we can have_ not just breaking a world record but also doing some exercise," she said.
A proponent of healthy eating and exercise, Mrs. Obama told the children there are many ways to keep moving, from walking the dog to dancing in the backyard. Hundreds of kids sought high-fives, hugs and handshakes from her after completing their jumping jacks.
Mrs. Obama was joined by "Today" weather anchor Al Roker and Olympic ice skater Michelle Kwan, a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
The students were from Paul Public Charter School, John Eaton Elementary School, Stuart-Hobson Middle School and Watkins Elementary School, all in Washington, D.C.; Hampstead Hills Academy in Baltimore, Md.; and Lake Ridge Elementary in Lake Ridge, Va.
The event was a part of the first lady's Let's Move! initiative to promote physical fitness and healthy eating for children.
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By STACY A. ANDERSON 10/11/11 05:32 PM ET Associated Press