We’ve seen our nation’s leaders sweating over decisions at their Oval Office desks or in front of the cameras at press conferences, but only occasionally at their workouts of choice.
Did you know that Franklin D. Roosevelt built the White House’s first swimming pool in 1933 to train his upper body? Or that George H. W. Bush had a basketball court installed on the grounds during his tenure in 1991? And if the leader of the free world’s strength is determined by their abs, President Barack Obama’s is seriously six-fold.
In the spirit of President’s Day, here we document a handful of our nation’s leaders hard at work on their health— swimming, running, and shooting a few baskets. —Sarah Sarway
(Photo: Fitness)
(Photo: TIME via millercenter.org)
President Harry Truman (taking utkatasana?!) on the USS Missouri in 1947. Check his obvious quad strength, balance, and his t-shirt!
(Photo: NPR)
(Photo: Dailycaller.com)
Although we’re not exactly sure when this photo was taken, it certainly captures JFK’s athleticism (and hunkiness).
(Photo: youthsportlibrary.blogspot.com)
(Photo: Chelsea Clinton and Bill Clinton jogging in 1997; Photo by Ruth Fremson/AP)
(Photo: Kevin McDaniel via ABC News)
(Photo: Paul Morse for The White House)
Gerald Ford, pictured here in 1975, was so proud of the White House’s new swimming pool that he invited the press to watch him do the first christening laps.
(Photo: The Ford Library)
(Photo: archives.gov)
(Photo: Getty Images)
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