Michelle Obama’s private life at Camp David, where presidents and their families often go to get away from the White House and relax, when Barack Obama was president is revealed in a new book by one of the previous commanders at the retreat. Camp David is one of the few places that first families can go for some privacy and not be under constant media attention.
Michael Giorgione, 75, is a rear admiral and former commander of Camp David. In his new memoir, Inside Camp David: The Private World of the Presidential Retreat , he recalls some private moments that past presidents and first ladies have had there. People published some excerpts from the book that details some of the more interesting highlights written. When Giorgione wrote about the Obamas, he talked some about Michelle Obama and what she did while at the retreat. He imparts in the book that the former first lady and daughters, Malia and Sasha, visited Camp David more than the president.
According to the author, Michelle Obama had an insane workout regime. She dedicated a lot of time to keeping her amazing physique; she invited a “crew of friends” over to exercise “pretty intensely,” like up to three times a day. The marines would hold the punching bags while the ladies put in a serious workout. Afterwards, they’d all “relax by the pool, laughing and talking.” Everyone would enjoy healthy meals that Michelle’s chef made during their stay at Camp David, the author writes.
The Obamas are known fans of Beyonce, and Michelle once hosted a birthday party for the singer at Camp David, Giorgione shares.
Mrs. Obama had a reputation for her hugs. The author said one new commander teased staff, “Heads up. She’s a hugger.”
Barack and Michelle Obama are fondly remembered for being kind, relaxed, and easygoing. Staff had to be counseled to “never forget that Obama was president of the United States.” They were gently reminded of this on occasion in case Obama’s “congenial attitude might cause us to drop our guard.”
Michelle Obama’s Workouts, Problem Hugs and Other Dishy Scoop from Inside Camp David https://t.co/wU5DfY8OLm
— People (@people) October 25, 2017
When it comes to the former president, he enjoyed a “hard-fought basketball game” and once got knocked to the ground during an “aggressive scramble.” Everyone was a little shaken up, except for Obama. Following that rumble, there wasn’t anymore basketball games with the crew mainly due to security’s nervousness, Giorgione believes.
The author shares that the Obamas went to Camp David less than other past presidents — a total of only 39 times.
[Featured Image by Alex Wong/Getty Images]