People are talking about first lady Michelle Obama.

But it isn't her stance on education or health care that has everyone from political pundits to fashion critics to housewives chatting about the newest White House resident.

Obama's toned arms are creating a buzz on Capital Hill and around the dinner table. Press reports state that Obama hits the gym at least three times a week for about 90 minutes a shot. She makes her workouts a priority, sometimes starting before dawn to make sure she doesn't miss a day.

And the first lady isn't afraid of letting people know just how hard she works to keep her tall frame in shape. She is regularly photographed - including her official White House photo - in sleeveless dresses that show off those arms that make women all around the world just a little jealous.

That is why people are talking.

"I find the first lady is empowering because she is confident and comfortable showing off a part of the body that many women loathe to expose, especially after our 20s," said Debbie Roth, health promotion service director of the YWCA of Black Hawk County. "When our society is dealing with headlines about obesity epidemics to anorexic models on the runway, having a first lady who is fit, healthy, active and takes pride in working out should be a role model."

Not everyone is as pleased that the first lady is choosing sleeveless attire for many of her formal events. National news reports have quoted people criticizing the first lady's attire calling it too informal, distracting and out-of-season.

Then there are those who don't care about her clothes but simply wonder how on earth to get those guns. Have no fear: It is possible, but it will take work.

Darin Ulmer, of Iowa's Best Muscle, said women should prepare to work their entire body if they want arms like Obama's.

"There is no way to lose weight in just one part of the body. Arm exercises alone aren't going to make you lose weight around your arms," he said. "Sometimes women don't realize that having some muscle tone can tighten up the look of their arms. You don't have to look like a body builder."

In addition to working your arms with resistance bands or weights, trainers also recommend between three and five days of cardio work each week, depending on intensity.

Here are a few exercises, which can be done in a gym or in your own home, that will help build muscle in your arms. Roth recommends strength training twice a week, on nonconsecutive days, to allow muscles the opportunity to repair themselves.

Beginners should start with 5 pound weights and work up as needed. Roth recommends doing three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions of each exercise. She said for maximum benefit the repetitions should be done slowly.

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1570 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.

Shoulder press

WHAT IT WORKS: Deltoid and trapezius muscles

HOW TO: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and arms raised at the shoulders, bent up from the elbow to a 90-degree angle. Straighten your arm upward and release back to the 90 degree angle. Melissa Summers, a personal trainer at the YWCA, said the exercise can be done by alternating arms or lifting them simultaneously.

Static curl

WHAT IT WORKS: Biceps

how to: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and upper arms held tightly to your sides. Bend at the elbows to form a 90-degree angle from your body. Slowly curl each arm up, essentially touching the weight to your bicep/shoulder. This exercise can be done by alternating arms or lifting them simultaneously.

Tricep extension

WHAT IT WORKS: Triceps

how to: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and arms lifted above your head. Grip the weight in both hands, above your head, and slowly lower it down behind your head, bending at the elbow. Slowly lift the weight back up to the starting position.

Lateral Raise

WHAT IT WORKS: Deltoid and lateral muscles

HOW TO: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and both arms hanging at your sides. Pull one or both arms up, straight away from your body until they are parallel with the ground. For an extra workout, rotate your wrists so they are facing upward.