After advocating for healthy diets and exercise on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno, Michelle Obama showed a national audience on "Ellen" the power of all that clean living. 

 

The first lady accepted — and won — a challenge by host Ellen DeGeneres to see who could do the most push-ups. Both women threw off their dress coats and hit the floor amidst screaming cheers from the audience. 

 

 

“I just stopped,” joked a smiling Mrs. Obama.

 

“And I thought it wouldn’t be good to show up the first lady,” countered DeGeneres. “So, I stopped because I thought this looks bad that I’m going to beat her. And I’m 54 and you’re 48. Let’s make sure we know.”

 

All of that physical exertion was reflective of Obama's efforts to get kids physically active and healthy through her "Let's Move!" campaign. The 48-year-old says she works out for an hour and a half each day; often rising at 4:30 a.m. to fit exercise into her busy schedule. 

 

You can check out the push-up contest below. The full taping of the show airs later this afternoon.