Ellen DeGeneres challenges Michelle Obama to push-up contest

LOS ANGELES – Michelle Obama told Ellen DeGeneres "Let's Move," dropping to the floor on the talk show for a push-up contest with the comedian.

The first lady stopped by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to promote her campaign against childhood obesity and was describing her daily workout routine when DeGeneres proposed the challenge.

"I was just wondering if you can do more push-ups than I can?" DeGeneres asked Obama, who has earned praise for her well-toned arms.

They both dropped to the floor for the athletic test, as the crowd counted aloud.

The 54-year-old TV host began to struggle once she hit the 15 mark and eventually had to bow out after 20 push-ups.

APhoto/Warner Bros., Michael Rozman

Michelle Obama told Ellen DeGeneres "Let's Move," dropping to the floor on the talk show for a push-up contest with the comedian.

But Obama, 48, kept pumping away and finally stopped at 25 push-ups, though she said she could have done more.

"That was amazing," DeGeneres declared.

"I thought it wouldn't be good to show up the first lady, so I stopped," she joked, adding, "let's make sure we know there's an age difference."

The first lady's appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" airs Thursday.