NEWSMichelle Obama Jokingly Lays Into Rita Wilson for Bailing on Intense Fitness Retreat
Michelle Obama called out Rita Wilson for ditching a grueling boot camp hike to relax by the pool.
Aug. 6 2026, Published 11:52 a.m. ET
Michelle Obama is looking back at one hilarious moment with her longtime friend Rita Wilson.
During the Wednesday, August 7, episode of the “IMO” podcast, the former first lady jokingly called out Wilson for skipping one of her intense fitness retreats and opting for a much more relaxing day by the pool instead.
Obama shared the funny memory while chatting with Wilson and her brother and co-host, Craig Robinson.
“Rita came along to one of these sort of really hard health and fitness retreats off of boot camp, where you’d walk for four hours. And you’d get an almond as a break,” Obama told Wilson and Robinson.
Michelle Obama joked that Rita Wilson skipped one of her challenging fitness retreats to relax by the pool instead.
Curious about the challenging retreat, Robinson simply asked, “Why?”
Wilson then explained exactly what happened from her perspective.
“I was like at the back of the line and at the first day they gave everybody walkie talkies because you’re in the mountains. They’re like, if you need anything, just let us know. And maybe 90 minutes into the walk, I was like, ‘Hi, it’s Rita, when are we done?’” she said.
Wilson Had Other Plans
Rita Wilson recalled calling organizers on a walkie-talkie during the hike to ask when the long walk would finally end.
Wilson admitted she even pretended the radio connection was cutting out.
She then made crackling noises as if the walkie-talkie signal was failing.
Obama couldn't help but laugh as she remembered what happened next.
“We are on mile 100 and Rita’s like, ‘Uhm, where are the cars?’ And were like, ‘D---! Rita’s going home. Then she got back to the ranch, and she’s like ‘Hi, I’m in my room. Can get some tea?” Obama recalled what she heard Wilson mumbling on the line.
“And we’re like, ‘B----!’” the attorney joked, adding that she later heard Wilson say she was “by the pool.”
“She left the hike. She’s back at the ranch, and she’s ordering drinks. And, we’re eating the third of four almonds,” Obama added. “F------, Rita!”
Wilson Defends Her Decision
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Michelle Obama laughed as she remembered Rita Wilson returning to the ranch for tea and drinks while everyone else finished the hike.
Wilson laughed along with the story and stood by her choice.
She said she was simply practicing “self-care” and pointed out that “I did not lose my mind” even though she still lost a “few inches.”
A Friendship That Goes Back Years
Rita Wilson defended her decision, saying she chose ‘self-care’ and still lost a ‘few inches’ without pushing herself too hard.
Obama and Wilson have shared a close friendship for many years, supporting one another through major life events, meaningful conversations and even wellness retreats.
In May, Obama praised Wilson while celebrating her latest music project.
“I’ve known my dear friend @RitaWilson for many years and let me tell you: She is truly a ray of sunshine. Among her many talents, she is a wonderful singer—and her new album, Sound of a Woman, blew me away. It’s a collection of songs that follow the arc of our lives exploring the moments and experiences that shape who we become. It’s beautiful, vulnerable, and a powerful example of how art can make an impact. And I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation about it soon on @imopodcasts!” she wrote via Instagram.
