Michelle Obama lead the leaping at the White House earlier this week for a worldwide challenge to break the record for the number of people doing jumping jacks.

Organized in association with National Geographic Kids, the Let's Jump! event on Tuesday saw the US First Lady join hundreds of school children from the Washington area to perform one minute of continuous star jumps in the grounds of the White House.

The event, which was attended by officials from Guinness World Records, signalled the beginning of a 24-hour challenge across the globe to break the record.

Michelle Obama - White House.jpg

To set the new benchmark, more than 20,425 people needed to get on their feet and perform jumping jacks for one minute during the 24-hour time period between 3 p.m. ET on October 11 and 3 p.m. ET on October 12.

Ahead of the White House leg of the attempt, Guinness World Records holder John Cassidy performed and almost stole the show with a hilarious 10-minute balloon modelling show, while US figure skater Michelle Kwan and NBC weather man Al Roker were also in attendance for the event.

Speaking after the attempt, Mrs Obama, who was mobbed by excited particpants after they completed their minute of jumping, said: "As a first lady I get to do a lot of cool things, but this is really exciting. I never thought in my entire life I would be setting a Guinness World Record!"

The event was inspired by Mrs. Obama's, 'Let's Move' initiative, which aims to get kids to eat healthy food and take exercise.