Washington, Oct 9: US presidential hopeful Barack Obama has revealed that he is having a tough time getting rid of smoking – but has still not giving up the hope of kicking the butt.

Barack, 47, told Men’s Health magazine he is trying to set an example by kicking the bad habit.

"There have been a couple of times during the campaign when I fell off the wagon and bummed one, and I had to kick it again," People magazine quoted Barack, as telling the mag.

"But I figure, seeing as I''m running for president, I need to cut myself a little slack,” he added.

The Democrat candidate has also given some suggestions for would be quitters: Eliminate “certain key connections – that first cigarette in the morning, or after a meal, or with a drink.”

Obama revealed that he works out for 45 minutes 6 days a week to be healthy and keep up with hectic life.

"I wish I was getting a 90-mintue workout. Most of my workouts have to come before my day starts," he said.

"There''s always a tradeoff between sleep and working out,” he added. (ANI)