Condoleezza Rice takes her gym routine to TV

WASHINGTON - Besides being the Bush administration's go-to official for working out diplomatic misunderstandings, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is also happy to let the world know she's working out at the gym.

Rice's exercise routine, including weights and a calorie-burning workout, is being featured in a three-day segment on Washington's NBC television affiliate, WRC, starting Wednesday morning.

"She's an active, active secretary of state," said State Department spokesman Adam Ereli.

Asked whether the news feature signals a more muscular U.S. diplomacy, Ereli responded: "Muscular and agile."

It's not the first time Rice has showcased her hobbies for the public. Last June she took to the Kennedy Center concert stage to accompany on piano a young soprano battling an often-fatal disease.

On Wednesday morning's installment, Rice -- with the help of her ex-Marine trainer -- took to the stationary bike at the State Department's gym.

"I've decided I'm going to speedwalk and walk hills instead of running," she said, in order to spare her knees.

Next, she showed off her ab workout.

No matter where she is in the world, Rice gets up at 4:30 a.m. to get in at least 40 minutes of cardio exercise each day -- often on a treadmill or elliptical trainer.

"Part of the secret of travelling well is continuing your routine," she said. "So when I'm on the road I absolutely schedule time to get up in the morning and exercise first."

WRC's morning host Barbara Harrison said viewers can gain insight into Rice from her routine and apply it to their own lives

"If she, one of the busiest women in the world, can work out every day, the rest of us ought to be able to do something," said Harrison, who has been sharing with viewers her own quest to lose 10 pounds.

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