Condoleezza Rice: Secretary of Fitness

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is currently appearing in a three-part interview centering on her exercise regimen. That’s right, one of the most powerful women in the world is taking a page from another of the world’s most powerful women: she’s pulling an Oprah.

For a nation that is growing increasingly fat it really can’t hurt to show someone as incredibly busy as Rice finding the time to stay fit. Then again, given that she gets up at 4:30 a.m. to workout, I can’t imagine a lot of people thinking “you know, I could do that!” Heck, there is nothing in this world short of a fire actually consuming my bed that would make me get up at 4:30 in the morning.

Nor do I think testimonials from the trim and fit really convince the pudgy and unfit to go to the gym. Staying in shape is really a matter of personal discipline and if you have the will, you have the will. If you don’t, the will is more likely to be found in your own shapeless reflection or that pair of jeans that no longer fits than it is in the images of the Secretary of State isolating her abs.

Still, I don’t think Rice’s appearance on TV hurts. At least it has people writing about fitness. Typing is exercise too. Right?