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For Rice, no excuse not to exercise

Posted: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 6:00 PM by Sam Singal

By Libby Leist, NBC News State Department producer

Anyone who has ever made "getting fit" a goal knows that the excuses not to work out are endless and that finding the time can be a challenge. But, imagine you are the Secretary of State of the United States.

You wake up every morning to face a punishing schedule of back-to-back meetings, lunches, dinners, speeches, ceremonies and phone calls, not to mention more travel than any other member of the President's cabinet and rarely a day off. Sounds insane, right?

Well, the May issue of Fitness Magazine offers a glimpse of how Condoleezza Rice, our 66th Secretary of State, stays fit -- both mentally and physically -- in order to keep up with the demands of her job.

In a series of photos that will be published by the magazine next week, and made available today to Nightly News and MSNBC.com, a sweaty and determined looking Secretary Rice shows off her toned physique and killer moves.

Image: Rice works out 

Image: Rice works out

Photos by David Y. Lee for Fitness Magazine

Rice tells the magazine that she does cardio six days a week, works out with a trainer at least once a week and treats herself to a bagel on the weekends -- (yes, time to feel guilty here).

Rice gets up at 4:30 a.m. every day to work out, including on her diplomatic missions overseas, but she says its not always easy, "I'm not an automaton. I don't wakeup every morning thinking, 'Oh yeah, let's go!' I have to push myself just like anybody else."

Rice has been working on her core muscles with her trainer in order to improve her golf game, the magazine reports.

The full article hits newstands on April 8th. Check out the link to Rice's "No Excuses" workout.

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Comments

The 'No Excuses workout'?  And No Excuses either for helping to lead this country into a protracted, 50 billion war with outrageous waste that she deftly avoided answering for during Senate investigations. And there's no end in sight. God help us.

Susanne, Jackson Miss. (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 1:30 PM)

Its funny how all the positive votes for Condi are "republicans" and they are also in denial of what a mess this whole administration has made of this country! God help America is all i am saying if another republican gets in the White House!! That's all we need right now. UGH!

Clarice, Westmoreland tn (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 1:31 PM)

I wish i could afford a personal trainer. Maybe that's because the economy is crap and gas is almost $4 per gallon.  It's hard being middle-class these days.  But good for Condi! (I hope you sense my sarcasm).  With all the other pressing issues going on in this country she still has time to work out.  Maybe she needs to help "work-out" an exit strategy for Iraq? Hmmmmmm

Cathy, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 1:48 PM)

Interesting comments by all the above. I don't have anything positive to say about Connie's job performance or lack of performance so I'll stick to the gym topic. Good health and medical insurance is something many millions of Americans can't afford. Thanks to this recession  obesity might be a thing of the pass. Remember how thin the people standing on line in the depression were.  Connie is using this show/photo op to introduce herself as a black candidate. Now I wonder how the victims of the Katrina Storm view the sudden openness of Connie. As they begged for help and it was seen on Times Square, Connie just looked and then kept shopping for shoes. She is used to just take messages back and forth to World Leaders. We're noticed now that most of the World Leaders don't bother to see her then send their assistants. I wish Connie the best at finding a job after Jan. 20th and it's to bad Stanford University turned her down to work there. But who knows what the future will bring. It's good that she is giving interviews, sucking up to Obama and McCain for a spot in their Administration should they get elected. It's good to keep all your bases covered smart girl.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 1:52 PM)

I am a normal every day superwoman with three kids and a full time job. I get up and run every day too and work out with a trainer twice a week (its $40 bucks I dont' spend on coffee a week!). Get off your lazy butts or at least appreciate that she has the focus to do it! Jealousy is NOT pretty!

RealWorkingMom (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 1:53 PM)

Condi does more in a day than you will do in a week and your slamming her every which way. I would like to see all you lazy liberals run for office, instead of complaining and slamming her hiding behind your computer... You have no clue what you are even talking about. That is the true problem with America. You think you deserve something for nothing.

Craig, Pensacola, FL (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 1:58 PM)

Did you ever think Ms. Rice might have wanted a husband and children?  Maybe she wasn't as lucky as so many of us.  
She is a VERY accomplished woman and everytime I don't "feel" like exercising after a 10 hour day at work and coming home to my husband and children...I'll think of her!

Mary Ann, Detroit, MI (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 2:04 PM)

Moms are so busy that they apparently have time to post comments on an article they read.
:o)

Carrie, Earth (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 2:17 PM)

No,  Asgraf, you do not need to rest your case.  You need to get a life.  You can't be stupid enough to believe that Condi misled "W" on anything with his stubborn self. And, if you think that her being single is "priveleged", what is your beef about it.  I bet you are lazy, overweight and always looking for an excuse as to why you haven't succeeded in anything in your life.  People like you need taking to the woodshed for a little inspiration.

robert ervin, sugar hill, georgia (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 2:17 PM)

Thanks for the article about Condi Rice.  She is truly a role model for women/minorities.  I admire her for knowing what she wants to do in her life.  She chose to be single and a hard working woman.  She did not drag a husband or children in her life with that demanding schedule.  I admire her for that.  I can't do what she does her job so I have no right to judge her.    

Victor P, CA (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 2:22 PM)

Thanks for the article about Condi Rice.  She is truly a role model for women/minorities.  I admire her for knowing what she wants to do in her life.  She chose to be single and a hard working woman.  She did not drag a husband or children in her life with that demanding schedule.  I admire her for that.  I can't do what she does her job so I have no right to judge her.    

Victor P, CA (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 2:24 PM)

I think that Condi made some excellent life choices to get where she is. If you love your life and what it is you should not covet her hers. Take a leaf out of her book, aim for a better healthier life. Let's face it would you really be able to do a better job than her given the opportunity? Be honest with yourself at all times and you wont feel the need to throw stones from your glass house.

J A Hamilton Campbell Oh (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 2:24 PM)

LISTEN HERE FOLKS, WE ALL HAVE BUSY LIVES, AND REMEMBER THAT IF YOU HAVE KIDS,A HOUSE TO CLEAN,A HUSBAND OR WIFE TO LOOK AFTER ITS BECAUSE YOU MADE A DECISION TO HAVE THAT, CONDI HAS NOT MADE THE DECISION TO SETTLE DOWN YET, THEREFORE IF SHE WISHES TO EXERCISE AT 4:30AM SO BE IT. FURTHERMORE...GOD PUT 24 HOURS IN OUR DAY, 8 TO SLEEP-8 TO WORK- & 8 TO PLAY. EVERYONE HAS A FULLTIME JOB REGARDLESS OF YOUR TITLE, BUT WHAT YOU DO WITH THE 8 HOURS OF PLAY EACH DAY IS UP TO YOU, CONGRATS, CONDI.

PETE, HARLINGEN, TEXAS (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 2:25 PM)

wow - all these people saying "who cares...she is privileged, no children, no husband, so busy, blah blah blah". I bet you would blush if your husband and children read your comments. First off, consider yourself the one who is privileged BECAUSE you have a husband and children, not in spite of it!! And anyone who claims tries to say she is not busy and the fact that she finds time to fit in her work out every time is not that impressive...wow that is an incredible thing to say. This is the SECRETARY of STATE finding time to do this, on a regular basis. Its all about priorities people..mind your own.

B Ernest (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:02 PM)

You have to be kidding me!  Some of the house wives on here actually for one moment think that they are busier or as busy as the Sec of State.  You need a reality check!

John Williams, Hoglesburg, WA (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:04 PM)

Chris from Cleveland stole my thunder.   :)

I was going to pretty much say exactly what he/she said.  Just six months ago I would have said the same petty things that nearly everyone here is saying.

Back in October I got off my butt, started working out and changed my life.   Would I rather go home after a 10 hour day of work and sit on the couch?  Of course.  But instead I go to the gym for 1-2 hours.  

We all have the same amount of time each day:  24 hours.  Don't belittle someone else because you choose to fill your hours differently.  

Kathleen, Colorado Springs (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:08 PM)

I have kids and work 2 jobs because of lousy decisions made by the current administration. And it's only going to get worse. If I get 10 minutes a day to myself I'm sure not going to spend it on a tread mill. And for those of you who agree that she has just as much going on as "normal people," you must not have any kids either. This is just a ploy for the government to gain more control over our lives. If I'm fat what is it to you? This is just another distraction from what is really happening in this country. But if we get people to argue over weight, race and other silly things then we won't pay attention to what is really going on.

GG, Albany (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:27 PM)

I agree with Jack from Atlanta, Ga; Simply remove the poison from your minds and take the article for what it is.  Condi is a very busy woman who finds the time to exercise and be healthy.  For all of you stay at home moms, I was once in your shoes and I made time to enjoy life with my children, my husband, go to college, AND exercise!  

Valerie Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:43 PM)

Golf?  What's golf?

Sam (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:48 PM)

After all the heavy lifting she's done for Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld; and all the running she's done from the truth of a morally and intellectually bankrupt foreign policy; and all the stretching of the truth...who needs an additional workout?

I'm here because of Ashley, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:50 PM)

All that workin' out looks like TORTURE to me!

Louise Jones, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:56 PM)

Question for Jackie Rawlings....where did you get the idea that Stanford University turned Condi Rice down for a job there?  From Stanford's own website, it seems she is only on leave from her job there while she serves as Secretary of State.

Linda, Allen, TX (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:07 PM)

Question for Jackie Rawlings....where did you get the idea that Stanford University turned Condi Rice down for a job there?  From Stanford's own website, it seems she is only on leave from her job there while she serves as Secretary of State.

Linda, Allen, TX (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:07 PM)

I am the mother of four kids...I am exhausted by days end, but I bet if I exercised and ate better I wouldn't be quite as tired...Ms. Rice may not have children...but the demands of the job I am sure leave her exhausted and wanting to crawl in bed or veg in front of the television...that she gets up at 4:30 to make time is inspiring...regardless of her politics...we should all make taking care of ourself a priority...and anyone can run...you don't need a gym.

Kristin, Cordova TN (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:15 PM)

I have to laugh about Condi's "NO Excuses" workout.  How about a "No Excuses" foriegn policy? How about having the courage to look the Commander in Chief in the eye and saying, "Sir, we just don't have license here to invade a sovereign country, have their leader executed, and plunge them into endless civil war".  That would be a person worth respecting. After Jan '08, maybe she could get a job at 24 Hour Fitness??   Oh, I almost forgot, she'll write a book about her experiences, forget about our thousands of war dead, and make millions. You go girl....

Robert Munroe, Laguna Beach, CA (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:35 PM)

She would make a great vice-president for a Mcain ticket

j johnson (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:35 PM)

did anyone read the circuit workout she does?  sounds crazy intense.  she must have one rock hard body.

Jimbo Jones, Springfield (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:38 PM)

A remarkable woman. Keep up the training Condo, so that you are in the best of shape while you mess up the rest of the world with your pals!

Tanuja, Port Elizabeth, South Africa (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:41 PM)

I've seen her toned body on CNN numerous times and I always conclude either terrific genes and/or plenty of physical exercise.  She has a toned mind too!  Are other cabinet members as disciplined as she is??I wish for a sports day competition involving female s of the executive, legislative and judicial branches and governors, formatted like the drive to the final four and championship night!!Secretary Rice without doubt be cheerleader, team captain and player-coach.

kenneth ching, honolulu, hawaii (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:48 PM)

Her dedication to her health and fitness are addmirable.  Everybody can exercise regardless of their age, job or financial status--just take a walk or play with your kids.  I'm sure Miss Rice has a very hectic schedule even though she has no children or husband to worry about.  However, I also think her access to a gym and personal trainer help make her dedication to fitness a whole lot easier.  

CAW, Elkton, MD (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:54 PM)

Would love to see you as VP Condi!! Actually McCain would probably make a better VP to you :-)
She should send the midget in North Korea an autographed basketball then maybe the hateful Liberals would think she's accomplished something.

Dave, Tn (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:58 PM)

I really am ashamed of the comments I have read here. Condi Rice is to be admired for the work she is doing.I admire her ability, not only in her health, but also in her profession in politics. And, while we are discussing politics, lets give some credit to our President, George W. Bush! We have not had another attack under his watch, I for one, am darn glad he is our president in this time of trouble, and I hope the next presifent will have the guts to defend our country in the same way. I am 76 years old and proud of it. I exercize every day too. God Bless America! Marlene. Waterloo, Iowa

Marlene E. Larson, Waterloo, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:03 PM)

lets face it people this government and the hypocritical views. It's easy to say all this crap when your on top or when things are going good. I wonder what their attitude would be like if they ran out of money and faced what the guy thats having a hard is facing. Ultimately they've sold this country out and are the direct reason a lot of people int his country are struggling. What a joke.

Bill (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:03 PM)

Jeez.  I didn't mean to start a war.
Condi is an admirable person whether you agree with her politics or not.  I'm Yvonne, the person who wrote the second post.  I do not consider myself a "dumb strumpet". B.S Information Systems. M.A  Education. I chase 168 sixth graders around about 180 days a year and still manage to get to the pool to do laps. I do not have children ( my choice) I do have a husband. I do sit in traffic, I do mop floors, I do wash and iron my own clothes and yes I do admire Condi(don't really agree with her politics but who cares) Perhaps through all of my mock complaining my admiration for the woman did not come through . My fault.
P.S.
Jon , you being a white guy from Texas who thinks a black woman is good looking means nothing.
Yvonne, A black woman from Las vegas

Yvonne, Las Vegas (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:09 PM)

With so much in the world today that has gone wrong since the 7 years the W cabal have taken over, the last thing to spend time praising, adoring, oogling over is a Secretary of State that works out. Get a grip and let's get back to reality, a sense of proportion, and spend time admiring something that's actually of import.

Theo, Seattle (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:16 PM)

Condi is a great example for everybody. I admire her.  She is also classy enough to avoid disparaging others with tags like "losers". It seems there are many with an opportunity for personal growth, even Democrats making submissions here.

David, Plano, TX (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:16 PM)

Well said Jack in Atlanta

Jeanie Memphis, TN (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:18 PM)

What a horrible and depressing life, waking up at 4:30 in the morning and thinking: i've got to do my excercises. Loosen up Condi, you take yourself way too seriously.

lindza (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:20 PM)

I read this months if not a year ago. I knew it already. Are we recycling?  Or is this, um, research?

Mary Sheeran (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:28 PM)

I too use to wake at 4:30am in order to go for a run when I lived and worked in DC.

American Females should view Condi's dedication to her health as something they should strive to emulate.

I wish that other Noteable Career women would support a National Agenda to engage Our Young Women to become involved in-much like The Presidential Pass, Punt and Kick program.

American Males Have National Sports Figures they  wish to aspire too.  But, American Girls have far fewer to pick from.  Maybe if Girls had more Dr. Rice's to look to for support and motivation, then maybe far fewer would strive to become like those pictured in Weekly Tabloids.

American Young Women are Our New Frontier!!!

Jen F. Usher (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:41 PM)

I think shes cute. She has the natural priviledge to be who she has become today. Please stop the hating and show some respect for your fellow human beings.Politiking possibly was not her thing, but when you are called to do consulting work for the government you better get up and go show some support for your government. I respect and like women who are self independent not some lousy ones who want to depend on their men and cheat thier men out some lousy dollars. CD Rice you are okay by me. I know you dont care what people say and that is why I am giving them the BIRD>

DKhoemeni, Austin Texas (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:47 PM)

Go Condi!  I wish like heck you and Colin Powell would run for President and Vice President as a team.....you're the best option for all of us.  I only wish it could/would really happen!  You guys would win for sure!  Keep up the great work!

Boom (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 6:05 PM)

She should get up at 4am and look for Osama bin Laden. I get sick when I look at her because she did not take the terrorism threat seriously in August 2001. she is useless, and I can't wait for Jan 09! What a fluff job...

sick of b ush (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 6:12 PM)

For the people here who judged Ms. Condi Rice, this is not about politic, left or right.  Ms Rice is a highly educated and talented person.  She is a great American who chose to serve her country, The US of A.  She is a role model for everyone, single/married/divorced men/women, young men, young women especially American minorities.

Mark Odowd, Lompoc, CA (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 6:18 PM)

It's nice to hear she has to push herself to do this instead of just going with surgery and such. The only other article showing her nutrition and exercise plan showed her on an elliptical in her home before starting the day. Luckily she doesn't have other things to stop her in the morning like kids, children, or schedule with inflexible bosses :-) It's surprising she can get this in when on the road but I'm sure they make accomodations like rock star contracts. It probably keeps her sane

Miss Chicago, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 6:33 PM)

I really am ashamed of the comments I have read here. Condi Rice is to be admired for the work she is doing.I admire her ability, not only in her health, but also in her profession in politics. And, while we are discussing politics, lets give some credit to our President, George W. Bush! We have not had another attack under his watch, I for one, am darn glad he is our president in this time of trouble, and I hope the next presifent will have the guts to defend our country in the same way. I am 76 years old and proud of it. I exercize every day too. God Bless America! Marlene. Waterloo, Iowa

Thanks Marlene.  You are wise and a great American!

Freshman UC San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 6:39 PM)

Condi  Condii Condi...you have contributed greatly to making a big fat mess of  this world....hopefully you'll have time during your workouts to reflect on this.  puppet.  less than a year to go.  

JD (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:16 PM)

We would all do more every day if we had someone helping us manage our time and organizing our life.

Jemma S. (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:25 PM)

That woman is the most underpaid and underappreciated person in the U.S..  I admire the heck out of her for the job she's doing.  I haven't heard any democrats, or republicans for that matter, shooting their mouths about how they could do a job than she is...  Of course she has to say she's working on her golf game, like she could tell the truth and say it's actually to kick someone's *ss if the need arises.  She's the one who should be running for president AND on either ticket!

Jayla, Kansas (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:07 PM)

I think that politics is clouding this article.  Love her or hate her you have to give credit where credit is due.  

Do I get up at 4:30 to work out?? NO!  But by God I admire some one who can! Dedication to your health is so important.  It makes you a better person and a better person to everyone that counts on you.  The point of the story is not her job or the money she makes, or her politcal stance; the point of the story is that NO MATTER HOW BUSY YOU ARE YOU CAN FIND TIME TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!

Working moms are complaining that they have no time, yet they have time to sit at the computer and bitch about someone elses choices.  Your choice  was to get married and have kids - no forced this on you.  Now stand up for yourself - put the potato chips down and go for a walk.  Your kids will love you for it.

Michele Pennsylvani (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:09 PM)



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