In just a few short days, we will be getting a brand new president. And because all the media outlets seemed to have changed course and are now reporting on important matters, like the economy and the Middle East, I thought I might share a few two-dimensional thoughts with you.

In between holiday announcements regarding staff and economic recovery, we as a people were given a brief glimpse of the POTUS-to-be’s torso as he frolicked in the surf in Hawaii. His abdomen made several glossy magazines as well as several papers. Editors seemed excited. Not only was this President bringing new hope for society, but perhaps he was also bringing new hope for the physique of America. In all honesty, when was the last time you got excited over the athletic achievements of a politician? Sure, John Kerry had his brief fling with a wet suit during his presidential campaign, but no one reflects glowingly on that. Clinton had a few brief moments as a jogger, but I seem to remember the Secret Service running to McDonald’s more often than not. W cleared brush (‘nuff said.) Aside from maybe Teddy Roosevelt who probably could have wrestled bears and Abe Lincoln who gave up a career as a power forward for the Bulls to follow his love of the law, very few presidents have ever presented athletic personae.

So now we have a president who is stepping up and showing off the fact that he works out several times a week. And given the fact that two out of every three adults in this country are overweight or obese, that’s a fantastic message to be sending out to the electorate. Does that mean that if we workout like the Prez, we too can have six-packs?

Yes, we can.

Well, actually, no we can’t. It’s not that easy. Most of us think that the six-pack is just a natural bi-product of an intense exercise regime. The truth is that for the abdominals to become so prominent that you can grate cheese on them, you need an eighth of inch or less of fat over your abdomen. Anything more than an eighth of an inch and its almost impossible to get that kind of definition. Now, we all have a certain number of fat cell and those are fixed in adolescence. As we get heavier and lighter throughout adult life, we are simply expanding and shrinking a certain number of cells. If the cells covering your abdomen are thicker than an eighth of an inch, all you can do is shrink the cells themselves, but you can’t make them disappear (well, ya can, but that’s a different entry.)

But I will GUARANTEE you that the President-to-be is not exercising so that he can be the first Chief Exec to make the cover of Men’s Health. He keeps up his fitness routine because that is what keeps him sane. Regular exercise is all about staying happy, healthy and focused. There is no way he could get as much done if he didn’t stay fit. Quite the opposite is true: he would become overwhelmed and lose focus.

As we move through the January Resolutions, its important to remember that the whole “getting back in shape” thing isn’t just about getting back into those jeans—its about getting stronger and healthier physically, mentally and emotionally. The media keeps reminding us that these are incredibly difficult times (like we need the media for that.) Strength in all its many layers is crucial. Perhaps the lesson, even before inauguration, is all about preparation. I had a wonderful friend years ago whose battle cry was “Strength and Faith.” We have learned a lot about Faith in the past several months. Now it’s important to stay strong.