Obama Claims Bowing Part of Exercise Routine

WASHINGTON D.C.-- President Obama today countered criticism of his habit of bowing to foreign leaders by saying that it was merely part of his exercise habit.

"I bow in order to work on my stomach muscles and to stretch my back, as well as for the mild aerobic effect," he said in a brief statement to reporters. "I bow even to my political adversaries here in the States. Check out this photo of me bowing to George Bush."