Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama didn't have to go far this morning to get in a quick workout.

Obama, staying overnight at the Omni adjacent to the James Center in downtown Richmond, walked into the James Center YMCA at about 8 a.m.

Obama worked out for 15 minutes on a treadmill, 10 minutes on a bicycle trainer and 10 minutes on a cross trainer, said Hunter Schwartz, the YMCA's director of operations.

Also there at the time were a cadre of Secret Service agents as well as about 20 YMCA members, Schwartz said.

"He was very pleasant to the staff," he said. "A few of the members introduced themselves to him."

When Obama finished his workout, he went back to the hotel to prepare for his day of campaigning in Chester and Chesapeake later today.

"He came in, did his thing and left," Schwartz said. "Pretty easy for us. But it was a cool morning."

-- Joe Macenka