Los Angeles  - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he is ready to take a job at the White House if president-elect Barack Obama feels he can be of service.

Schwarzenegger told Fox News Thursday that the two had talked earlier in the week in the wake of the devastating wildfires in California, when the dialogue turned to body-building and maybe a future job.

The conversation came after the former body-builder had said, while on the campaign trail for Republican Senator John McCain, that Obama's physique was "scrawny."

"He (Obama) told me that he's gong to build a big gymnasium in the White House to bulk up, and that I should help him bulk up," Schwarzenegger said. "And I said only if he helps me play basketball."

Schwarzenegger supported McCain for the White House job, but said he would be happy to work for Obama too. "I would take his call now, I will take his call when he's president - any time," said the former action movie star.

"Remember, no matter who is president, I don't see this as a political thing. I see this as - we always have to help, no matter what the administration is. Whatever they need, I'm there." (dpa)