Laila Ali Joins The Early Show

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 09, 2008 06:45 PM EST

Laila Ali has a new day job: The American Gladiators co-host is joining CBS's The Early Show as a contributing correspondent starting Jan. 11.

"I'll be doing pieces that are inspiring. I hope people walk away from what they see feeling good," Ali, 30, tells PEOPLE. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

"She's a great addition to the The Early Show team," says senior executive producer Shelley Ross. "She has been a dedicated educator and author in areas of heath and fitness. She has a spiritual side, while being a fearless competitor."

But would she ever compete in Gladiator stadium? "Uh, no," says Ali with a laugh. "Doing a bunch of different challenges and having TV involved, it's not my type of thing. It's more fun commentating and watching them from the sidelines.