Matt Lauer is Ripped!

We all knew Matt Lauer had a passion for fitness ... but holy cow!!! Who knew Matt Lauer was hiding such a muscular physique underneath his suit?

Thursday afternoon, cameras caught the "Today" show hunk spending some quality time with his family on the beach in Southhampton, New York.

Lauer has been co-anchoring NBC's Today show since 1997, giving us plenty of time to get to know the guy. But rarely do we see our favorite news anchors trading in their on-camera garb for beach wear.

Looks like PEOPLE magazine was right when they choose Lauer as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world back in 97.

Anchor or no anchor -- Matt we applaud you for the ripped six pack.