You don’t like to work out? That’s tough

So, you hate being hot. You hate sweat even more. And God forbid you get hot and sweaty as the result of working out because you hate that most of all.

Working out, exercising, building a better body — they’re all the same and to you they’re the basis for the world’s ills.

What was it you told me?

“If I was supposed to be buff, I would not have been born so soft.”

Funny line.

Yet, you still want to be in great shape.

You still want to look “fantabulous,” as you say.

I have a funny line, too. And I’ll say this as gently as I possibly can: Tough poopoo for you.

Where is it written that we’re supposed to enjoy working out? Show me where it says I’m supposed to like the lactic acid screaming in my legs in the middle of my fourth set of speed squats.

Show me the scientific journals that describe how happy I’m supposed to be after I’ve done four sets of single-leg bounds up the hills in my neighborhood.

Sorry to tell you this, but the act of working out is not fun.

You’re pushing your body beyond its normal limits to establish a new baseline. You’re often stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown.

Typically, the unknown isn’t a pleasant spot. The unknown hurts sometimes. It burns others. It leaves you gasping for breath.

And sometimes it makes you wonder if you can actually finish that last rep, make it to the top of the hill or kick the final 50 or 100 meters.

But if you’re performing the world’s ills right, they’re never easy. They’re rarely fun.

Contrary to 99 percent of the fitness books on the market, there’s no easy way to obtain good or great fitness.

However, there are ways you can ease the burden of lame excuses.

- Understand. You must realize that there are benefits to be gained by pushing through the hatred of working out — namely the desire for good or great shape.

- Add music to your mix. Throw on some tunes that get you moving or some music that takes you away from the moment.

Trust me on that one — I hate running, but DMX and Eminem help me get through every step.

- Get the spouse and kids and spend time with them. Cloak exercise in the guise of fun. Do the annual ride-towork day June 6. Pick a short run and do it with the family.

Just do something.

Want a great way to “do something? Enter Fitness Challenge 2007.

Write a 300- to 350-word essay explaining why you want and need to get fit with the help of a personal trainer. I’m looking for an adult with a goal and a 12- to 18-year-old who wants to set the groundwork for a new lifestyle.

Send to: milo.bryant@gazette.com, or Fitness Challenge 2007, 30 S. Prospect St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, or fax to Fitness Challenge 2007 at 636-0163. Deadline is noon Thursday.