Not even the trainers like to work out

Back in the clinic. I didn't work out with either Steve or Chris today. They actually expect me to work out by myself some days. Something about them having jobs, patients, stuff to do. I don't know. Sounds kinda weak if you ask me.

I did an hour of cardio moving between the eliptical, stationary bike and treadmill about every ten minutes. I get bored easily. The trainers would occasionally yell out to me from their office, "What's your heart rate?" or "Let's pick up the pace a bit out there!" Let's? As in let us? Who is this us they are referring to? I don't think I actually qualify as two people anymore.

I had an interesting conversation with Steve today. He asked me if I really hated people like him (fit, athletic, health freaks) and I said, "Yeah, pretty much." Then we both laughed and I said, "No. I don't really hate anyone. (I'm lazy like that.) I just don't relate to people like you who enjoy exercise."

Then he said something that surprised me, "I don't like to work out either. Working out is probably the hardest thing I have to make myself do."

Huh? Well, Steve, you picked an interesting career field to get into if you don't like to work out.

Then we talked about why it's so difficult to make oneself do it. Why is it so hard to be consistent and motivated for something that is apparently so good for a person? You'd think with all the volumes of research about just how good it is for you, the human species, in an interest to spawn new generations of better humans, would love to work out.

So he explained it to me. He told me that before modern conveniences, humans spent most of their energy surviving, whether that be finding food, staying warm and protected from the elements, or avoiding threatening situations. People were leaner and more fit because they expended more energy doing these things for themselves on a daily basis. The human body is actually designed to conserve.

Ah, yes. I'm familiar with this theory. I'm a top-notch fat storage device, remember? I can leap famines in a single bound. I'm like a super hero. Like...Wonder Belly, the Fattabulous!

Yeah. Let us never mention this again.

I looked at Steve and said, "So, people have never really enjoyed working out. Historically we've done it for survival and now we have to work out to compensate for having fast food around every corner and all sorts of modern devices that protect us, keep us warm and make us chubby?"

"Well, I can't speak for all of mankind, but yes, more or less.", he replied, "It burns in my muscles and feels uncomfortable just like it does yours, Pamela. That part is a reality for everyone. I try to adjust my attitude to think positively about it: Ok, it's going to hurt but I'm going to just get in there and do it!"

Steve is the nicest guy you could ever meet. He's like a real-life Richie Cunningham. He's the good cop to Chris' bad cop but when he said the part about attitude and 'get in there and do it!', I just wanted to slap the freckles right off him.

Sorry Steve, nothing personal.

Chris actually confirmed for me that he doesn't really love to work out either. Ok, he says he likes to run and bike but squats, not so much.

Interesting. So, if I understand this correctly, no one really likes to work out, especially doing the difficult stuff.

Not even the trainers.

Excuse me a moment while I have a good, long, satisfied laugh.

I get to eat pasta tonight but only because I work out with Chris tomorrow. He's already warned me it's going to be a rough one. I had better enjoy this smug satisfaction while I can.