Getting fit and strong isn't always fun. It isn't easy either.

I think some people have the wrong expectations about what it takes to get stronger and fitter. Yes, it is “fun” in its own way; usually after you’re done with the workout or enjoying the results of being consistent and committed.

But it is hard. It is supposed to be hard, and that isn’t always pleasant while you’re doing it. Actually, if it is pleasant during the actual lifting and working out, you aren’t training hard enough. It kind of sucks right in the middle. Your body may be hurting, you’re breathing hard and sweating, your heart is pounding, and you may even feel slightly nauseous.

But, you have to push your body past the comfort zone to shake it up. Make your body say; “What in the hell is going on? Since when do we need to keep lifting heavier and heavier weight, or running faster and faster? I better make some friggin’ changes to this body to handle this crap that this crazy fool keeps throwing at me.” And that is when you grow.

Think about it for a second. If your body can handle what you are throwing at it (i.e., your workout is always “doable”), then why should it change?

Do you think it sucks only for you? Some of the world’s greatest athletes hate training. Yeah, they make it look easy and we all want to be them. But, they got to where they are with hard, grinding work.

Donny Shankle, world-class lifting machine and on the U.S.A. Weightlifting team, said this when asked what his favorite training lift was:

None, on most days I hate the bar.

Muhammad Ali, one of greatest boxers ever, said:

I hated every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

Andre Agassi, professional tennis champion said:

Nothing can substitute for just plain hard work. I had to put in the time to get back. And it was a grind. It meant training and sweating every day. But I was completely committed to working out to prove to myself that I still could do it.

So, I’m sorry, you aren’t special. You don’t get to have great results by only training when it is fun. You want it badly enough, you are going to do what it takes. It won’t always be fun or easy, but it will be worth it.