Exercise is a Giant Pain in the Abs

Somewhere in this ongoing Father Figure 2.0 journey, I have discovered an unshakable truth: exercise is a giant pain in the abs. Literally.

My trainer keeps introducing me to movements I’m pretty sure were invented during the Middle Ages. Sit-ups, planks, and a few things that don’t even have names — probably because no one has survived long enough to label them. I’m also convinced he smiles more the worse I look.

Meanwhile, Flat Mike continues showing up to the gym looking fresh and photogenic, while I’m over here praying for the Rapture before the next plank starts.

And then there’s pie. Pie is always calling my name. December pie is practically shouting it from the fridge. But protein stands there like a bouncer at the door:
“Sorry, pie. He’s with me now.”

Here’s the part I remind myself of often: discipline usually feels like pain before it feels like progress. Whether it’s building muscle, raising boys, or following Jesus — the effort comes first, the fruit comes later.

So yes, exercise is a giant pain in the abs. But it’s also a reminder that the hard things are usually the best things… even when December keeps offering me dessert.

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Father Figure 2.0: Powered by pie, protein, and holiday survival.