My preferred method of working out is swimming, 1) because I don’t feel myself sweating and 2) because sometimes I pretend that I’m a mermaid.

But as some of you may be aware, Pants and I are in “training” for the Chicago URBANATHLON in October.  The 10.8 (!) mile course is like a Tough Mudder without the mud.  We get to climb over a bus, run the stairs of Soldier Field, and jump over police barricades.

In short- we are preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse.

Since we signed up to do this thing, I’ve seriously had to re-evaluate my aversion to the gym, especially since I want to finish the race, eat a deep dish pizza, and make it to the Hawks game that night. (What? You didn’t think Pants and I would be in Chicago and NOT go to a game.?  Silly rabbits.)

This week’s Foxy Friday, Gary Roberts, has helped me to do just that.

photo from www.fitnessinstitute.com

Roberts is a former NHLer who after his playing days were over, transitioned to becoming one of the most sought after trainers in hockey.  His gym, Gary Roberts High Performance Centre, is where most of our favorite players work out in the off-season.

It’s like our perfect version of summer camp.  Exceptionally talented and attractive hockey players just hanging out, doing squats and whatever these things are called.

With this race looming large and my ever increasing fear of not making it through all the obstacles, I’m using Gary (and his videos) as my inspiration.

Every time that I work out from now on, I’m going to imagine Gary standing over my shoulder, looking and judging my utter lack of upper body strength.

photo from www.fitnessinstitute.com

When I don’t want to run any more because my compression sports bra is cutting off circulation to my brain, I’m going to think of Gary.

from finnohara.com

Remember ladies (and gents), next time you are at the gym and don’t really want to be, pretend that Gary is there.  .

Now when I’m working out, I’m going to pretend that Gary and all the “campers” working out next to me.

My goal is to look (and feel) like this..

But until then…I’ll look (and feel) like this.

Follow Gary on Twitter at @GaryRobertsHPT