Motivation 101

I was at the gym yesterday, casually watching Big Screen TV #3 and listening to my Discman at the same time. Big Screen TV #3 was tuned to VH1 which was airing reruns of "Celebrity Fit Club." Near as I can tell (not ever having seen either show) CFC is the B and C list celebrity version of "The Biggest Loser."

I gotta tell you, it was disturbing. From the "before" pictures to the bathing suit pictures to the visual representation of the fat lost by the teams, I was totally horrified. It did make me pedal harder on the ole elliptical, and lead me to wonder what was really a better motivator for me.

This?

or (as I had believed Wednesday night) this?

One is certainly a lot easier on the eyes than the other...and has A list actors...and takes the stereotype of the nerdy scientist and turns it on it's now sexy head. But is that enough?

I was a size 6 this time last year, and with continued trips to the gym and healthy eating, I should be back there in two or three months, so the toned bodies on "CSI:" are not only attainable, but a lot closer to my real body than the uber-weights on "CFC". But I find myself watching the CSI crew slink around crime scenes and just being wistful that I let myself get out of shape, as opposed to the stark I-can-hear-the-fat-on-my-thighs-expanding terror that I experience watching CFC.

I think my instantaneous physical response of increased exertion yesterday makes it pretty clear that I am driven by fear rather than pleasure. I'm guessing this means I should put up a picture of Judge Mablean on my refridgerator rather than Marg Helenberger.

Oh woe is me...

But I bet you I lose the weight in two months rather than three!