Summer is coming. Are you ready to get in shape just in time for it?

Spring is here! Some people despise spring. There’s allergies, pollen everywhere, and the weather starts to get warmer… To me, each new season is exciting in it’s own way. I’m not a fan of flowers and sunlight, but spring means summer is around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking good.

Guys, I get it. It’s hard. Autumn and winter are 6 months filled with delicious food, holidays, and the weather invites you to stay at home watching your weaboo anime and eating Pocky in your pajamas. But it’s easy to turn this around and get plenty of exercise, while still being a weaboo. You don’t need cosmic gadgets or magical powers. If you know what you’re doing, it won’t take much effort.

Look, the truth is, Yatta-Tachi wants you to feel good about yourself. We want you to be happy. That’s why we decided that over the next month, I will be giving you ideas and advice on how to beat your laziness, get up, and start devouring the world like the cosmic deity you’re supposed to be. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Yatta-Tachi Summer Challenge.

Any questions? You, the handsome guy in the front row.

Why should I do this?

Honestly? Maybe you shouldn’t. Much like taking your studies seriously or brushing your teeth daily, this is something that must come from you, and not some order you must follow because someone tells you to. If you have been feeling like you need to do something, but don’t know exactly what it is, this may be a good first step. It’s a simple challenge that can be done by anyone -seriously, you don’t need to be fit or anything, this is foolproof- that will give you results soon enough. Physical exercise, no matter how small, will do wonders for your health. Never forget we are animals, and animals need to get some degree of physical activity.

Also, if you’re feeling down, nothing will make you happier than achieving your goals.

Next question!

I don’t exercise regularly/never exercised ever. Can I do this?

Yes. This plan is designed to get you moving, no matter your physical condition. It doesn’t matter if you’re packing a little extra weight, if you’re skinny, or if you’re following Saitama’s training regime.

Remember the general idea is not to lose weight or get buff, but to get moving. Yes, you will see some changes in your body, but the biggest change will be in your mind. Wait, that sounded way deeper than what I intended. What I meant to say is, before ‘abs’, you’ll feel the serotonin and dopamine in your brain, and the feeling of accomplishment. And that, my friend, feels way better than having a 6-pack.

But since we are at it, I’d also like to tell you that you do not need to have previous knowledge about fitness. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you everything you need to know, in a way even a kid could understand. Really, it’s easy. Don’t be intimidated.

Next question! You, the girl with glasses!

What do I need to do this?

You need to want to do it. This is so easy, even if you’re not really determined, you can do it. No need to be the next Naruto when it comes to willpower.

It is not obligatory, but you will also benefit from having a portable music player (most of us use our smartphones), and a Spotify account, which you probably already have. And if you don’t, gosh, it’s free and will take you 5 minutes.

Of course, you’ll feel better using comfy clothes. I won’t lecture you about this. Just use common sense and adapt it to your situation (i.e.: probably not a good idea to wear shorts if you live in Alaska, don’t dress in the colors of your street’s rival gang, etc).

Why are you qualified for telling this?

I’m in pretty good shape. I’ve been better, yeah, but most importantly, I’ve been worse. I know how much better we feel after including exercise in our lives, and trust me, I’m a comfy guy. I’m not really keen on the actual physical effort. I don’t really like going outside, sunlight makes me sneeze, and I’m quite clumsy. I’m not really the sporty person we think are the only ones who like to exercise. But I’m efficient, and physical activity makes us work much better.

Also, after a few years of training I’ve gone bald, even without following One Punch Man’s workout routine. Imagine how hardcore it must be.

But, Greg-Senpai! I don’t want to become a mountain of muscles.

Haha, man, don’t worry. It takes years of hard, specific work, to get ‘buff’. If you end up accidentally looking like The Rock, don’t worry. Your method will also make your rich and famous overnight.

And hey, you’ll be allowed to say ‘brah’, which is cool.

What does this have to do with anime?!

Good question! Many anime inspire us to be better in some way, and when it comes to shounen, the lesson is always “hard work beats natural talent.” I, along with many people, have become inspired to be healthier by watching sports anime (something we will talk about next week, don’t worry). When I was sitting in my couch watching Free! Eternal Summer, I really wanted to start swimming. And no, it wasn’t because I wanted to look good in front of my squado, but because it seemed fun.

We can combine an activity that is hard with something we enjoy to make something productive, while keeping it easy.

If this is a Summer Challenge, why are we starting in Spring?

That’s like studying the night before your finals. You may feel the benefits of working out the same day your start doing it, but your body won’t show results until a month or two have passed.

Also, if the weather is not an excuse anymore, why start later what you can start now? The sooner we start, the sooner we see the results.

Anyone else?

When do we start? 😀

That’s the spirit! 😀 We are starting with the actual training next Friday. For now, you have 4 missions.

Make sure you have the gear necessary for physical activity. You can buy sportswear, or you can use old clothes you have around. As long as you can exercise freely, it’s a go.

Take a photo of yourself. It doesn’t have to be one of those photos we see on fitness ads of people half-naked comparing themselves before/after Photoshop. You can take the photo fully clothed if you want, but take it. And don’t post it on your Social Media. Keep it for yourself. Remember: You are doing this for yourself.

Download Spotify, if you don’t have it. Spotify is a platform for listening to music for free. You’re also able to create and share playlists with other people, and music helps a lot when you need motivation. Anime openings are great for workout playlists. , if you don’t have it. Spotify is a platform for listening to music for free. You’re also able to create and share playlists with other people, and music helps a lot when you need motivation. Anime openings are great for workout playlists.

Run. It might be a simple, small run from the car to your doorstep, or that empty aisle when you’re doing grocery shopping. You don’t have to be dressed for exercise (but please, don’t run wearing heels), and stop as soon as you feel tired. The main idea is to show your body that you are physically capable of doing it, if you want to. These 60 feet you run today may feel small, but it’s only the beginning.

I’ll see you all next week! Please let me know in the comments if you’re willing to give it a shot, and what anime inspires you to work harder!

P.s.: If you do run wearing heels and survive, please send us photographic evidence of it and I promise you’re getting featured in next week’s article.