I tend to think there's no real substitute for hard work, which makes me think that the new pill that might one day allow us to get fit while slouching on the couch or achieve elite athletic status without dripping a drop of sweat is just not all it's cracked up to be. I know, mice are running their little hearts out on treadmills as I write so that we won't ever need to, but still, I don't buy it. And I won't buy it, even if and when it becomes mainstreamed into our obese world.

If you haven't been tuning in to the news on this medical development, here's what's happening: U.S. researchers have developed two possible pills that build muscle, stamina, even burn fat. In tests, mice were able to run 44% further with a boost from these concoctions, suggesting humans may be able to do the same without prior training. The whole concept is controversial due to fears the pill could be misused in sports. Let's face it, when drugs are used to achieve something good, there's always a side effect that's not so good, whether it's unfair athletic gain or a long list of possible health complications.

The initial good researchers were hoping to achieve with the two drugs (labeled AICAR and GW1516) is the improvement of health for those with muscle-wasting diseases and those with diseases like diabetes, in need of physical activity. Now that it's clear anyone can benefit, well, anyone will likely be able to benefit. Says one researcher: "If you like exercise, you like the idea of getting 'more bang for your buck'," And: "If you don't like exercise, you love the idea of getting the benefits from a pill."

In today's, world, not too many of us get adequate exercise. Why not pop a pill to mimic exercise then and make the quality of exercise we do manage to get more efficient and effective? I'll tell you why: It's not meant to be. Our bodies were meant to move. Plus, it feels good to exercise, both physically and mentally. For me, anyway.

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