The fitness world has always been a place for personal goals, motivation, and self-improvement, but recently, it has also become an unexpected battleground for political debate. The latest controversy erupted when The New York Times warned about the dangers of the “Pete and Bobby challenge” — 100 push-ups and 50 pull-ups in under 10 minutes — with the headline, “What could go wrong?” The article cited fitness experts advising caution for those jumping into such a challenging routine without preparation, suggesting it could lead to injury. But this fitness debate quickly escalated from a health discussion into a political clash, with politicians like JB Pritzker and President Trump trading jabs about each other’s weight.

Fitness or Fatality?

The conversation on The Five took an interesting turn as the panel discussed the political implications of fitness challenges. Greg Gutfeld, as usual, didn’t hold back, calling out the obsession with caution and criticizing the underlying narrative that any physical challenge could potentially harm someone. He argued that if you’ve been sedentary for years and suddenly jump into a strenuous challenge, of course, you might fail — but isn’t that the point of a challenge?

Tyrus, a regular contributor to the show, voiced his agreement with Gutfeld, emphasizing that physical challenges, like the Pete and Bobby challenge, could encourage people to become more active and lead healthier lifestyles. He stressed that starting small was key, and even those unable to complete the challenge could use it as a stepping stone toward greater fitness. In his words, “If you don’t exercise regularly and try this, you will fail miserably, and that’s a good thing,” suggesting that failure in a challenge could be the catalyst for long-term fitness improvements.

However, the real controversy came when the discussion veered into the political realm. Gutfeld was quick to point out that while the media, including outlets like The New York Times, were concerned about the risks of pushing too hard too quickly, they failed to warn people about the far more dangerous consequences of doing nothing. “Sitting on the couch, eating junk, and avoiding any form of exercise will definitely lead to worse outcomes,” Gutfeld remarked.

The Left’s Obsession with Caution

The panel took aim at the Left’s tendency to focus on caution and risk when it comes to fitness, pointing out the absurdity of overprotecting people who might want to challenge themselves physically. “This idea that anytime anybody challenges somebody, people claim ‘oh, they could get hurt’ — that’s why it’s called a challenge,” said Tyrus, making the case that challenges are inherently about pushing boundaries, not playing it safe. His point resonated with the audience: isn’t that the essence of improvement and growth?

Katie Pavlich, another member of the panel, added fuel to the fire by criticizing the idea that working out had become associated with extremist views. She reminded the audience of the past narrative in which exercising was labeled as a symbol of white supremacy. “Remember when they said working out made you a white supremacist?” she quipped, before accusing those on the Left of overcomplicating basic health concepts.

Political Jabs Over Physical Fitness

Beyond the fitness debate, the discussion turned to the recent back-and-forth between political figures, particularly President Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, over their respective weights and physical fitness. Gutfeld and his panel questioned why politicians seemed so eager to attack each other’s appearances, adding that there were far more significant matters to focus on than each other’s waistlines.

The conversation became increasingly heated as the panel criticized the lack of focus on meaningful issues like improving the nation’s healthcare system or addressing the real dangers of sedentary lifestyles. “Politicians need to stop calling each other fat,” Gutfeld stated, calling attention to how this petty bickering over weight was a distraction from the real problems that need addressing.

Tyrus chimed in, mocking the politically correct culture that surrounds discussions on weight and fitness. “This is the state where there’s no masculinity left,” he remarked, pointing out that a focus on health should be inclusive of all, not used as a tool for political one-upmanship. “When you’re working out and alert, your brain starts to think better. You become less glued to the TV and more in control of your own life.”

Is This Just a Media Gimmick?

While the panelists agreed on the importance of staying fit, they also took aim at the media’s obsession with making fitness and weight a political issue. The New York Times’ cautionary stance regarding fitness challenges seemed to them like just another attempt to control public behavior through fear-mongering. As Gutfeld pointed out, “There aren’t as many articles warning you about walking across Time Square to 37th Street because that is taking your life into your own hands.”

The larger message was clear: fitness shouldn’t be political, nor should it be used as a means of division. Instead, it should be a shared goal that transcends political ideologies. “We should be encouraging people to work out,” Gutfeld argued, pointing out that regular exercise could reduce healthcare costs and extend lives. “It’s about improving your own life, not about playing politics.”

A Nation Divided, But Fit?

While fitness challenges have become a popular subject in media, with some touting their benefits and others warning of the risks, the true message seems to be lost amid political rhetoric. The real question remains: can the nation come together to promote a healthier lifestyle, free from the political battles that surround weight and fitness? Should exercising and taking care of your health be something everyone agrees on, no matter their political leanings?

The panelists on The Five seem to think so, and they encourage Americans to take charge of their fitness — even if that means struggling through challenges or laughing off their failures. “Stick with anything for 14 days, and you’ll see improvement,” Gutfeld concluded, urging the audience to focus on personal success, regardless of political drama.