So we're almost five months into 2008, and I'm sure by now that many New Year's resolutions people have made are already starting to falter - which is why I personally never make resolutions.

One resolution many people often make is to get into better shape and be healthier. Gyms see tons new members in January, but many of them fail to stick to their plans of getting themselves into better shape. It happens. People have lives, they have jobs and family commitments. And there's always the temptation of food and old habits like smoking or drinking.

Which brings me to the point of this column: I am issuing a challenge to those who wish to get into better shape.

Whenever I go to the gym, I keep mental notes of my progress. I monitor my weight and endurance on the cardio-vascular machines. I keep track of how much weight I can lift in the different exercises I do. I'm not exactly Superman; the whole point of working out is to simply be active.

With that said, I will periodically post my results from my workouts in this very column. I challenge anyone who wishes to try to meet or beat my performance. At the very least, I challenge you to do something that will improve your health. The Rio Grande Valley has exceptionally high rates of obesity and diabetes, so we all could benefit from more physical activity. The Monitor reported in May 2007 that the results of a study showed Valley residents eat fast food more often on a monthly basis than in any other major market in all of America. That's not exactly something to be proud of.

I challenge you to park a little further away from the store when you go shopping. It may take you 30 seconds longer to get inside Wal-Mart, but you'll be burning a few extra calories along the way. You could take my suggestion one step further and walk a few laps inside La Plaza Mall.

I challenge you to go for a walk. Take advantage of the Valley's warm weather; in my native Ohio this time of year, the sidewalks are usually frozen. Surely many Winter Texans could relate.

I challenge you to watch more television - while you exercise, that is. I'll often catch an entire half of a football game on a Sunday while I ride an exercise bike or walk on a treadmill, both of which are equipped with TVs at my gym.

I challenge you to have more (safe) sex. A lot of energy is expended during a romp in the sheets - an average of 85 calories, according to WebMD. I can't think of a better way to stay in shape.

I challenge you to drink diet soft drinks instead of the regular ones. I suggest Coke Zero. And feel free to pass along any unused Coke Rewards points to me.

I challenge you to order the small fries instead of medium or large the next time you're at a fast-food joint. And if you're still hungry after wolfing down a value meal, drink water to fill your stomach instead of eating more junk.

I challenge you to eat out one less time per week. Perhaps you could hone your cooking skills at home or prepare a romantic dinner for that special someone. If you're like me and you don't have a special someone, at least make yourself a halfway healthy sandwich instead of drowning your sorrows with tacos.

Do you dare accept my challenge, dear reader? I'm not asking for a miracle, I just want you to feel better about yourself.

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Andy Comer is a copy editor for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4469.