Saying that willpower is a factor implies that it is unpleasant, which is actually agreeing with the implication of "pure torture" that the parent comment implied.

Not really, it has nothing to do with it being pleasant or not. It means that you need to commit to actually doing it (like anything in life).

I'm absolutely fine with it and prefer it, like many other people. It's definitely not "torture".

Maybe it isn't for some but mostly it's about overcoming the change in routine and there's no shortcut to changing or building habits, it's just willpower.

Generally we throw a lot of words around sometimes:

Like calling something torture - that you voluntarily do to yourself because of an expected net positive outcome.

For the respect of people who suffers or have suffered from torture I think we should avoid that kind of hyperbole.

Same goes for calling sexism on any joke about gender differences. It's kind of disrespectful to everyone who has suffered from the real thing.

Usually something only requires willpower if it's not pleasant. I.e. It doesn't take willpower for me to eat, but it does take willpower for me to avoid eating unhealthy foods.

What effects do you experience in lifting performance vs. eating beforehand?