Marge Says

“One more set everyone!” The trainer said through the screen.

I assumed she was referring to everyone but me but still I answered, “no more sets, all done for me.”

But once a student always a student, so I joined her in another set. Wall push ups, squats, kicks, boxing, and whatever else she told us to do.

I hate strength training.

Every single article I read describes the values, the benefits, and the essential nature of strength and conditioning.

I nod and say, “not for me, thanks,” but the articles are getting super personal.

A woman in her 40’s…

Okay Marge, now you’re starting to act like all this mumbo jumbo is something I need to do.

I walk. I do yoga. I am an active individual. Why are you pushing the squats on me too? Don’t I do enough?

If you want to add extra years to your life…

Okay, okay…I’ll try.

I do the first set. The second set. The third set.

Marge, I’ll see you next time.

Except, the day after I can’t walk. I moan. I groan. I whine to my husband, “I’m dying. I have Covid.”

“You don’t have Covid.”

“But there’s aches and tightness, I can’t move my neck or my legs or my arms.”

Strength and conditioning, Marge says.

“Arg!!” I yell.

I vow to never squat again. I will never push that wall away or kick or punch. I will just stick with what works. The yoga and the walking.

“Enough Marge!”

Another article pops into my feed. The algorithms are trying to remind me what I already know – I am better, stronger, and will live a much more full life…if I listen to Marg.

“Another set!” She shouts the following day.

And I do it. Because going through the hard stuff is worth it. At least that’s what they keep telling me.