No, that’s not me.  But it’s my club … Basic-Fit.  I’ve been a member for two years, focusing on stretching and aerobics on the elliptical machine.

However there’s been an error in my ways – hardly any strength training.  Months ago I occasionally did my routine of thirteen resistance exercises on the Basic-Fit machines.  Bicep curl, leg extension, hip abduction, etcetera.  But I let that fade away.

On Thursday I returned to the thirteen.  I lowered my previous weight for most of the exercises, and still I struggled.  “Naturally, Bruce.  Did you expect something different?”

I’d been doing pen-and-paper notations of weight, number of sets and number of repetitions.  Yesterday I decided to look for an app for this.  I found “Hevy”, and this morning I’ll begin.  It looks like an easy way to chart my progress.  And it’s clear now: I want to progress over the weeks … and years.  Not to have bulging muscles and a V-shaped waist.  But to be strong!  So I can live in my apartment and its fifty steps up from the street for a long time.

I’ve loved stats for many years.  And there have been times when I’ve let go of “How am I doing?”  Now, with respect to health, I want stats again.  I want to see my steps on the path.  Three months ago I’d have told you “no stats” is better.  And look at me now.  I laugh.

Okay … I’m off to the gym.  Hevy and me.  It’s exciting.