Three weeks ago, I starting talking about my need to lose weight and get fit and made plans to go for a short walk outside every day; go swimming twice a week; and rejoin my weekly Tai Chi class. So far, I have only managed a few short walks. It appears that my lack of commitment to losing weight and getting fitter is worrying Megan. for she has now appointed herself my Personal Trainer. At this stage, she thinks it best I undertake short periods of gentle exercise several times a day.

The programme she has devised for me is very simple and easy to follow. It involves me walking leisurely across to the patio doors if I see her sitting obtrusively by them and letting her either in or out. My training sessions usually start after I have sat down to work at the dining room table and end when I have returned to my seat. During each session I walk about 18 metres. Between 9:45AM and noon today, I did ten sessions with my trainer. At this rate, in less than a week, I'll have walked 1 kilometre. By then, I hope I shall feel marginally fitter but if I don't, I shall gain comfort from knowing that I've burned off a few calories.

There is only one flaw to this regimen. Since appointing herself my Personal Trainer, Megan has cut down on the amount of exercise she takes; she no longer walks to her cat flap in the front door. I fear that as I become thinner and fitter she will get out of condition.

Copyright © Sheenah Large
April 11, 2003