Tag Archives: exercise class

How to exercise

The exercise world is a tricky one, but having joined a gym and been to 3 whole classes, I will be your guide. It is very important to fit in when attending an exercise class. The things to wear are black leggings and an artfully slouchy, extremely expensive top type thing. I have achieved this look by simply locating a rather grubby, shapeless pajama top, and sticking my shoulder through the arm hole. I cannot tell you how impressed the other class-goers are. (I mean this literally. The shoulder through the arm hole thing means turning is very difficult, and I have hugely compromised my peripheral vision).

 Once in the class, stand next to a woman who looks the least physically intimidating. (Inexplicably, several women rushed to stand next to me, but I assume that was simply because they wanted to know where I had bought my excellent exercise top).

 At all points in the class, maintain eye contact with the teacher. This will not only tell everyone else in the class that you are here to exercise, but will also help to prevent terrible mishaps such as a wrong-direction lunge, or a misunderstanding of the phrase ‘and release’.

Even the shortest exercise class feels like practical evidence for Einstein’s theory of relativity. I have found it helpful, therefore, to wear a watch, just to reassure oneself that time is continuing to pass, despite all evidence to the contrary. Unfortunately, the only working watch I currently own has somehow set itself to beep every half hour, a constant high-pitched obstacle to my very first instruction: fit in. 

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Friend required

I have been invited to a weekly exercise class. I would like to go, but obviously I cannot go alone. So I am looking for a new friend. They must meet very specific requirements.

1. They must always be free on Thursday evenings, from 7.30-10pm. If I am not free, they still need to be.

2. They must be enthusiastic and motivating but not grating. ‘Shall we bother going to this outdoor exercise class?’ I will ask. ‘Well, we might as well,’ They will reply. ‘I’ll make us bacon baps when we return.’

3. They should be good, but not better than me, at sport.

(I am intensely motivated by beating people who are slightly worse than me. Conversely, I am entirely disheartened by those who are much better than me at things, and give up instantly. It’s really the only thing that’s preventing me from competing in the Olympics).

4. They should be easily impressed. If they are easily impressed by women in neon Nike kit, so much the better.

5. They must have a very good sense of direction, and the ability to locate the exercise class- which, as far as I know, takes place on Hampstead Heath.

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized