Thud.
Her ankles cracked as she stooped to pick the tennis ball up from the floor. Her back cracked as she straightened and spread her feet again for another try.
Toss, toss, toss, toss, and she missed the next catch.
Thud.
The tennis ball landed on the carpet. She'd cut slits into each of the three balls and shoved three hundred pennies in. Each ball weighed about a pound and a half.
$2.98 plus tax for the can of balls, plus $9 worth of pennies. $5 for the workout DVD from Goodwill. He couldn't complain about $17.62. It was her only money spent, and it was cheaper than a pizza and a six-pack, let alone a gym membership.
Crack. Crack.
Toss, toss, toss, toss, thud.
The 2 liter soda pop bottles partly filled with water and duct taped to the old broom handle - free.
The floor joists she used for the hangs - free.
The stack of old phone books for the step aerobics - free.
Some space on the hallway floor for her to stretch and run in place - free.
Crack. Crack.
Toss, toss, toss, toss, toss, thud.
Even when she progressed to the point of really being able to do runs of fast throws with the balls, and filling the bottles all the way up with sand, and doing real crunch pull-ups instead of just girly hangs, and real jumping jacks and sprinting up the steps of the art museum, all of it would be free.
It costs too much to get it shape, he always said. Equipment and classes and instructors - we don't have that kind of money, he always said. Don't bother, he always said.
You're too old anyways, he always said.
Crack. Crack.
Well, this is one resolution I'm going to keep, she thought.
Toss, toss, toss, toss, toss, toss, toss, toss, thud.
Crack. Crack.
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well know you've inspired me! thanks for the hints on free workout tools. peace...
ReplyDeleteYep, the commitment's the thing. :)
ReplyDeleteA sparse rendering of a couple's relationship so dramatically told.
ReplyDeleteAdam B @revhapiness
Good for her resilience and commitment. Like the way you weaved in the money and their struggles in a very subtle way.
ReplyDeleteAll as I'm getting ready to climb back on the elliptical. Trying to hint at me, Tony?
ReplyDeleteI loved the 'crack crack crack'of her bones throughout. Have you been spying on me? :D
ReplyDeleteLinda: I've heard it said that the weight of your own body is the ideal workout tool.
ReplyDeleteLaura: Absolutely!
Adam: I'm glad you saw that. The barriers we have to overcome are only ever partly within ourselves.
Julito: Lack of money is so often presented as an insurmountable barrier, when it's often more like a surrogate for the real issue.
John: It all starts with commitment!
Catherine: Heh, you're not the only one who cracks and crackles with every step!
I do Pilates so I can attest to the value of using the natural resistance of your body to train yourself. Still, these are some excellent tips! Proof that you can do something if you REALLY want to. Well done to her for not just making excuses.
ReplyDeleteSometimes someone telling you can't do something is just the inspiratiion needed. Good for her and good job Tony!
ReplyDeleteCommitment is the most important thing for working out. Pretty sure she'll do fine. Now if I could just find mine again...
ReplyDeleteThere was a line in "Killing Me Softly With His Song": 'I felt he found my letters and read each one out loud'. You got me, Tony.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, well done, now I feel bad and lazy. Mission accomplished. Good character, and what a way to show her resolve.
ReplyDeleteIcy: I've never tried pilates, but i used to do a bit of yoga & resistance work. One may not be able to afford to go to a gym, but your body is always with you.
ReplyDeleteHarry: Thanks!
Seleste: It can go into remission, but it's still there.
Janet: I'm glad this one spoke to you. I have to say, though, now that you've quoted that song lyric, I'm pretty much obligated to give a link to one of my earlier #FridayFlash stories. Proceed with caution.
Valerie: Don't feel bad - feel inspired!
I really wonder what happened next. Did she get stronger and eventually leave him, beat him up or kill him? I like that you leave this open-ended and I love the repetition throughout.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Tony. I'm with Rachel, wondering what happens when she gets in shape. Could be the birth of a new female assassin! Just kidding. Sort of. :)
ReplyDeleteYep, it's all about how much you really want something. Enjoyed this one!
The tools aren't the thing — hey, you can get fit doing push-ups and sit-ups! It's the determination to at least try despite the opposition.
ReplyDeleteI bent over once, never again! Great short story.
ReplyDeletehmmm...seems more like revenge than commitment :-)
ReplyDeleteWhere there's a will..
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Tony.
Rachel: So bloodthirsty! No, she eventually lost 45 pounds, grew wiry and strong, ran her first marathon at the age of 64, outlived her husband (who died of a massive heart attack) and got a boyfriend a few years ago when she was 71. Her new boyfriend is 68 and physically impotent, but can still experience emotionally sexual release. Thanks to patience, honesty, a sense of humor and a variety of improvised marital aids, they both enjoy a satisfying sex life.
ReplyDeleteGracie: See above.
FAR: Yep, determination is everything.
Ziggy: The first sit-up is always the hardest!
Shannon: Mmmm, perhaps a bit of "I'll show you who can't", but isn't there a bit of that in all of us?
Laurita: Thanks!
All it takes is someone saying you can't to make you want to prove them wrong. I love this character. Her spirit inspires me.
ReplyDeleteGood for her! Excellent story, and excellent tips!
ReplyDeleteI like the way it speaks about their relationship. Once she reaches her goals I think he may be in for a rude surprise. Thud.
ReplyDelete~jon
This is really well done. I love the rhythm of the piece and how in its brevity it packs such a punch about their relationship. Thanks for posting it.
ReplyDeleteStephen: Sweet!
ReplyDeleteEric: Thanks! As others have noted in other comments, the weight of your own body can be an excellent workout device.
Jon: Thank you!
Heidi: Yes, the relationship is what drives everything.
I almost felt sorry for the MC, but as it went on I could sense she was happy with her craftiness and ingenuity.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't deserve her, i hope she works that one out after her work out! Loved the repetition too. But no thanks for the free exercise tips: my excuse IS that it's too expensive.
ReplyDelete