Notes About The Poem

Working Out Isn't Working Out

I used to like barbells, enjoyed pumping iron,
   my Nautilus* gym was one happy environ.
Those posters of 6-packs and marbled biceps
   inspired me to start counting carbs, pounds, and reps.

My trainer would coax, "hold as long as you can!"
   Doing deadlifts I felt like a WAS a dead man
The kettlebell, medicine ball - hated those,
   since dropping 'em both on my poor little toes.

My dad-bod and willpower soon parted ways,
   after only 1 set, I was shell-shocked for days
My back hurt, my knees ached, I'd injured my hips,
   after grimacing nonstop, I'd sprained both my lips.

Oy! The sharp pain that shoots through my quads, delts and glutes... Now my game plan is shifting no more power lifting. To planks, it's "no thanks", I'm expunging all lunging. I feel stabs in my abs, there's a hex on my pecs and my lats shriek like bats. When I tweak my oblique I am sore to the core... and I want it no more.
The rowing machine is no longer my scene I loathe those squats lots and I hate crunches bunches. Do sit-ups or push-ups? Do jump-ups or chin-ups? I'm more inclined now to do lots of "I-give-ups". My doc tried convincing me I'd be less tired? I'm questioning how that poor man's brain is wired! I felt half exhausted just WATCHING staff clean the ellipticals, treadmills, and stair-climb machine. Then... I found when I stood on the locker room scale That my plan to lose weight was a sad epic fail! I'm done! I have finished my very last burpee - I just want a hot dog and super-size Slurpee. What happened to wanting to feel fit and well? When it came to workouts, I was just a dumbbell. I've resolved now to walk more, or swim a few laps maybe jog, ride my bike, play some tennis, take naps. That's right, getting plenty of rest seems so plain, it appears the most challenging muscle to train ... is the brain. * Nautilus is a brand of gym equipment written 2 Oct 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Sparrow Avatar
February 1, 2023 at 8:56 PM
I love this! So perfectly rhymed and very amusing. I sent this to my friend who works out 6 days a week, he will appreciate it as well. Excellent!
Ashley Avatar
December 3, 2022 at 8:13 AM
My dearest PoBro, having been a full-time fitness instructor and personal trainer for 30+ years (now semi-retired..), and as someone who works out for pleasure too, I've been on both sides of the 'nautilus gym', and you had me giggling all the way through this delightful romp through the gym! This is such a fun and fantastic piece! I especially loved "My dad-bod and willpower soon parted ways" hehe! and "after grimacing nonstop, I'd sprained both my lips" Oy! lol!! and "I'm done! I have finished my very last burpee - / I just want a hot dog and super-size Slurpee" Haha! All the rhymes and internal rhymes are just so ingenious! "there's a hex on my pecs / and my lats shriek like bats" Hysterical! Your gifted pen is as funny as it is golden, John. Your last two lines are a grand finale to an exceptionally witty poem so cleverly put together. Still smiling over it all! :)) Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~your PS-PS <3
Cunningham Avatar
December 1, 2022 at 9:22 PM
I've had to take a nap after reading this John. Lol. Tom
Tor Avatar
October 19, 2022 at 3:31 AM
Love this John. I was laughing through it all. You did a wonderful job at describing the results of rigorous workouts. Love the humor you used. My brother Gaston was a champion body builder. He took first place in the Mr Naturalin Buffalo. I agree though you get hurt easily lifting weights or anything to do with weights
Salehi Avatar
October 17, 2022 at 11:08 PM
You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run... :)
Dietrich Avatar
October 15, 2022 at 10:18 AM
I know this is exaggeration but it's GOOD and FUNNY. I think the much bike riding you do is actually just fine, John. Did you know exercise only accounts for 25% of weight loss. It's basically just mostly in what we eat. All exercise does is up our metabolism. But lift those weights at least twice a week. it's really good for your bones!
Dietrich Avatar
October 15, 2022 at 10:16 AM
wow, the month is going FAST for me not to have seen this one yet. Let me take a read.
Proxenos Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 8:51 AM
Fun, laughs and giggles, chuckles, such humor, and poetry truly outstanding. John this is excellent - no need for me to go on diet though, i have lost 5 kilos and my appetite since my op. Hugs and blessings
Horne Avatar
October 12, 2022 at 6:38 AM
LOL, I can relate to this, my friend - had a good chuckle here
Baker Avatar
October 8, 2022 at 10:57 PM
Sounds like you tried it all, I did as well, my friend. Then after a few years of growing obese, I went back to walking, then jogging then running. In a year I loss 80+ lbs and was back in my weight range and feeling great. I still go to the gym to lift for toning twice a week since I retire. I'm a healthy 77 year old man. Thanks for the fun and informative poem, John. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Kyser Avatar
October 8, 2022 at 7:36 AM
Nicely done, John. The musels are still in shape!
Faulkner Avatar
October 7, 2022 at 9:10 PM
I am not friends with the gym, and this has aptly demonstrated why! Too many aches and strains on body and brain - can I have an herbal tea instead :)
Peck Avatar
October 6, 2022 at 11:13 AM
HaHa! SO funny! It sounds like me, only with Jazzercize for 8 yrs, then walking 1-1/2 miles daily with my dog. Now...I walk on treadmill, calling it unkind names because it's so boring. I love your poem, especially ~after grimacing nonstop, I've sprained both my lips.~ I'm faving.
Y. Avatar
October 6, 2022 at 10:27 AM
WoW! John, You have penned a well written and entertaining write, that many cans relate too. Excellent job. Have a nice day my friend:-) Alexis
M  Avatar
October 6, 2022 at 2:39 AM
Such a great entertaining poem John….funny! Really enjoyed…Debx
Hawkins Avatar
October 5, 2022 at 2:19 PM
I had to go and have a cup of tea and a lie down after reading your super charged excellent poem, John. Take care, Shirley.
Callus Avatar
October 5, 2022 at 4:39 AM
Thank you for the entertainment, John :) Nowadays I leave working out for the younger generation, after all I'm a retired man now3 :) (but I still go play badminton now and again). ~ Regards // paul
Forbes Avatar
October 4, 2022 at 3:48 PM
As a recovering gym-rat this totally hit the spot for me... so so good! I giggled and nodded the whole way through. Thank you!!
Romios Avatar
October 4, 2022 at 1:16 PM
Perfecto John. You are a dlightful friend and a great poet……This is a FAV, and highlights your talent at writing..zowie! I can’t exercise as you. I am married to my Walker since I broke my leg. But I hated 5 months of physical therapy..it was either that, or be stuck in a wheelchair. I complained plenty. Now! I am grateful. PS.Eddie made the Honor Roll yesterday. Had coaching in pitching on the weekend in Palo Alto! Sunshine and sparkles! Panagiota
Radice Avatar
October 4, 2022 at 12:12 AM
John, another brilliant poem - 'a workout of words'. Love your internal rhymes and your very clever title and last line.I can envisage this sung as a song on stage - particularly the twelve lines starting with "Oy..". I did attempt a few half marathons and a couple of full marathons many moons ago but stick to walking these days. Cheers - Gary
Wolf Avatar
October 3, 2022 at 6:36 PM
POTD-bound, John. If not, there's no joy in Mudville... ~ Casey
Flood Avatar
October 3, 2022 at 8:31 AM
What a brilliantly fun write, and one with which I am in complete agreement. I mean, did nobody ever mention that muscle is heavier than fat…. Duh… as you start to get fit… YOUR WEIGHT GOES UP. Besides, who wants to be the healthiest person in heaven. Many Laughs, John. Terry
Messina Avatar
October 3, 2022 at 3:04 AM
Love this, John. I'd did quite a few arm- lifts this morning myself. Does it count sipping my coffee? Superb writing as usual. Have a great week...Charlie
Bauer Avatar
October 2, 2022 at 1:22 PM
John - this is wonderful, from the title to the very last word! I enjoyed it immensely…
Kendrick Avatar
October 2, 2022 at 12:50 PM
Got a few chuckles here. Just thinking about exercising is tiring. LOL..Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
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