Last summer, on a trip away, I did my back in for the very first time.

I was in a place of breathtaking scenery, surrounded by nature —
And I spent almost the entire trip bed-bound.
I'd wobble to my feet in my back brace, wincing,
Grabbing my friend's arm just to walk.

It felt like I'd aged about thirty years overnight.
This summer, I'm determined not to let that happen again.

“Stretches you can do lying down”
“Build a flexible body — injury free!”
“Just 20 reps a day to prevent back pain”

I tried copying the muscle training and stretches
I'd impulsively saved from video sites —
But my body didn't change at all.

Realising this wasn't going to work, I joined a personal training gym.
But on top of the actual exercise, there's so much for a beginner to remember:
How to use the machines, what the training programme involves,
The names of the muscles you're supposed to be working, and more.

I slip my gym membership card into the pocket of my small notebook
And quietly check the notes I jotted down during training.

If I keep this with me wherever I go,
I'm sure my back will get better.
And who knows —
Maybe I'll even get a little toned along the way.