Joining the titans

I've started lifting weights in earnest.

Once you get past the second workout (always the worst), it's very fulfilling. For one, you get to flex your biceps and actually see something.  For another, a slight change overcomes your body: you have a curiously distinct sense that you're stronger.  This is pretty empowering.

One set of exercises I've been doing works the pocket of muscles below your shoulder as well as your triceps.  Those muscles have started developing, and they feel like wings: a hidden mass of wings coiled beneath my shoulder blades.  It's my hidden superpower.  I could take part in Clash of the Titans.

Exercise hurts

If you want to torture someone, and they have never done an exercise like this before, make them do decline situps.

Then force them to do it again two days later.

The first time is incredibly difficult. The second time will leave you weeping like a baby. You are using muscles you hardly ever call upon, and they will protest in a painful way (think knives scoring your sides).

This is the ugly truth of exercise. The second time is the worst.

Thankfully it always gets better.