Monday, February 7, 2022 Exercise Buddy

I wonder when the concept of exercise as a regular way of staying in shape came about? Is it a product of our modern times in which we have labor saving devices that give us more leisure time? It’s hard to picture Ma and Pa Ingalls having to set aside time for regular walks, weightlifting or jogging. Nevertheless, here we are. Most of us have some sort of exercise equipment in the house that only occasionally gets used.

We have an exercise bike that we’ve had for probably over 25 years. I’ve used it regularly in the past at various seasons of my life. Right now its primary purpose in life is to silently accuse me as I continually ignore it. I bet at least once a week I say to myself, “I’m going to use the exercise bike. It’s not that hard. I can even read or watch something while I do it.” But I’m just not that motivated. I need an exercise buddy, someone to fill in the gap and do it for me. Enter Cuddles.

Cuddles has been a part of our family for about 20 years. He came along quite by accident and never left. He takes up valuable space and has never really pulled his weight…until now. I’ve got him on the exercise bike where I benefit vicariously from his hard work. Of course, I never actually see him move. He always waits until nobody is around. It’s part of the famous Raggedy Ann Protocol For Dolls and Stuffed Animals. I don’t care, as long as he gets the job done.

If you need an exercise buddy, I’d consider renting Cuddles out.

I’ll probably delete this in the morning. Wait a minute – why should I expend any of my energy doing that? It’s another job for Cuddles.