Shortly before reaching middle age I joined a health club in a vain attempt to stave off the inevitable decline of my anatomy. As I passed the dreaded milestone and the inevitable refused to blink, I increased the frequency of my visits to the gym.

At first I used only cardiovascular equipment””the treadmill, the Stairmaster and the elliptical runner. The years passed and, no matter how often I went to the gym and how energetically I worked out, I still saw no improvement nor even a stabilization of my physique. In an effort to rectify this problem, I began to lift weights. My early iron-pumping experience was unfocused and lackluster. I rapidly realized that, to make any progress, I needed to set an objective. It had to be ambitious, yet achievable. I’m now determined to build my strength to the point where, within six months, I will be able to bench-press my weight. I’m rather proud of the progress I’ve already made. I weigh 165 pounds, which means that I only have to lose another 145 pounds to reach my goal.