Yes, we start NOW

I shop at a sporting good store and get three yoga mats, for whatever the situation needs. There is a chance that Tonya will get the workout bug if we are doing it everyday. Better to have it in case that iron ever gets hot.

When I arrive at the house, Mindy gives me a warm greeting and she helps me move the equipment into the new workout space. I throw down the workout mats and break the news to her.

"Ready? We are starting our first workout now."

"Oh... I didn't realize... I'm not really dressed for it." She looks apologetic and suddenly self conscious.

I give her a confident smile. "You don't need to change. This is just a basic exercise you can do anywhere, anytime. No stretching or sweating required."

"Um... okay then." I think she really would rather watch Netflix in the evening than start her workout regimen.

"Go to you mat and we are going to do some beginner planks." I keep it light. We do a round of front, back, and side planks. She doesn't look like she enjoys them, but I guessed that she could handle thirty seconds of each without a problem. She looks a little wobbly on the side planks, but otherwise does fine. Her form is mediocre, but I figured that critique could wait until we are doing a full session. Today was just a shot across the bow.

"Great! That is all for today. Easy, right?"

Relief washes over her. "Oh, thank goodness. I really didn't want to workout today, but I didn't want to disappoint you."

"I know, I just want to give your mind and body a warning of what is to come. If you did nothing but planks and plank variations, you can accomplish more than you think. If you ever feel like you can't fit in a workout. Just do some planks. Over time you will hold them for a lot longer, but a few minutes is all you need."

She nods. "I see that. Does this mean I can eat my chips now?"

"No!" I say melodramatically. "Do I need to look in your refrigerator?"

"NO!" She has a big guilty smile on her face. "I will shop better this week, promise."

"Good. How does your schedule look. Early mornings are my usual gym time. Does that work for you?"

"Yeah, my job starts late morning, so that is fine."

"Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?

"Whew... Yes... I can do that. You are serious about kicking my ass aren't you?" I nod. "What about breakfast? Could I make you something when you come over?"

"Um... I think I can feed myself, but if you always have some veggies ready to go, that would be great for both of us. And coffee is always welcome."

"Coffee goes without saying in my house. Thanks for doing this, I'm still in denial that it is really happening."

"Of course. And keep doing planks on days I don't see you. Oh, and since I will be going straight to work after, do you mind if I shower here after workouts?"

"Oh! Right. Yes, that will be fine. Tonya usually sleeps late. Her bathroom should be available."

We make sure we have each others contact information and call it a successful first day.