I started working out again today.

This morning, I saw someone post a health check report: normal weight, low skeletal muscle mass, excess fat, and a body fat percentage classified as severely obese. I looked it up on Google and came across the term “skinny fat”. It really startled me especially I saw the belly photo with fat, because that’s exactly what I seem to be dealing with right now.

I’ve been cycling regularly and have decent ride logs. I also enjoy the treadmill, but I’ve heard that cardio like that can burn muscle if not balanced properly. So today, I did about 50 reps of chest expander, 30 reps with a power twister, a few push-ups (with my hands on the edge of the bed, since I can’t do many flat on the ground), and I also hung from a pull-up bar. ChatGPT suggested I focus more on strength training, which matches what my fitness-loving friend told me before.

Back in the winter, he encouraged me to get a gym membership. He was so enthusiastic, patiently showing me how to use the machines. I was motivated too, but I didn’t keep up with it. Around March 20, I came down with a cold because I got rained on and wind-blown on my way back from the gym. After I recovered, I tried getting back on the treadmill, but I felt weak. Then I got absorbed in reading books and following U.S. news — especially anything about tariffs — and I never went back to the gym. Because of all the sitting, I often feel pain in my shoulders and back.

Whenever I have time, I like going for walks or bike rides. I can ride 9 to 12 miles at over 12–14 mph, and I actually enjoy it.

I could’ve kept going to the gym — that wasn’t the problem. But The Girl gave me a reason to keep moving. We’re still good friends, but by March, I started to feel a bit of distance between us. I didn’t want to be controlling or clingy, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit lost and helpless. I need to rebuild my workout routine, regardless of any reasons or circumstances.