Nordic Track (This is Awkward)

(Okay.)

(This one looks… different.)

(How hard could it be?)

Feet start sliding, arms go back

This feels like skiing—but polite

I don't remember signing up

To cross a country… emotionally

Arms say "pull," legs say "glide"

Brain says "this feels unauthorized"

Nothing hurts—yet—just pride

Which feels… early to lose

Push and pull, back and forth

Is this cardio or a social experiment?

I'll give it a minute, feel it out

I've already committed, so

This is awkward

I look awkward

I feel awkward—but I'm still here

This is awkward

Very awkward

But I'm moving, so it counts, I fear

This is awkward

Extremely awkward

But I'm committed now, so cheers

Adjust the arms, adjust the stance

Nothing about this helps

I'm not sure what my face should do

Smiling feels… aggressive

I'll stare straight ahead

Like I know what I'm doing

If I look confident enough

I might trick the mirrors

Push and pull, steady pace

This machine has accepted me

If I stop now, I'll have to explain

So I'll just… keep going respectfully

This is awkward

Still awkward

But less than thirty seconds ago

This is awkward

Still awkward

But now it's part of my cardio

This is awkward

But I've decided

Awkward isn't a reason to go

How long have I been here now?

This feels longer than advertised

The screen says minutes

But my soul says… seasons

Arms and legs are negotiating

Who's in charge of what?

I'm sweating in a way that suggests

I am doing this correctly… probably

(Okay.)

(Still going.)

(This is fine.)