Amy, Ike and the Gym Chronicles

Walking Into the Gym

When Amy and I walk into the gym, it looks like two completely different people showed up for the same class. She moves with confidence and grace—like someone who watched one YouTube tutorial and immediately mastered every lift. I, on the other hand, resemble a newborn giraffe trying to find its legs for the first time. Knees wobbling, arms flailing, eyes begging someone to call 911 just in case.

Ike, our trainer, sees it instantly. Amy stays laser-focused, barely speaking. Me? I talk through every single rep. Not because I’m doing well, but because talking is the only thing standing between me and the very real possibility of collapsing dramatically on the mat.

Sometimes Ike just shakes his head and grins. “Mike, you doing alright?” “No, Ike. But thanks for asking.”

Two Workout Styles, One Witness

Amy looks like she’s filming a fitness commercial—smooth, steady, form perfect. I look like the blooper reel at the end of the DVD.

Getting up and down from the mat is my personal Mount Everest. Amy drops to the floor and pops back up like it’s nothing. I, however, make noises that concern people in a three‑mile radius. Ike keeps asking if I’m okay, and honestly, some days I’m not sure.

Cardio? That’s a beast for both of us—but somehow she endures it with dignity while I look like I’m auditioning for a survival documentary. Ike tries not to laugh out loud.

And that’s the difference between us:

• Amy suffers silently and nobly.
• I suffer loudly and with commentary.

What We’re Learning (Besides Proper Form)

Amy joins because she wants to be strong and healthy for the years ahead too. Our reasons aren’t identical, our approaches are wildly different, and our styles don’t match at all.

But that’s the point—same destination, different paths.

The Real Marriage Lesson

Working out with Amy has reminded me of something true about marriage: God didn’t design us to mirror each other move for move. He designed us to complement one another—to step into the same goals with different strengths, perspectives, and personalities.

At the gym, Amy brings determination. I bring comic relief. In life, she brings steadiness. I bring… well, occasionally some chaos and a colorful pair of shoes.

But we’re in it together. Sweating. Laughing. Growing. One awkward squat at a time.