“Papa, Daddy, are you sure this is the best way to stay in shape?”

“Absolutely, Lexi. The more often you’re able to do an exercise, the easier it is to do it the next time, but building muscle requires you do the exercise over and over again in each session. Do you understand?”

“I think I do, Daddy. You’re building muscle, and I can see that the yoga has helped keep you slim, but why do I have to just lie here stiff while you push me up and down?”

“Oh, this is called a press, Lexi. But, since we don’t have a weight set, I use you for my barbells. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Oh, Papa, I like doing anything with you, you know that. But how am I supposed to get stronger? I can’t lift you!”

“No, I guess not. But you could do squats, I suppose.”

“Where?”

“How about right here, over me? That way I could check your form and make sure you’re doing it right?”

“Oh, Papa ... Daddy! These are the best exercises! Especially when I can get you in me! I’ll get lots of reps in this way!”

Story by Jon Eugene
Illustrations by Mat