Paul hired a trainer because he struggled with his wife’s holiday suitcase.
After six weeks, he could lift their packed case easily. His wife was so pleased that she bought a larger one.
At the airport, Paul lifted it onto the belt without help.
Then the check-in clerk gave him the price….
After last year’s holiday, Paul promised there would be no more struggling with the suitcase.
His wife, Helen, suggested taking less.
Paul said the problem was strength.
Helen said that was an interesting way to describe five pairs of his shoes.
He booked six weeks with a trainer called Jay.
At their first session, Jay asked about his goal.
I need to lift a suitcase.
For work?
For Helen.
Jay asked how heavy it was.
It depends how near we are to leaving.
They started with light weights. Then heavier ones. Paul practised lifting a bag from the floor onto a waist-high shelf.
Jay told him to bend his knees.
Paul said the airline desk did not normally give him that much advice.
After three weeks, he carried the shopping upstairs without stopping.
After five, he moved a large plant pot.
After six, he lifted their old suitcase onto the kitchen counter.
Helen applauded.
He lowered it carefully.
Well? he asked.
Wonderful. That gives us options.
On Saturday, she bought a larger suitcase.
Paul stared at it.
That’s bigger than the one we’ve trained with.
She said they had both been improving their holiday plans.
Jay gave Paul one final session. They packed the new case with books until it matched the weight Helen expected to take.
Paul lifted it.
Jay smiled.
You’re ready.
At the airport, Paul refused help from the taxi driver. He carried the case inside, rolled it to the desk and lifted it onto the belt with a smooth bend of the knees.
Helen said he had done that beautifully.
The clerk looked at the display.
It’s over the allowance.
Paul explained about the training.
The clerk said that was lovely. It was still over the allowance.
She gave him the extra charge.
Paul read it twice.
Six weeks ago, I couldn’t even lift this, he said.
Now you can, said Helen.
He took out his wallet.
The clerk waited. Helen watched his face.
I thought we’d solved the problem, he said.
She patted his arm.
We have. Now we need a trainer for your wallet.
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