The reopening at last of gyms and fitness centers in New York must be a great relief to those who, unlike me, take their fitness seriously. During the COVID shutdown there was a big demand for home gym equipment including a mysterious item called Kettlebells. “Clients are afraid that all their work will go to waste” said one gym owner. The quest for fitness is often described as “work” rather than fun or pleasure, and indeed it seems strangely self-punishing because there is no end to it.