Topic > Summary of At the Gym by Mark Doty - 1245

When we reach this point, we decide what to do next. Do we stumble and fall or do we continue to find the will to overcome? Doty acknowledges that the burdens may be too much to handle alone. He recommends getting guidance and direction from those around us; “who can say who has added his warmth to the halo of our intent” (line 20). Mark Doty assures us that, in difficult times, we are not alone. This line recognizes those who have helped us on life's journey. One person's strengths may be another's weaknesses. Some may be dominant in chest exercises while others may be weak in shoulder workouts. Their dominance of a particular workout, however, didn't come in an instant. It took continued determination. In weightlifting, there are times when you want to challenge yourself and lift more than you know you can. During these times, assistance may be needed to push that weight into the last few inches. A spotter will help you achieve this. Training experience leads you to understand the mass of weight you can lift. In turn, you are able to get stronger and can lift much more than you could the first time