What it seems
A state of fitness achieved through regular exercise, healthy food and determination.
What it really means
In Italy, fitness begins with a gym membership.
Running shoes, a smartwatch and an unlimited annual plan follow.
Actually going is an optional extra.
Paying in advance converts guilt into a standing order.
How it works
“I’m starting on Monday.” Which Monday is a philosophical question.
“Rest day today.” The last workout was in February.
“These are professional running shoes.” Their longest journey was from the car park to the café.
The key to understanding
A gym is a metaphysical place: it exists whether its members attend or not.
Some pay for streaming services they never watch.
Italians pay for workouts they never do.
Fitness takes discipline.
A direct debit takes seconds.
