English Dub Season Review: How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? Season One

Our Take:

How’s your workout going? Are you actually doing it? Because probably you, like me, says that they are going to do their workout today but actually, are kind of tired. There’s always tomorrow, or the weekend, or after a necessary nap to recover from work. By the time you actually get the motivation to exercise, it’s either too late, too dark, or off-season. Well, this show is here to motivate you!

It’s be hard pressed to say that this series really has a plot, but it does have character relationship progression. Hibiki starts out embarrassed by the concept of having to work out, but by the end, she’s found friends to exercise with. Most prominent is Akemi, who Hibiki is intimidated by at the start of the series, but becomes very close to her by the end. Akemi in turn is able to open up around Hibiki, both of her passions for exercise (and ripped guys), and show her competitive side. They start to broaden their social circle too, becoming close with their fellow students and even their teacher. Exercise unites all!

Instead of a plot, this show features more information about exercises. In every segment is Machio or one of the characters that’s an expert, explaining how to properly use equipment or do some sort of regimented exercise. They’re short, simple, but informative. In doing so, it also makes a point that people go into exercise for different reasons. It isn’t all about wanting to lose weight, or because people think they’re fat. Sometimes they have ideal body form they’re aiming towards. Sometimes they need to have a certain body type to fit into an outfit. Sometimes, they just like to exercise. Sometimes, they’re competitive athletes. Sometimes, they just want to stay healthy. It doesn’t shame anyone for their choices, and we all need media like that.

However, it covers a wide range of things; first starting out at the gym and what equipment to use for what, but then expanding to things you can do at home. After all, gym equipment is no doubt expensive to own, and depending on where you live, gym membership can end up being pretty pricey. There’s less of a focus on the types of exercises that people do normally (such as sit-ups and jogging), but also introducing things that the layperson might not know. When it does focus on more conventional activities, the focus is less on how to do them but more on how to hold proper form and the pitfalls that many people can fall into. There are things to do while sitting, things to do at home, even what posture to hold while hiking. This makes the show much more accessible, as not everyone can afford a gym membership, or has time to dedicate portions of their day to pure exercise. The show knows that, and in giving this, lets people know that being healthy isn’t just about a strict workout.

The humor in the show is also pretty great. They treat the absurd as normal, and while some things are definitely lampshaded- how does Machio fit into that slim tracksuit anyway? Why is suddenly everyone buff? Where does Hibiki store all the food that she eats? How is Machio absolutely everywhere and yet somehow manages to be inconspicuous? The world may never know. It’s a show that features cute girls and highly buff dudes, and it’s great that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Honestly, this was a bright point this season. It’s not particularly deep, but it didn’t need to be. Sometimes you just need a show that you can put on and mindlessly enjoy. Sometimes you need something that motivates you to exercise. This managed to do both, and I’m grateful for that experience.