Set in Turin during the late 1800s, the story follows Simone Celzani (Lino Capolicchio), a young man who becomes deeply and hopelessly infatuated with Maria Pedani (Senta Berger), a passionate and energetic gymnastics instructor at a local school. The film humorously explores social mores, physical culture, and the strict pedagogical standards of post-Risorgimento Italy through the lens of Simone's romantic obsession and Maria's unwavering dedication to physical exercise