[Day 2] Physical Training at the Gym

You arrive at the gym to find it bustling with activity. The hum of equipment and the rhythmic thuds of feet on treadmills fill the air.

Isabella and Samantha are on the treadmills, chitchatting while watching a TV show on a large monitor mounted on the wall in front of them. They appear engrossed in both their conversation and the drama unfolding on the screen.

Camille is on a stationary bike, her attention divided between her workout and a book she’s reading. You squint, trying to make out the title, but it’s too far away to see.

Aneni is doing sit-ups with a determined expression, Destiny is focused on her squats, and over by the yoga mats, Maria is stretching. She’s dressed in yoga pants and a sports bra, moving with the grace of someone who knows her body well.

You scan the room and notice that Kira isn't here.

You walk over to Maria and wave. She looks up and smiles, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she stands to greet you.

"Hey there," you say.

"Hi," she replies, her voice warm. "Ready for today’s workout?"

"Sure. What are we doing?"

"Today, we’ll focus on building your endurance," she explains, "and we’ll also do some light full-body strength exercises."

"Sounds good," you nod, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

She leads you to the treadmills and sets both to medium speed. "The goal is to run 5km in 35 minutes. Don’t worry if you can’t make it; it’s just a milestone."

You nod again, not entirely sure what to expect. As the treadmills start, you both begin running. The first few minutes are manageable, but soon you feel the strain.

After about 20 minutes and 3 km, you find yourself winded and have to turn down the speed. Maria glances over with a supportive smile, while Samantha and Isabella giggle as they sneak peeks.

"Hang in there," Maria encourages. "You’re doing great."

After another grueling 20 minutes, you finally complete the 5km. Exhausted, you step off the treadmill, panting and drenched in sweat. Maria hands you a towel.

"It’s okay," she says warmly. "It’s expected to have stamina issues after just waking up from cryosleep. If anything, 5km in 40 minutes is pretty impressive."

"Thanks," you reply sheepishly, appreciating her encouragement.

Next, you move on to strength training. Maria guides you through a series of exercises:

Bench Press: 3 sets of 12 reps
Deadlift: 5 sets of 5 reps
Squats: 3 sets of 12 reps
Dumbbell Lateral Raises: 3 sets of 12 reps

As you work through the routine, you notice some of the girls stealing glances at you. You try to stay focused, unbothered by the attention.

Finally, you finish the strength training, feeling thoroughly exhausted. Maria hands you a water bottle. "You’re doing great," she says with a smile.

"Thanks," you say, gulping down the water gratefully.

Maria then has you jump rope for five minutes. Despite your fatigue, you push through. By now, most of the girls have left, with only Destiny and Aneni chatting by the squat rack.

When you finish, Maria approaches. "Ready for some stretching?"

"Absolutely," you reply, looking forward to the cooldown.

She starts stretching you out, and though you want to enjoy the sensation of her hands on your muscles, you’re too tired to fully appreciate it. Still, her touch is both soothing and professional, helping to relieve some of the tension from your workout.

"Great job today," she says as you finish.

"Thanks, Maria. I appreciate it," you reply, genuinely grateful for her help.

"Tomorrow, you’ll be training with Aneni," she informs you. "Same time, but at the training facility."

You nod in understanding. "Got it. Thanks again."

You check your watch. It’s 18:48. Deciding it’s time to refuel, you head to the dining hall for dinner, feeling accomplished despite your fatigue.