You overdo it

Changing into your spandex gym clothes, you hurry out to the equipment room, deciding to go with a session on a stationary bike. You climb on and turn the settings to challenging, then start your workout. You omit your usual routine of stretching, wanting to get as much of a workout in as possible before the gym closes.

As you pedal, you enjoy the the solitude of the empty gym, although you admit to yourself that you also enjoy it when its busy, and your ripe body draws the eyes of the men working out. You love to watch them trying to catch your eye and show off for you, and the jealous looks you get from some women at the attention you attract. Right now, however, the only person you see is Kenny, another of the attendants. He's busy adjusting some of the equipment, but gives you a smile and a wave.

He's younger than Jason, probably about your own age. He's tall and lean, with broad shoulders, and long wiry looking arms. As you pedal, you amuse yourself with idle fantasies about the two attendants, letting that and the physical exercise drain you of the tension that built up over the day.

You really get into your workout, pedalling hard against the resistance of the bike, your legs straining and sweat forming a sheen on your skin. You breathing hard, your body straining with effort, loving the feel of the energy burn.

Finally, your reach the last stage of the setting and finish hard, pedalling as though you're winning the Tour de France, then slump in triumph as you finish, sweat coating your skin. Panting slightly, you swing yourself off the bike.

It's then that you feel the twinge of strain in your thighs. It is the distinct feel of pulled or overworked muscles, and you scold yourself for not having warmed up properly.