This tall, lean guy in grey draw-string pants and a blue hoodie stands hesitantly at the entrance, looks about then walks into the room. Someone is changing songs on the music system, several are chatting while others lounge lazily on the floor. Only one is stretching, jogging – warming up for the session.
Faded, oversize t-shirts printed everything from washing detergent to the women’s guild slogan, baggy pants, worn out sports shoes, stockings and head scarves appear to be the preferred getup.
The stranger coughs. “Excuse me”. A little louder “Excuse me!” Everyone stops what they are doing and looks at him
“Hey. My name is Chris and am your new instructor”. There are several murmurs.
“What happened to our old one?”
“He got other engagements and could not continue working here.”
The men shrug and get into place; the ladies check out the new guy as he walks to the corner and strips off his pants and hoodie. Underneath the attire is a body to drool over – toned arms, large pecks, flat abdomen and fine legs. The once over lasts only a few seconds. Some ladies visibly swallow the saliva that has suddenly pooled in their mouths while others wipe it from the corner of their lips as they all get into place.
The session starts with a few warm up exercises. Stretches to the left, right and downwards to touch the toes – the ladies keep their eyes up to see if his butt matches the rest of the body –it does! A few groans are heard from the back that have nothing to do with the stretches.
The exercises start with aerobics. His pace is fast; jumping jacks, lunges, squats, high knees, leg curls are instructed in rapid succession. It is nothing like the comfortable pace that the group is used to. Astonishingly, they all keep up, even the portly lady who barely does 5 jacks without stopping to gasp for air like a fish out of water. There are no water breaks, usually an excuse to rest or to avoid tough routines. Motivation is at an all-time high. No one wants to look sloppy.
Tummy work out is next. Everyone grabs a mat, sprays it down with antiseptic, wipes it and lies down. Usually the mat is the worst; planks in particular. Supporting one’s body on arms and toes is hell. But Chris does not know that.
He asks everyone to get into position and starts counting down from ten. Faces cringe, legs scream but they all hold to one. Crunches are next. Cycling while lying down with hands on your head while twisting the upper body is a nightmare. After an excruciating 45 minute workout, Chris ends the day’s gym session.
“See you day after tomorrow”.
Thursday, same time, same place, same crowd, new outfits. Capri pants, leggings, neon coloured fitting tops, new gym shoes and a touch of blush.
The ladies are all glammed up. They are all doing different stretch routines when Chris walks into the room. Indeed there is nothing like a fine gym instructor to get a team inspired.
