Chapter 59: Clean Newbie

Chapter 59: Clean Newbie

The gym run by Manager Nakayama was about a 10-minute walk from my house in the shopping district.

The monthly fee was 10,000 yen, more expensive than other gyms nearby, but there was a good reason for it.

It was because Manager Nakayama himself moved around the gym, offering free coaching.

While regular gyms earned their operating income through personal training, Manager Nakayamas method almost resembled voluntary service, though he seemed unconcerned about it.

He laughed it off, saying, I made enough money when I was younger and now I want to devote my time to training the next generation.

For that reason, it was a place I could trust.

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

Oh! Welcome! Kim! Your muscles are looking great today!

Upon entering the gym, Manager Nakayama at the front desk greeted me with a smile.

I returned the compliment on Manager Nakayamas muscles, then introduced Koto Kazuya, who stood nervously at the door.

This is Koto Kazuya. He wants to exercise with me, so I brought him along. Could we have a free trial for about three days?

Manager Nakayama approached with sparkling eyes.

Of course! Its Kims request!

He then felt Kotos body up and down and asked with an intrigued expression.

Did you do any sports when you were younger? Your muscle balance seems quite good.

Yes? Oh, yes. I was a track and field athlete for about a year in middle school.

I see. Thats why your hamstrings are well developed; you have a good base.

Manager Nakayama stood up with a satisfied expression and gestured to me.

Then go to the changing room and change your clothes. Lets start with a basic physical fitness test.

Okay.

I led Koto, who looked around the fitness club with curiosity, toward the changing room in the corner.

After changing into the gym-provided workout clothes and coming outside, Manager Nakayama waited at the door.

Lets start with some light jogging.

He led us to the treadmills, saying so.

Manager Nakayama placed Koto on the treadmill and said,

In our gym, we customize the training menu according to each individuals fitness level. So, first, we need to know Kotos limits.

After saying this, Manager Nakayama suddenly set the speed to 12 km/h.

So run until you feel like youre about to drop dead.

What? Did I hear that right?

But the treadmills countdown began mercilessly.

3, 2, 1

Beep!

The belt started moving slowly, and Koto, caught off guard, began walking.

However, since the target speed was 12 km/h, the belts speed increased rapidly.

Koto had to start running immediately, without any time to warm up.

What, what, what, what is this?!

First, I went to the squat rack and added two 10kg plates to the empty bar.

That made it 40kg.

This weight was enough for a warm-up for someone who had never done the three major lifts before.

Koto, who knew nothing but followed us anyway, stepped into the squat rack.

Under the guidance of Manager Nakayama, he lifted the barbell onto his shoulders with proper posture.

Heup!

He inhaled sharply, squatting down and standing up about three times.

40kg seems too light for him.

Manager Nakayama nodded and signaled to me.

I promptly increased the weight.

It was now the average weight for a regular person, 60kg.

This is easy!

But Koto easily managed it, eventually squatting up to 100kg.

Hmm. This is getting interesting.

Manager Nakayama muttered and then moved on to the next exercise, the bench press, to measure the 1RM (one-rep max).

Ultimately, Koto Kazuyas recorded scores were a squat of 100, a barbell press of 80, and a deadlift of 120.

Honestly, I hadnt expected an average person without proper training to be able to lift such heavy weights.

After completing all the basic physical fitness measurements, Koto Kazuya asked with spirited energy,

Osshaaaa! Brother! How did I do?!

Then Manager Nakayama, seemingly pleased, clapped and said,

You passed. You can start coming to our gym tomorrow.

While exercising, Koto Kazuya resembled an untamed wild horse.

Probably, with proper training from a good master, he could achieve a much better physique than he has now.

Just like when I first met Manager Nakayama.

Now that Koto had gained the managers favor, it seemed unnecessary for me to intervene.

So, I was about to sneak away to focus on my original reason for coming to the gym, which was to work out.

Ah, Kim Yu-seong.

I ran into Fuma-senpai, who had just arrived at the gym, coming out of the changing room in his training clothes.

Hello.

As I greeted him and bowed, Koto, standing next to Manager Nakayama, came over with gleaming eyes and asked me a tactless question.

Shes very pretty! Is she yours, brother?

Wiggling his pinky finger as he spoke, Fuma-senpai, who was standing nearby and had overheard, blushed and objected.

What?! Kim Yu-seong and I are not in that kind of relationship!

Eh~ They say a strong denial is a strong affirmation. It seems right to me, doesnt it?

Then Fuma-senpai, looking astonished, pointed at Koto.

Kim Yu-seong! What the heck?! Who is this rude guy?

It felt as if two people who should never have met just did, and I automatically started to feel a headache coming.