Part 1

(Everyone’s giving it their all working out today, too.)

? It is rare to see your face around here, Chief.

Muneuji-kun! Why are you here?

Why, that goes without saying. To train, of course. In order to become an astronaut, one needs sturdy muscle mass.

Perhaps, are you also here to exercise?

Yup. I’ve been stuck at my desk all day lately, so I thought I’d come here for a change of pace to boost my productivity and also maintain a healthy lifestyle.

(Well… there’s also the rumours about the Noon Team becoming too strong lately…)

Hm… In other words, you are new to the gym, correct? Do you have an exercise regimen yet?

Generally, a fruitful exercise consists of preliminary stretches, strength training, cardio, and cool-down exercises in that order…

Oh~! So if I already stretched in my room earlier, I can just get started on push-ups?

That is… correct… If you do not mind, how about exercising together?

Huh, really? Sure, thanks!

Although it is called strength training, it does not necessarily imply doing whatever comes to mind. It is better to exercise your upper and lower bodies in turn for optimal results.

(Oh, I get it… That’s why he had a complicated expression when I mentioned push-ups earlier.)

Let us start off with squats. We will do 3 sets of 15 reps, you can go through them at your own pace.

Got it! Okay… One, two…

(Urg… This is kinda hard…)

Twenty… nine… Thirty!!! Haa… haa…

S-Sorry, that took a while… Hm?

…

(Muneuji-kun is sitting down with a relaxed expression…?)

Are you done already…?

No, I am on my 10th.

(Huh? His 10th… His 10th set…? Wow, Muneuji-kun’s amazing…)

Looking at your pace, it might be best if you move on to the next exercise. 3 sets of planks for 30 seconds each.

Yes! Trainer!

(Urg… This is also pretty tough…)

…

(Muneuji-kun sure has a calm face… At this rate, I’ll fall behind…)

…gh, it may be time to stop.

(Huh? But there’s still 15 seconds left!? Ah, I’m at my limit, no…)

I only lasted 25 seconds…

I think it is fine to count it as a set. If you challenge yourself to an achievable time repetitively, you will naturally build your strength. That is my ideology.

(I see, that’s why he stopped earlier than me…)

Now then, after this is cardio… I do prefer walking, but what say you?

Yeah, that works for me! So what’s important… is to challenge yourself?

Exactly. Therefore, there is no need to match your pace with mine.

You too! If I’m too slow, don’t worry about me and just go on ahead.

Indeed, but let’s be careful not to push ourselves too hard.

(...I was able to workout properly yesterday with Muneuji-kun’s guidance. It might just be my imagination, but it felt like I was able to sleep better.)

Let’s do our best today, too!

Chief, are you exercising today, as well?

Yup! Thanks for yesterday, by the way! It felt like both the productivity in my work and workouts increased ‘cause of you.

I did not do much, I was simply motivated by your exemplary enthusiasm. …By the way, would you happen to be aware of the concept of active rest?

No…

It is when you are still promoting blood flow in order to increase the rate of fatigue recovery during cooldowns. In other words, it is best to work up a sweat while cooling down as well.

I didn’t even think of that…

I was thinking of putting it into practice today, would you like to join me?

Of course!

(And just like that, working out with Muneuji-kun became a daily routine for me…)