[open] pump up the jam (a.k.a the fitness mingle post)

[galactically]

Who: Sheryl (galactically) and YOU!
What: Exercise classes (see the class schedule)
When: April 11th/13th/15th, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Where: Menrva's temple @ the ballroom
Warnings: Fanservice, possible violence, and Genos

Notes: Feel free to make your own top-levels! Threadhop to your heart's content. c:

[Sheryl doesn't attend classes too often nowadays due to her work schedule, but she always makes sure to be on time once the clock strikes three thirty — or at least be fashionably early. Even teachers like herself have to look her best, especially in simple but flattering gym clothes. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon, the ballroom is open for all things fitness, and Sheryl plans to give her students one hell of a workout.

Don't let her vibrant smiles fool you; she turns into an enthusiastic yet merciless drill sergeant should you ever fall behind on your exercises. The microphone she carries around has a built-in cord that she uses as a whip — definitely not for show! A certain assistant will also be by her side, and he's just as tough if not more so.

To all slackers... abandon hope all ye who enter.]



Outside the Ballroom
[Nothing brings more prospective students together in one place than good ol' promotion, and Sheryl is not above using whatever is on her disposal to gain more members. She already made a BBS post announcing her classes, so now it's time for another tactic: food.

With a charming smile and a wink, she gestures at a small platter of turkey and cheese sandwiches on a nearby table right next to the sign-up sheet.]

Want to get in shape? Gain some extra muscle on your arms or legs? Build up stamina? Then you've come to the right place!

Exercises
[Congratulations, you're now part of the exercise class — whether you're only just stopping by for one session, visiting out of sheer curiosity, or who knows what else. There is plenty of sweating, stretching, fat burning, and muscle building to be done. Mats are on the floor for people to use, and various equipment such as exercise balls, dumbbells, jump ropes, and hula hoops can be seen. There's also a radio that Sheryl is using to turn up the volume so to speak.

So, what can a typical student expect from Sheryl's class?]

Yoga: A whole lot of stretching limbs, balancing acts, and dramatic poses. They start out as simple as lotus positions and cobra poses, but slowly progress into the intermediate positions such as downward-facing dog poses and tree poses. And then... the dreaded plow pose. At least there is music to relax to.

Pilates: Core strength training, breathing, and more stretching through special moves. Feel the burn as you stretch your limbs while squeezing your stomach at the same time!

Other Exercises: Sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, playing with jump rope and hula hoops, etc.

Muscle Training: Want to be super buff? Grab some dumbbells and go to town! They are available from small (about five pounds) to large (about twenty).

Running: Enjoy your laps around the ballroom while catchy music plays in the background! Go race someone! Or you could be a turtle...

Break Time
[Sheryl may be stringent, but let it be said that she's capable of mercy. Everyone should get a break or two now and then, hence why there are healthy snacks and drinks on the table. She's actually taken the opportunity to make small bowls of pot-au-feu, which smells and looks incredibly edible... and some fruit bars, which look lumpy. Sheryl may excel in certain skills, but baking is not one of them — much to her chagrin, coming from a woman who's usually very confident.

Take this opportunity to socialize, eat some food, sneak out of the ballroom, fool around, hide in the corners, etc.]

Comments

[noli_oblivisci]

Outside Ballroom

[Well...this was different. She'd been trying to gather information, or at least familiarize herself with the new area, but she couldn't help but stare at the 'class' going on. She blinked as she looked it over, as well as the invitation for exercise and for food...which made her stomach silently roll and her face heat a little from embarrassment. She fiddled with her hair to hide it before replying]

Oh-um-I was actually just...looking around. [She fiddled with a strand of her hair] What sort of things do you do here?

Running

[Jeans and boots weren't the best things to run in but Psyche would manage. They were comfy and worn enough, Psyche reasoned, and while hunting down Ayakashi she'd likely be wearing the same anyway. She shucked off her jacket and blouse, though, revealing a simple camisole and toned muscle on her arms, despite her slight frame.

[She'd start slow, just to warm up and figure out her limitations. As she rounded the corner the second time, however, she'd speed up, boots clapping against the floor. Her heart sped up and her head became lighter but she realized she welcomed the sensation and adrenalin. An almost smile crossed her face as she realized this.

[Then, she'd grow bolder. She'd track other runners some distance away and then try catching up or passing them. Not strictly out of competition but a small sense of joy...and an unconscious desire (habit) to 'chase' targets.]

Breaktime

[When break time comes, someone would still be at work. Her skin was flushed and a fine sheen of sweat ran down her neck and brow but Psyche didn't quite feel like stopping. Or rather, simply, it didn't feel like it was in her to stop until she felt she hit her limit.

[She compromised with stretches and pilates. Her muscles shook as she did but her eyes were focused as she breathed deep, pushing herself just a little farther...]

[galactically]

Looking around, you say?

[Sheryl's words came out in a drawn-out, melodic lilt as she sized the person in front of her, the corners of her lips tugging upward to form a light smile. Whoever this girl was, she seemed to be rather bashful. Her face turning pink was enough for Sheryl to chuckle under her breath, too.]

There is plenty to do in my class.

[And then she lifted a hand, stretching her fingers one by one as she began listing the activities with a heavy boast. New person or not, Sheryl wasn't going to let the opportunity to promote her class slip by.]

Yoga, pilates, weight training, cardio, hula hoop training... the possibilities are endless!

[noli_oblivisci]

[The chuckle from the other woman made Psyche's embarrassment grow. However, she manages to get out, voice more steady]

Yeah. I'm....well, I'm one of the new batch.

[To put it simply. It sounded like new waves of people was a regular thing in the Heavens. As the woman lists off the activities, though, Psyche tilts her head a little, curious]

Nothing like fighting?

[galactically]

[Sheryl tends to have a knack for making people's embarrassments grow — either through causing it in the first place or exacerbating it through words alone. She might be enjoying it a bit too much, perhaps.

Regardless her smile stays put as she nods.]

I see. How do you like this place? [A beat for clarification.] I don't just mean this school, but everywhere else.

[She shakes her head at the question, a thoughtful expression crossing her features.]

This is a fitness class, not a fight club... but if you work on your stamina, your body will grow stronger.

[noli_oblivisci]

It'...not a terrible 'afterlife' so far? I mean, there's no fires or oblivion.

[The Heavens were confusing, foreign, and full of surprises and rules she was still learning. However, minus some memory loss and being contracted to a god, she was okay, for the moment. After a moment] How long have you been here?

[In response to her other comment, though, she fiddled her hair strand more thoughtfully]

I guess that makes sense. If you're going to have to have the basic fitness down, first.

[galactically]

Well, this is some kind of heaven, not hell! No brimstones or devils with pitchforks anywhere.

[Or so she says with a casual shrug of her shoulders at the description. It may be a testament to how quickly she adjusts herself in a foreign scenario, as there isn't any point in complaining or doing nothing about it.

She nods a little at Psyche's words, glancing at the other girl carefully with curious eyes.]

That's right, always start with the basics before moving to the more difficult parts.

[noli_oblivisci]

I guess. And it's a least more than just that school.

[She said, with a trace of humor in a small smile. She didn't think a school was what most people expected when they died, which hadn't helped with the jarring feeling. But she was still adjusting to the 'basics' so it made some sense to her. Likewise, what the other woman said. After a moment, she slowly nodded]

Okay then. It couldn't hurt to try a class or two.

[The most action she'd had was back at the school too. It almost made her a little restless not doing something, after that.

[galactically]

Absolutely! There are plenty of things to explore, new temples to visit.

[This newcomer is cute in Sheryl's eyes, and that thought remains as she smiles courteously in return, pushing the sign-up sheet in her direction. With a student like Psyche, she'll have to make sure the basics are taught first... but that's not to say she'll go easy on her, nope.]

Welcome to my exercise class! I hope I get to see you around.

[noli_oblivisci]

[If Psyche knew of Sheryl's teaching methods, she wouldn't complain anyway. For now, though, she simply signs her name down with neat, flowing letters and pushes the sheet back with a smile]

Thanks, I'll try. Either way, it's nice to meet you.

[As her hand pulls back from the sheet, it absently strays towards one of the sandwiches, before gingerly taking one. If she was going to try, she should actually eat, right? She tried rationalizing to herself, despite another roll of her stomach reminding her of other thoughts.]

[galactically]

My name is Sheryl. [A beat] Sheryl Nome! And it's nice to meet you— ah...

[She quickly skims through the sign-up sheet, spotting the fancy writing towards the end with her eyes perked up.]

Psyche. Okay, then.

[Interesting name, she thinks to herself, gazing away from the sheet to watch Psyche pick up the sandwich. There might be some amusement lingering a bit before she grins.]

Take as many sandwiches as you like! I made a lot of them in case people want to come back for more, which I won't blame them for doing. [ufufufu]

[noli_oblivisci]

Oh-um-thanks, that's very generous of you. They look delicious.

[Psyche intended to at least finish the sandwich before thinking of grabbing another. However, within a few bites, she'd decimated a good chunk of the sandwich and, well, she got the feeling she'd need another. She tucked another with the first, a bit self-consciously. Equally as self-conscious]

I...should probably go check out what people are doing. Just to see if there's anything in particular that catches the eye.

[It was a good way to get a scope for things...and to make sure she wasn't tempted to run off with the plate.]

[galactically]

Thank you. They will also make people cry tears of joy for their impeccable taste.

[Okay, so she's totally exaggerating, but she is proud of her own sandwiches as she says this, resting both hands on her hips. Upon glancing at the way Psyche eats, Sheryl comes up with a quick conclusion: she must be really hungry. Good thing she told her she can have as many as she likes.]

I'm just about to give my students a yoga lesson, actually. Stretching always comes first. Now, follow me!

[And here's Sheryl casually strolling towards the door like she owns the floor her feet just stepped on. It's how she walks, confidence in every step.]

[noli_oblivisci]

Oh-okay. Will do.

[Psyche currently doesn't have full confidence in her step - though part of that may be to the fact she's balancing polishing off the sandwich with following - but she moves with unconscious, practiced quietness. She moves for the door and holds it open for Sheryl in a sort of after-you, while she asks]

Is it easy for a beginner to jump into?

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos notices that one runner who keeps gaining speed as opposed to dropping it during extended period of time. Curiously he will use his stop-watch to measure her time. Eventually, he joins in and catches up to her without breaking the sweat. He will offer small bottle of water as he's not here to compete, just to assist. ]

Try keeping your hands loose. Clenching them will tighten your muscles and make it harder to run in longer distance. [ he assumes she's here for a long distance, since it's been few laps already ]

[noli_oblivisci]

[Psyche didn't notice the presence of the other, at first, until she heard someone else clapping up near her. She blinked, surprised, at the proffered water bottle and at the tip. However, she took both with a grateful nod and says around a pant]

T-thanks... I'll keep that in mind. [She frowned in thought, slowing her stride a little.] You mean like this?

[Keeping muscles loose when you were suddenly aware of them was trickier than expected. Habit made her want to close her hands while over thinking it made the rest of her arms range from loose to limp. However, she was trying, at least.]

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos nods and doesn't answer for a while, to not provoke further conversation. Talking while running isn't best idea. Besides she has good posture and everything, there isn't that much he could comment on. He clicks on the stop-watch, in the moment they pass starting point and congratulates. ]

You've beaten your own record. Try to slow down for this lap, to converse energy.

[noli_oblivisci]

O-o-okay....

[She looked like she needed the cool down period anyway as she slowed to a walk. Her long hair was starting to stick to her skin from the sweat and her feet were twinging a bit when she walked (likely due to the boots). She took a moment to down part of the water bottle before saying]

I...didn't notice you were timing me. [There was a touch of curiosity in her eyes.] How was I looking?

[scrap_metal]

You kept improving your speed, which is exactly opposite of what usually happened. I would guess you have good endurance. [ Genos on the other hand benefited from his augmentations, and didn't show any sign of being tired. Not getting tired might be a perk, but also makes it impossible to improve some aspects. ]

I can note down your time for you, if you want. Then you can keep record if you continue the practice.

[noli_oblivisci]

Oh. Really? I guess I used to do a lot of running then.

[She wasn't out of shape, at least. Which was a positive, even without the ayakashi thing. With a smile]

Thanks, that'd be great. [She fiddled with a hair strand.] Do you have any other tips? I guess I was mostly looking to refine the 'basics'.

[That was how Sheryl put it, at least.]

[scrap_metal]

It's important to exercise regularly. If you set a schedule, stick to it.

[ He might sounds like he knows stuff but... he just researched the basics when Sheryl asked him to help, really. ]

Getting good eating habits helps enormously, but it also depends what you want to achieve. If it's just "keeping in shape" it's going to be a lot less intense than "I want to get stronger/faster" or "I want to lose weight".

[noli_oblivisci]

[It might just be the basics but Psyche nods anyway. After a moment's thought]

What if I do want to get strong and faster?

[There was always room for improvement, if the battle against the ayakashi was an indicator.]

Like...what do you do? I mean, you don't seem to have worked up much of a sweat or anything during that run.

[scrap_metal]

There are different kind of exercises for that. You want to build muscles to get stronger, and work on stamina to go faster. As for me..

[ He touches his metal bicep. ]

I don't sweat. I have set of internal fans, and vents for cooling off any heat build up. [ Instead of explaining that his body is mostly artificial, he's going for the most literal answer. Never change, Genos. ]

[noli_oblivisci]

Oh.

[Right. It was....kinda self-explanatory at that point, even with the parts of him that looked more 'normal'. She thought about it, for a moment, eyeing him more closely and curiously]

What do you do then? To improve yourself, I mean.

[She knew Prism had droids and humans with advanced prosthetics. She didn't recall anything about cyborgs.]

[scrap_metal]

I study, mostly. I've been trying to learn as much as I can about this place. [ He can't train to improve his muscle mass. But he could absolutely train something like martial arts, to get better at controlling and using the body he already has. Not that it crosses his mind. ]

Someone with engineering knowledge commented how my body is seemingly made to be customizable. If I had specialized set of limbs to some kind of task, it wouldn't be hard to just swap them. [ Bettering himself = getting upgrades. ]

[noli_oblivisci]

I guess that makes sense. You make do with what you can, I mean.

[Especially if you needed to have those parts to 'easily swap' to begin with.]

I've mostly been trying to figure this place out, too. It was how I accidentally wandered into this place in the first place.

[She says, it with a trace of amusement. And that was part of it...along with the lure of food and a good sales pitch from Sheryl.]