Villain MMORPG: Almighty Devil Emperor and His Seven Demonic Wives

Villain Ch 869. Distracted

"So, you're looking to improve your stamina and build more muscle tone?" Mark asked, making notes in his book.

"Yes, that's right," Sophia replied, batting her eyelashes slightly. "I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly. Any specific suggestions?"

Mark nodded, jotting down some notes. "Based on what you've told me, I'd recommend a combination of cardiovascular exercises and strength training. You should aim for at least three cardio sessions a week, mixed with weight training to build muscle. Also, we'll need to look at your diet and ensure you're getting the right nutrients to support your goals."

Sophia smiled, leaning in closer. "That sounds great."

Mark flipped a few pages in his notebook, writing down a detailed plan. "I can create a personalized fitness plan for you. We'll start with an initial assessment to see where you are now and then set specific goals for the next few months."

Sophia's smile faltered slightly as she saw the prices he wrote down next to the plan. "Wait, what do you mean by that?"

Mark looked at her, frowning slightly in confusion. "I'm a personal trainer and this gym's coach. My services come with a fee, and I'll be working closely with you to ensure you achieve your goals."

"Huh? Personal trainer?" The words slipped out of Sophia's mouth before she could stop them, her face betraying clear confusion. Her eyes blinked rapidly as she tried to process this new information. She hadn't known that Mark was a personal trainer, and she certainly hadn't expected the additional cost.@@novelbin@@

Mark frowned slightly at her reaction. "Yes," he confirmed, watching her carefully. "I'm a personal trainer and one of the gym's coaches," he announced once more.

Sophia shook her head, trying to make sense of it. "I thought all personal trainers and coaches wore uniforms?" she asked, her tone tinged with uncertainty. She hadn't intended to take his services and now needed a reason to explain her misunderstanding. Besides, why would a coach wear high-end gym clothes if he were on duty?

Mark's frown deepened for a moment, then he smiled understandingly. "We do wear uniforms during our work hours, especially in classes and when we're with clients. But outside of those times, we're allowed to wear what we want."

Sophia's mind raced. This revelation was not part of her plan. She hadn't expected to be talking to a personal trainer, much less one who might charge her for advice she had hoped to get for free. Also, her intention was only to make Allen jealous. She needed to pivot quickly to maintain her façade without making weird gestures that could make Allen realize it.

"Oh, I see," she said, her voice recovering its usual smoothness. "I just didn't realize. That makes sense, though. It's nice to see you in something more personal."

Mark nodded, still professional but more relaxed now. "Yes, it allows us to feel more comfortable and approachable. But don't worry; when it comes to training, we maintain the highest standards of professionalism."

Sophia smiled, trying to regain her footing. "Of course. I appreciate your help, Mark. I guess I'll have to think about whether I can commit to a personal training plan right now."

Mark nodded, closing his notebook. "That's completely understandable. It's a commitment, both in time and resources. If you ever decide you want to proceed, just let me know," he said.

"Sure," Sophia said, her tone light and noncommittal. She glanced over at Allen and noticed how he was sitting on the bench, not continuing his set. It was unusual for him to stop in the middle of a workout unless something was seriously distracting him. He seemed to be waiting for Gerry, which struck her as odd since he never usually paused just to wait for someone.

A sense of triumph washed over her. 'It's working. I can't stop now,' she thought, her determination solidifying.

'It's working. I can't stop now,' she thought.

Returning her gaze to Mark, she decided to continue her approach. She needed to keep his attention on her, at least for the rest of the morning, without committing to any additional fees. She had to play her cards right. After all, the bike still could belong to Mark.

"So, Mark," she began, her voice soft and inviting, "I'm really interested in improving my endurance. Do you have any tips that I could start with on my own?" She flashed him a cute smile. "I hope you can give me an advice or two for free."

Mark nodded and didn't mind sharing his expertise. "Absolutely. One of the best ways to build endurance is through interval training. You can start with short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by longer periods of lower-intensity exercise or rest."

Sophia leaned in slightly, her eyes wide with interest. "That sounds challenging. How long should each interval be?"

Mark smiled, appreciating her curiosity. "It depends on your current fitness level, but a good starting point is 30 seconds of high-intensity effort followed by 90 seconds of rest. As you get fitter, you can increase the length of the high-intensity intervals and decrease the rest periods."

Sophia nodded, absorbing the information. "I think I can manage that. Do you have any favorite exercises for these intervals?"

Mark glanced at his notebook, jotting down a quick list. "Sprinting is excellent for building cardiovascular endurance. Jumping rope, cycling, and even bodyweight exercises like burpees and jumping jack," he advised. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire

Sophia nodded thoughtfully. "I understand," she said, her tone still warm and engaging. "You've been incredibly helpful, Mark. How about we have breakfast together after this? It's my way of thanking you for all the great advice."

Mark shook his head politely, a slight smile on his lips. "I appreciate the offer, Sophia, but I have a new client after this. My schedule is pretty packed today."

Sophia's mind raced for a way to extend their interaction. "How about a quick coffee from the vending machine in the lobby, then? It won't take long, and it's just a small thank you."

Mark considered this for a moment before nodding. "That sounds doable. But let me finish my workout first. I'll meet you in the lobby in about fifteen minutes."

Sophia smiled, satisfied with the compromise. "Perfect. I'll see you there."