Chapter 41: The True Essence of Rehearsal Training and Fitness

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Today was the 22nd day of the Apocalypse Calendar. It was Sunday, the day of leg training.

According to usual schedule, Lu Ming’s leg practice day was as follows:

Warm up with a 20-minute jog.

Then, it was time to torture the legs. There were two main types of exercises—squats and leg presses.

After that, there was half an hour of stretching.

Legs were an extremely important aspect of fitness training.

This was because the thigh muscles in humans were the most developed.

Strong thighs could not only provide explosive power but also promote testosterone secretion, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of exercise and athletic performance.

It was also worth mentioning that human leg strength was extremely powerful.

The amount of weight required for leg training far exceeded that of other body parts.

As a result, every leg training day for Lu Ming was a nightmare for the fitness equipment, inflicting fatal blows on them.

Today, he had Zhang Chengcheng as his assistant.

Lu Ming also made some minor changes to his fitness routine.

“First, warm-up.”

Warming up was crucial.

A proper warm-up could effectively reduce the risk of injury.

However, the significance of warm-up had diminished for Lu Ming several days ago—because the treadmill could not keep up with his speed. Even running at its maximum speed for half an hour would not serve as a warm-up for Lu Ming.

He would not even break a sweat, finding it easier than taking a stroll in the pre-apocalyptic world… So, there was no way to warm up.

But now, with Zhang Chengcheng around, things were different.

“Before we begin, we need to test the upper limit of your superpower.”

After saying that, Lu Ming patted his chest.

“Activate your superpower on me.”

“Alright.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a distorted ripple emanated from Zhang Chengcheng’s hand and landed on Lu Ming.

His body instantly became heavier.

In the pre-apocalyptic world, Lu Ming’s weight was 150 catties. Two days ago, he weighed himself and his weight had already reached 200 catties. And now, with his superpower, Lu Ming felt that he had doubled in weight.

In other words, 4.00 catties.

But it was not enough.

The gap was too wide.

“Go on.”

Zhang Chengcheng’s expression was solemn as she increased the efficiency of her superpower.

“I’ll do it gradually. Brother Lu, if you can’t handle it, just let me know.”

“Alright.”

Zhang Chengcheng continued to exert more force.

2x gravity.

3x gravity.

4x…

5x…

10X…

15X…

It was not until the gravity reached 15 times its normal level that Lu Ming regained the feeling he had before the apocalypse.

It was worth mentioning that the condition of 15 times gravity was different from carrying a weight of 3 tons—although they appeared the same in terms of increased weight, the sensation for Lu Ming was completely different.

Taking a refreshing breath, Lu Ming looked up at Zhang Chengcheng and noticed sweat slowly dripping down her forehead.

“It’s 15 times gravity, right?”

Zhang Chengcheng nodded.

“How are you feeling?”

“The pressure is significant, but bearable.”

Superpowers consume a great deal of physical strength and require the utilization of mysterious factors within the Awakened individual.

Even though Zhang Chengcheng was exerting 15 times gravity on a relatively small target—only Lu Ming—the high-intensity output of superpower energy still left her slightly fatigued.

“How long can you hold this state?”

“30 minutes, approximately…”

Lu Ming frowned.

The time was too short.

Every workout session for him lasted 1.5 to 2 hours.

“Let’s take a break for now.

II

After Lu Ming said that, Zhang Chengcheng immediately ended her superpower.

She saw Lu Ming pacing up and down, seemingly deep in thought.

About five minutes later, Lu Ming let out a long sigh.

“30 minutes… Then I might need to modify my fitness plan.”

Right at the entrance, Lu Ming revised today’s fitness plan.

First, warm-up.

Lu Ming didn’t intend to warm up by running—that would take too much time.

Instead, he chose high-intensity interval training, also known as HUT.

Jumping, squatting, bending over, push-ups, standing up, jumping—repeat the cycle.

This was originally designed for high-intensity and efficient fat burning, but Lu Ming used it as a warm-up exercise.

However, given Lu Ming’s current physique, it seemed to be suitable.

“15 times gravity! Begin!”

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhang Chengcheng activated her superpower.

Lu Ming began to operate like a madman!

Under 15 times gravity, Lu Ming felt that his cells were completely activated. With the intense energy consumption, sweat soon appeared on Lu Ming’s forehead.

Five minutes later, Lu Ming completed his warm-up.

“Maintain the intensity of my superpower!”

With that, Lu Ming assumed the proper posture and began doing squats.

This time, Lu Ming did not use any additional weights.

He solely relied on his gravity superpower and body weight for his leg muscle training.

At the beginning, Lu Ming felt that he could adapt to even greater weight, so he asked Zhang Chengcheng to increase the intensity of her superpower to 20 times!

Squatted.

Stood up.

Arms raised parallel to the ground, with perfect form.

One could clearly observe the muscles all over Lu Ming’s body undulating with each movement. The leg muscles, in particular, appeared like wriggling snakes —strong and powerful, with a hint of ferociousness.

One set of 20 squats.

After it ended, Lu Ming said, “Increase it further! 21 times!”

Zhang Chengcheng gritted her teeth and increased the output power of her superpower once again.

This was the first time Wang Xiong had seen Lu Ming work out.

He stopped what he was doing and stood outside the zombie attack array, staring intently at Lu Ming during his workout.

As a former mixed martial arts expert, Wang Xiong had a firm grasp on the realm of fitness.

After all, in modern combat, other than techniques, physical strength was crucial.

Greater agility, swiftness, greater strength, more explosive power—physical fitness formed the foundation of combat.

Correspondingly, Wang Xiong had conducted extensive research on sports science.

He observed Lu Ming from the warm-up to the squats and finally the stretching.

About twenty-five minutes later, the entire fitness routine came to an end. Lu Ming was panting heavily, while Zhang Chengcheng was slumped on the ground, completely exhausted.

She was even more tired than Lu Ming…

It was at this moment that Wang Xiong spoke up.

“Brother Lu, do you enjoy working out?”

Wiping off his sweat, Lu Ming nodded, “Yes.”

“What’s the significance of it? Awakened ones only need to advance to become stronger. Moreover, fitness training for Awakened ones can no longer enhance their physical fitness. At best, it can only help maintain their physical state.”

That was what puzzled him.

Wang Xiong knew very well that fitness training could not surpass the limits of human beings, but awakening could.

The body of an Awakened had already surpassed the limits of an ordinary human. Even with fitness training, he could not improve his physical fitness in the slightest—since becoming an Awakened, Wang Xiong had not engaged in any fitness exercise.

After giving it some thought, Lu Ming said, “I’m different.”

Wang Xiong and Zhang Chengcheng exchanged a glance, a hint of realization flashing in their eyes.

They knew in their hearts that they had discovered Lu Ming’s secret.

“You awakened a special superpower? Can it continue to enhance your physical strength through fitness training?”

Wang Xiong expressed his speculation and his expression turned serious, “This superpower is too terrifying!”

Lu Ming remained silent.

He could not explain the attribute system… Fortunately, Wang Xiong and Zhang Chengcheng automatically filled in the gaps and came up with a reasonable explanation.

While stroking the stubble on his chin, Wang Xiong said, “If that’s the case, I think I can help you.”

During Lu Ming’s fitness just now, Wang Xiong noticed something.

Lu Ming’s fitness program seemed to be something a third-rate fitness coach would teach, or even something he made up himself…

It was not full of mistakes, but it had significant room for improvement.

What a coincidence.

Wang Xiong, who used to be an athlete, was much more professional in the field of fitness than Lu Ming..