Une bonne journée à la salle

Tom is a very active man. He is forty-five years old and he lives in a small town. He works in an office during the week. He organizes projects. He likes to move and exercise in his free time. His favorite hobbies are cycling and the gym. He likes to feel strong and healthy. Every day, he tries to do an activity.

Today is Saturday morning. The sun comes in through the window, and Tom wakes up early. He stretches his arms and feels ready for the day. “Today, I go to the gym and I work my legs,” he says to himself. He eats a healthy breakfast with fruit, a yogurt, some bread, and a protein drink. He needs energy for training.

Then he prepares his gym bag. He puts on his favorite sports clothes and he is happy. He drinks a coffee as well to wake up properly. The gym is not far from his home. Tom goes there by bike. The air is fresh and a little cold, and he likes this short ride. He thinks about the exercises he wants to do. When he arrives, he puts his bike near the door. He feels full of energy and ready to start.

Tom walks towards the entrance and takes out his gym card. He passes it at the gate, but nothing happens. He tries again, but the light becomes red. A small screen says: “Card refused”. Tom does not understand. “It is strange,” he thinks. He knows he paid his membership last week. He tries one last time, but it still does not work.

Tom feels a bit embarrassed. Other people walk past him and go into the gym. He moves to the side and looks at his phone. Maybe there is a problem with the payment? He opens his banking app, but everything is normal. He starts to worry a little. “I really want to train today,” he says softly. Then he looks at the front desk and decides to ask for help.

At the front desk, a friendly employee smiles at him. On her badge, it says: “Maria.” She says: “Hello! Can I help you?” Tom explains the problem with his card. Maria looks at the computer and types for a moment. Then she raises her eyes and says: “Ah, I see the problem! You just need to update your account in the system.”

Tom is relieved. Maria asks him to wait a minute. She clicks a few buttons and says: “It’s good! Try now.” Tom goes back to the gate and swipes his card. The light turns green, and the door opens. “Perfect!” he says. He thanks Maria for her help. She smiles and says: “Have a good workout!” Tom is happy and he enters the gym.