Fitness and Weight Room
 

Because many of the employees of Level Seven are former athletes or were once professional Quidditch players themselves, it should come as no surprise that fitness is a primary concern or that they like to find ways to remain in shape. A fitness and weight room was instated near the entrance of the lifts to address the needs of the Games and Sports employees, but is open for use by anyone in the Ministry.

Featuring state of the art exercise machines powered by magic, the fitness room is equipped with treadmills, stationary and recumbent bikes, and elliptical cross-trainers. Free weights of graduated sizes are located along one of the mirrored walls.


OOC- This thread is open for all Ministry employees, both G&S and other employees. Feel free to start a roleplay here with your friends.

Dressed in her cute yoga pants and intent on changing into a business-appropriate dress once she was finished with her workout, Mariel started up her treadmill slowly to gradually work up to a faster pace. And she hadn't been walking on the machine long when she noticed another person in the room with her. "Oh, hello," she said, smiling at her friend as she fell into step next to her. "How are you feeling this morning?" Hopefully she was taking her potion and felt alright. Mariel remembered those days all too well, not that it had been all that long ago.

"I'm glad you stopped in," she said, stepping up the pace. "I was just thinking it was a little too quiet." Maybe music was needed, though she wondered if that would get too distracting on her level once more people started using this room. But conversation with her best friend was welcome today, or at least until she was exercising too hard to talk comfortably.

Victoria smiled over at Mariel's greeting, "Hi" She was glad she hadn't scared her friend coming in. Sometimes the mind could wonder when you were busy on the treadmill, she knew from the many times she let this happen to her. "Actually I'm feeling really good this morning. The potion does seem to be helping. The healer said a little exercise was always good, so since I was feeling pretty good I thought I'd tryout the new facility. It's great to see it up and running." It seemed like it was a couple years since they first had talked about it. "You know when I was going around meeting with Department Heads, Harmony had mentioned wished we had something like this. I bet she is excited to learn it's open." She still had that notebook of ideas that she had mentioned she'd give to whomever was minister. Maybe once she didn't feel as stupid for losing she'd make her way to set up a meeting with him.

"Too quiet? Well we need to change that." She chuckled, at times she didn't mind the quiet, but she knew that it could drive her crazy at other times. "Maybe a magazine rack for people to find somethings to read could help with the quiet. We could put Quidditch Weekly, Gobstone Times, WSPM, and some others not sports related just for some variety." Didn't have to be a big section just a small rack for anyone wanting to read while walking or using one of the other pieces of equipment.

Keeping a steady, slightly faster pace, Mariel walked on the treadmill, glancing at Victoria as she spoke. "Well, that's good." That anti-nausea potion she took while she was pregnant was a life-saver most days, even if there were certain foods and smells that still could turn her stomach. She was glad she could eat tomatoes again. Mariel smiled a little bigger as Victoria seemed just as happy as she was to have this fitness room. "I thought so too. Kind of wish we had it a year ago, it would have made it that much easier to work off the baby weight, but better late than never." Plus if she had another, it would be here. Not to mention she thought it just good to stay in shape. "Oh did she?" she said lightly as she increased the speed a little. As long as she didn't try to bring in meditation incense or some other nonsense, then she didn't mind someone else using it. But who knew with those free spirit types.

Still walking, she glanced over at Victoria and smiled widely though she was starting to breath a little heavier. "Oh, that's a great idea," she nodded. She of course loved all those magazines, but she was especially proud of her husband's contribution with WSPM, knowing it was on its way to be even bigger than just for the Ministry. It had so much potential even if she knew he didn't want to relegate himself to being exclusively a sports writer. "I was thinking some music too, though maybe personal devices might be an option as well." Or else everyone would be subjected to one person's taste and that could be a bad thing depending on who that person was.

Taking her time on the treadmill, Victoria didn’t want to start off too strong, not after weeks of feeling so ill. She wanted to stay active, but she didn’t want to push it too far. Still worried about issues and remembering the troubles she had with the twins. Though she hadn’t told Bart yet, so no problems with that stress yet. Victoria had to laugh, she looked over at her friend next to her, “What baby weight? You carried Regina so well, you were all baby.” Her friend was very pretty and she was one of those pregnant women that all women wanted to be. “Hopefully I won’t look like a house like I did last time since there is only one this time.” That was a plus about this pregnancy already. Though being her third she was already feeling her clothes getting tight. “Yeah, she had mentioned it. Very nice woman actually. Some of the Department Heads were down right jerks, but she was very open and welcoming. So at least even if it wasn’t me that did it as minister, at least something she was hoping for did happen.” Victoria couldn’t help the little sigh and defeated feel. It had been a few months now, but only a few weeks since being back after break, the wound was still open a bit.

Thinking about moving it up a bit, she moved her wand and let the machine force her to walk a bit faster. That was about as fast as she would go though, it was nice to get moving. “Maybe I’ll do that today so that people have things to read.” Her meeting load was a little light today, so she should be able to get to it. She thought a moment about the suggestion and had to admit she agreed. [b] “I think a low sounding maybe even just instrumental for people that might not want their own, but own if very much something they could bring in. I was also thinking, maybe we could offer some fitness classes?”[/]b She had been thinking about all this stuff when she was thinking of different ministry things. “I was also thinking the ministry might benefit with a wellness committee, something to promote activity. We’ve been talking about rec leagues, but maybe some friendly department competitions, such as a walking competition.” Possibly just something small to motivate even the most lazy to get up and go.

Aunt Stella had Harper today, and Chris was working late. The house was just to quite. She had to do something. So Mercedes was taking a little time to do some exercise. Normally her and Harper took a walk in the park near their house. With no baby and not waiting to walk at the park alone the blonde ended up here. Back at work. She knew they had a fitness center so that's why she ended up here.

Hearing the music already on she headed in. Looking around she seen Victoria there. Mercedes grabbed a towel and hopped on a treadmill next to her manager. "Didn't expect to see you here" She set out on a brisk walk, kind of like she was in the park.

Her thought were already off and running with all that was going to be going in her department. End of the season, championship event, celebration memorabilia, some new photoshoots, summer camps, U17 league, and then their was tryouts and draft days to set up already. How as the end of March already here and she was thinking about the fall. The life of a manager it seemed.

Hearing a sound she turned her head and gave Mercedes a smile, her breathing was heavy and her words were staggered from her job, "Hello" She chuckled a bit as she heard her words. "Twins are with their dad and Helena is with her grandparents. Mommy's late night to get some me time." Which was great she really appreciated that she got it.

"I could say the same for you." Mercedes had a little one at home as well.

Victoria made her way into the fitness room. She needed to work off some stress and it was one of her mornings she had gotten to come in early. She loved those days. The twins were off at school and Helena was at the daycare. Her mind went to her youngest for a moment as she headed in. She always relied on her parents, but with her father ill she couldn't anymore. It was a hard adjustment she was making.

Turning the corner she realized she wasn't alone. Nodding to the women who seemed to be doing push ups before turning on a treadmill and hopping on. Moving the pace to a brisk jog she let her mind wonder back to her parents and her youngest daughter and how much they would miss if she couldn't go there like the twins did. She had always hated they didn't get that time with Bart, but at least they were in the same country.

Turning her eyes on the person in the room she gave a smile. "Do you mind if I turn the music on?"

Emily glanced up to see another person coming in before going back to her pushups. When the other person asked if she minded music, Emily shook her head and answered in between grunts."Not at all, please do." Music didn't distract her, but talking while doing push ups did. Still, no big deal.

Ten.

Eleven.

Twelve.

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Okay. That was all the push ups she planned to do for now. Standing up she began doing stretches and let her attention wander to her companion on the treadmill. Since she wasn't doing push ups anymore she could talk, and it seemed polite to introduce herself. "I'm Emily Valentine, from the Department of International Magical Cooperation. What department are you from?"

She didn't mind the music Victoria was very glad about that. She liked having it on during the day, but especially for her own workouts. Flipping through the channels she found the one she liked the most and smiled, "This okay?" Even though she really liked it she wasn't going to make someone listen to something they didn't want to.

Oh and she was introducing herself. This was nice, "Victoria Culloden. I'm the Quidditch manager here on level seven. I'm glad you come and use the fitness center. It is a great gem on our floor." She wasn't sure may used it, but she hoped they would all come and try it out.

"The International Cooperation. We will be working with you pretty closely for the Junior games." Was she one of them that was on the project? It would be nice to meet people now instead of when she was barking orders or trying to get last minute things done.

"That's fine," replied Emily to her question about the music. It wasn't as strange as her daughter's music, and even that she didn't really mind.

"Well it's nice to meet you Victoria. Yes, I would say we will be working very closely in the coming months. I have been tasked with having all equipment and other needed items ready for the games, and I will be looking for vendors."

Which prompted her to ask a question. "I am actually new to the Ministry, having been a reporter before. I'm curious as to whether you know many of the people in my department." There was one in particular that she was interested in...

Starting to jog on the treadmill Victoria's mind tried to start going away to think of other things like she always did when she was alone, but today she wasn't alone. She tried to stay focused on the room. "Do you come here often?" Her words coming out breathless with each step.

Her next words made Victoria whip her head around a bit and stare at her. "I'm not sure what your department head is thinking putting your department in charge of equipment, but I am the division manager for Quidditch if I'm not mistaken. I think our department clearly has all the equipment we will need." What tasks did he have them doing? She thought that department was to help with immigrational things and makes sure everything went alright. Anyone would know the quidditch department would be in charge of all the quidditch items.

"I'm afraid I don't, I know some, but with a ministry this big it's hard to know everyone. I ran for Minister back a few years ago so I got to know your department head a bit. Welcome to the ministry though, it is a great place to work."

"Yes, I come here at this time every morning to do push ups and stretches. And you?"

Victoria's next words caught her by surprise. "Are you serious? There must be some great misunderstanding if both our department heads gave us the same job and did not tell us to coordinate with each other. Specifically, I was asked to partner with Regina from our department to get this done. We are halfway there and were not informed that anyone else was also gathering equipment." There was a serious lack of communication happening at the Ministry if what Victoria said was true. Why, it would have been like if when Emily was working for the media if she and another reporter had been tasked to the same story without being told about it.

She kept her jogging as she listened to the music and her company next to her. "Always good to have a routine. With the kids I struggle at times to keep one, but I try as hard as I can to get here at least three times a week. " It was a difficult task, but she loved her gym time too. The motivation to stay fit was all she needed to push to come in early.

"I'm not sure what the misunderstanding was, but clearly it had to have been a misread for level five, since the quidditch division would obviously have all the equipment. We do hold all the games throughout the seasons for the professional as well as camps and the U17 league. I'm really not sure why anyone would think another department would have or need to get equipment we already supply for a normal year." It was very strange really and she would get a little snippy on the though of Mariel being the person that would misinform.

"I'm really not sure what to say. Where have you even been getting the equipment from? " Wouldn't they have had to come ask someone in this department for equipment? Maybe they had went to someone other than her for it?

Drama XD
 

"Regina has been more in charge of the equipment than I have been, I have been mostly collecting vendors. But I have created several portkeys to be used for getting to the games, and I suppose you could consider that to within our departments jurisdiction." They were the Department of Magical International Cooperation, after all.

"I will admit that anything beyond portkeys would be fairly odd to give to our department," continued Emily as she bent back down to do more push ups. "My partner Regina is very unprofessional and may have something to do with that misunderstanding. Don't tell her I said that. I will talk to her later."

Emily still hadn't gotten over how Regina seemingly flirted with the boss at their first meeting. Maybe she had distracted him.

Omg...lol
 

Stopping the treadmill Victoria decided she needed full focus for this conversation. So she got off and wiped the sweat from her face. Looking at the woman she wasn't going to take it out on her, but she would be most likely having words with some department heads. ""Yes I would fully think that your area would be the portkeys and I think that is the best place for your expertise to be. The travel and the safety of all the people coming from other countries. I was just surprised when you said equipment, because that makes me think of brooms, bludgers, bats, snitches, that sort of thing." All the things level seven would be in charge of for sure.

She eyed her a bit when she throw a coworker under the night bus, but Vic wasn't going to judge, "Well I see. Hmm, I'm going to have to check into all of this though. Being the manager to the quidditch division I have many things to keep up on and something like this could really alter our event that I've worked very hard to make sure happens with my department." Their planning would have started long before level five had even gotten involved. This had been time consuming. It was like the world cup that Victoria was still working towards getting here soon.

Even though she was doing push ups and could not look up, Emily was aware from the corners of her eyes that Victoria had eyed her when she had criticized Regina. Probably she thought it was odd that she was criticizing her own coworker to someone from another department that she had only met, but criticizing coworkers to other people was actually something that Emily had done a LOT of when she was a journalist. Being flirtatious with the boss was a sure way to earn enmity with Emily.

When she was done doing push ups, Emily stood and performed her final stretches. "I shall have a word with my department head as well, to be certain there isn't any confusion. We certainly don't want to mess up these games." There wasn't anything else she could think of to say at the moment.

"Yes please let him know my feelings and I will be talking with my department head as well." She was very displeased by all of this and would be making sure something was done or fixed. "Yes, things will have to be double and triple checked it seems, but I am glad you said something." If she wouldn't have there could have been a major disaster.

Wiping down the machine she turned back to the woman and smiled, "I hope you have a great day, but I must be going." It was time to get cleaned up and had into the office. Her first stop after changing would be to Mariel's office.

Mj!!!!!!!!!!
 

Mariel knew that Jorge was spending some extra time at WSPM today and that their children were at a playdate, so she was not in an exceptional hurry to get home when she finished with her day's work. In fact, she planned on getting in a little workout time at the fitness room so she brought appropriate clothes with her, which she had already changed into by the time she took the walk down the corridor to do some exercising.

The fitness room was typically quiet, so was a little surprised to see someone already there when she walked. Especially someone who resembled her step-brother so much that it caused her to do a double-take. Definitely not Andrew though. "Hello there," she greeted the man pleasantly enough with a courteous smile and she hopped onto one of the treadmills. "First time visitor to our fitness room?" Or else he frequented when she wasn't using it.

Might as well at least get it prepped while he could. Keane placed the Bar on the rack over the bench, and then moved over to the weights. He selected some that weren't going to strain him in his work out. Just enough to keep himself in peak physical condition. He took out his wand and floated the weights over to the bar and slide them into place. He then sat on the edge of the bench and did some stretched when someone else finally walked in.

He gave then a small smile. "First Time Visitor. Heard about the Room up here. Thought I'd check it out." He proceeded with stretches.

Once on the treadmill, Mariel set the setting at a relatively easy walking speed to start out her warmup before she'd move to a moderately fast running pace. The magically run machine was easily her favorite workout equipment and she knew her routine well being a regular visitor. As she began walking, she looked over at the younger man, noting that the free weights were his equipment of choice.

First time visitor... yes, she figured as much. She at least recognized most of the regulars though she knew that she couldn't be here 24/7 and there were likely people that came in that she didn't know about. "Glad you stopped by then," she nodded towards him as she continued her moderate pace. "We have a lot of former athletes in the department and we like to keep in shape, so I saw a need that needed to be filled. But it's free to use for anyone in the Ministry so feel free to stop by anytime. It's usually fairly quiet in here." And she actually liked it that way. She certainly didn't mind others using it, but it was nice that it wasn't overly crowded and loud.

For anyone to jump on.
 

The fitness room was pretty much a regular thing for Mariel. The only thing that might not be regular about it was the time that she went. Sometimes it was before work, sometimes after, and on the rare occasion she might go during her lunch break. And irregular times to workout often meant that there was someone different in the room when she was there. If there was anyone there at all.

This time she noticed one of her employees nearly right away when she walked into the room. "Adam, hello!" she called out to him with a smile as she headed to her favorite treadmill. "Early morning workout is a great way to start the day," she added brightly as she stepped on and started up the slower warm-up setting. That and a cup of strong coffee of course.

Adding weights to a bar, Adam turned at the sound of a voice and grinned over at his boss."Good morning, Mariel." Because it really was a good morning, in his mind. He chuckled a little at her next comment, and offered an agreeable nod. "It definitely is, when I can get out of the house early enough. Otherwise, coffee has to suffice."

He chuckled at the thought. Although come September another child would be out of the house, he wasn't sure that Lilah leaving was a blessing - she had such a sweet nature, and such a knack for keeping the kids occupied that he thought it might be even more chaotic without her. Sighing a little, he focused on his breathing as he started his deadlifts.

Mariel nodded to Adam as he returned her greeting, and she kept her walk at a brisk warm-up pace. "Oh, I understand that. I try to get here early before work, but that doesn't always happen with children in the house." She knew he could relate, and then some. Of course, she'd make no more jokes about having more kids, or starting on their second Quidditch team, as those jokes were probably old by now. Though she often did wonder how they managed. Two was plenty for her. "Thankfully we have the best coffee in the Ministry just down the corridor," she added with a smile.

"So how is the family anyway?" she asked after taking a drink from her water bottle and turning up the setting on the treadmill to a faster, jogging pace. She hoped that Adam wouldn't mind a little conversation while he worked out as well. Though at the rate she was going, she wouldn't be able to have much conversation for long as she got going faster. She'd soon have to focus on her breathing, but she did love a good workout.

"You can say that again," Adam chuckled in between reps with the weights. Both the thing about children, and the one about the best coffee. Finishing a set, he flicked his wand at the wireless a few times, to change the station and then to lower the volume slightly, the better to hear Mariel.

He nodded as he changed his weights. "They're really good, thanks. Lilah is super excited about starting school in the autumn, no matter how many horror stories Corb and Saff tell her." He paused for a moment to focus on his breathing, before setting the weight back down. "What about yours?"

Mariel chuckled lightly. She knew if anyone could relate to children issues, it was Adam. And probably anyone working in the Ministry could relate to needing coffee. Though she had to say that it was nice that having the best coffee in the whole Ministry was nearly a secret. She knew a few ventured this way, but it was kind of nice having it mostly to themselves.

Noticing the change in music, she did glance up but it didn't bother her at all. She wasn't sure that many could appreciate her taste in music anyway, or at least what it had evolved to in the last few years, so she normally kept it at a station that most could enjoy. But she certainly didn't mind anyone changing it to suit their taste either. As long as it wasn't something horrible, which this wasn't.

"So, you'll have three in school now?" Or at least come September. She supposed the older kids got and the more independent they became, the easier things would be especially when there were many children. "Are they... teasing about the horror stories?" Because one never knew with Hogwarts. It was one big horror story as far as she was concerned, though she hadn't heard of anything too bad in at least a few years. "Do they like it there?" Starting to breath a little heavier, Mariel took a moment to catch her breath before answering. "Oh, they're doing great. Regina is starting to show signs of magic." Which made her proud, but at the same time made her a little sad for Vic.

Addison needed some movement. A change from sitting at her desk having been taking care of paperwork all day long. Normally paperwork wasn't a problem but when you were pregnant sitting still for to long sometimes got to you. She was more then ready to get moving a little bit.

It wasn't her usual routine to come to the fitness room most days but it was raining and getting chilly as well. So a short workout inside would be just what she needed before heading home to her husband and son. Before she even stepped foot in the room the blonde could hear the music playing from inside. Someone was already there and enjoying their workout it seemed. Well she would just have to do her own thing anyhow.

Setting her bag down inside one of the small lockers she made her way for one of the mats. A few easy stretches should be done before anything else. And yes she did see the man who was there sending him a smile in greeting.

Warner was singing with the music and really jamming out by the time someone joined him and he actually didn't notice at first lost in his job and the music. He was just starting to sweat and was really getting into singing the Poison songs coming through the speakers. "You know I never, I've never seen you look so good, You never act the way you should, But I like it and I know you like it too. The way that I want you. I've gotta have you."

A movement out of the corner of his eye made him look and that's when he saw the woman and he stopped singing, but chuckled. "Hello" Reaching towards his wand he tried not to slow his pace but did use his wand to turn down the music. "You can turn it to whatever you'd like. I was just umm... well I guess you saw." He chuckled a bit embarrassed.

Stretching was good. Toe touches. Not going to be happening. She did give it a try though the best that her five month pregnant self could anyhow. Addi then reached upwards, her arms over her head and did stretches to the sides. After her quick warmup she made her way towards one of the treadmills laughing softly to herself as she listened to the man singing along.

Just as she was about to step onto one of the machines it seemed the man noticed her. "Hello," Addison greeted with a soft laugh. "Oh no, that's alright I don't mind at all. Music helps with focus and concentration." If he wanted to sing along with all the songs that came on she wouldn't mind one bit. Stepping onto the treadmill she started off slow just walking. "My son loves music so I'm used to it."

He was still embarrassed so there would be no more singing, plus his singing voice could harm the woman's ears or worse her unborn child's ears. So Warner was going to just run and try to blame the running for his flushed cheeks. "Alright, but if you get tired of the wrock station please feel free to change it. I think some more classical or musical was on before this." He wasn't sure if that was a standard or someone had put it on, but it just wasn't his style or taste.

"Do you come here often?" His breath was heavy from the jog, but he didn't want to seem rude either. Unless she was someone who wanted no talking while working out, then he would be annoying her more then anything at the moment.

"Oh you have a son? How old?" He didn't have any kids of his own, but he thought it was polite and nice to ask. He thought about his nieces, nephews, and even great nephews and great niece. It wasn't the same as having your own, but it was all he had to compare.

Addison could see the mans embarrassment but was not going to question it. She didn't know him at all and it wasn't her right doing so. Plus the music didn't bother her in the least. "Oh that's alright, I honestly don't mind it." If anything, should a song come on that SHE knew chances were she would end up singing to it as well. And that just might be a sight, Addi was NOT a singer.

"I'm sad to say that I actually don't. Normally my exercise is done at home or in the form of an outdoor walk however the rain changed that for me today. So I thought I'd give this a chance." It wasn't at all bad either. Quite except for the two of them and the music playing. Dry as well.

Fixing the speed on the treadmill just a little faster so it was more a power walk Addi nodded turning to look at the man. "I do. He's ten now, will be starting at Hogwarts come September." Gosh how the months and years flew right by.