BBGs - Part 1

Big Beautiful Goddesses. That was how Mike thought of them now. He had never really entertained a particular like of plus sized woman but that was before he met Kate. Now they dominated his life.

It started at the gym. Mike was studying Sports and Exercise Science at University and whilst not in class he generally spent all his free time either playing rugby or working out. The university had superb facilities and plenty of faculty staff and physios to help keep him in condition. He was working away on the treadmill when he noticed, her come in. She was definitely out of place there but he had noticed her there a few times recently. The only word to describe her was voluptuous and in a gym full of sports students, athletes and even the odd Olympic hopeful that did stand out.

Mike watched her as she entered, her shoulders were hunched, her focus on her phone screen and a gym bag over her shoulder. He noticed two guys working the chest fly machines making fun of her. One nudged the other and nodded towards her. They exchanged words and laughed. Mike's eyes narrows, he hated bullies. On the rugby team he played at the back of the scrum and always made sure that any opposition forwards throwing their weight around the scrum half or fly half got a lot of tough tackling from him.

He carried on his treadmill workout. He was planning on running the city's half marathon next spring so he was keeping in trim with 10km runs. He was just passing the 6km mark when the girl emerged from the changing rooms. She was a vision of self-consciousness. Her hair was tied back tightly and she wore a baggy t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms rather than the usual bra-top and yoga pants favoured by most girls at the gym.

She shuffled past the rows of exercise machines into the main area of the gym as she passed Mike noticed a couple of other people frown at her and one of two chest exercisers puffed out his cheeks behind her back. His companion burst out laughing and he noticed her head bow and her posture become even more defensive. Arsesoles he thought. He smiled at her as she passed but she was already in her cocoon and didn't notice.


Mike upped the speed on the treadmill a couple of notches and concentrated on his music again. Appropriately the next song was "I'm gonna knock you out" by LL Cool J. A good running song and a good soundtrack to entertain thoughts of confronting the two guys. He knew he wouldn't but still it was nice to dream about being a knight in shining armour.

Ne noticed the girl hop onto a treadmill in the row in front of him and to the left. She was doing a fairly light jog, probably about 7kph. Mike was just cruising past 8km when he saw her jump onto the footpads either side of the belt and feel her calf. After a brief bit of massage she resumed and went for another minute or so before repeating the impasse. It was obvious what was happening, the girl had hurried onto the machine without any stretches or warm-up...hardly surprising given the nature of the welcome she'd received.

This happened a third time and Mike decided to act. He hopped off his treadmill and approached her. Approaching someone in the gym was awkward. Almost everyone was in their own zone and invariably had headphones glued to their ears. Mike removed his and tried to gain the girl's attention. "Hi......HI!" he said and waved at her so he was visible in her peripheral vision. He gave her a start. Dammit he thought.

She looked timid and flustered and like she wanted to be anywhere else other than here. She pulled her headphones out and said "Yeah?"

Mike was speaking louder than normal in order to be heard above the gym usual, chronically bad R&B and Drum and Base music "DO YOU MIND IF I MAKE A SUGGESTION?"

The girl looked as if she had no idea how to respond. up close Mike realised that she was actually a pretty attractive girl. She had a round face with full cheeks and really beautiful plump lips. Although she wore no makeup at all her overall look was a bit severe because of the way her hair was pulled back but she certainly had a natural beauty. The no makeup thing was something that Mike liked, he always found the idea of going the gym in full makeup a strange one.

Mike pressed on "I SAW YOU HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR CALF" then he realised he was shouting at the girl, he hopped onto the treadmill next to hers so he could talk at a more normal volume "...Sorry, I'm Mike...I err....I noticed you having problems with your calf as you ran, are you carrying an injury?"

Again the shyness and confusion was plain to see "umm, not really....it's just really sore. I am hoping to do 3km"

Mike was really anxious to put her at ease, in truth he was regretting starting the conversation...the first rule of gym club is do not invade people's space while they are working out. "Can I show you some stretches that will help...I am doing a sports exercise course and they are always telling us about our warm-ups".

Finally he got the ghost of a smile for his trouble "Yeah, that'd really help thanks".

Now Mike had to deliver. He looked round and spotted the step up to the raised weight training section, thankfully it was deserted and at the back of the gym "Can we pop over to that step and I'll show you the stretches I do?"

Now a full smile lit up her face. It was really lovely and any doubts Mike had about his actions evaporated "I'm Mike" he said

"Kate" came the reply

Over the next 20 minutes Mike showed Kate an array of simple calf-stretches and general twists and pulls that would help a person limber up before beginning their workout. One or two of these Kate reached for his hand and steadied herself as she balanced. It was an awkward encounter but far from unpleasant. They chatted about their various courses. Kate was studying a beautician course on the next campus over, Mike showed off a bit about his rugby and his running. The ice was well and truly broken now, she was a lovely girl and deserved so much better than the low level bullying she'd been getting. They were just finishing the stretches when Kate casually enquired "So will all the sporty types wonder what you are doing with the gym's token fatty"

Mike was not sure how to take that, Kate's tone was far from self-pity but Mike didn't comfortable acknowledging her weight. He was something of a novice when it came to the opposite sex and had always failed miserably on how to talk to a woman about her appearance. "The gym is the gym, there is always someone fitter, faster or stronger then you...we all end up the same stinky sweaty mess"

"Oh thanks" she said showing mock offence by sniffing her armpit

Mike blushed at his faux pas "You know what I mean" They began walking back towards the main area of the gym.

Kate gave a tight smile "Well I am slower and weaker than everyone here so I suppose I am quite useful for you all to have around"

Mike wasn't going to have her dragging herself down "You are lapping every single lazy bastard sat at home on the sofa..." then he realised his vulgar turn of phrase "Oh, pardon the language"

Kate smiled at this "Awww, a true gentleman"

Mike shrugged elaborately "There are still some of us about". They reached there respective treadmills. Mike looked at his watch. The coaching session had taken up the remainder of his gym time...he was going to have to leave. He lingered for a time "So do you fancy meeting later for a protein shake or a vegetable fruit smoothie. Our bodies are temples after all"

Kate didn't respond...this was totally unexpected to her. She was used to being all but shunned in the gym. She was well aware of the not-so-subtle mockery she received but why should she have to go somewhere else and pay for another gym. She hated her workouts but she definitely wanted to get in shape. Having someone be nice to her was unexpected enough, now he was hitting on her

Mike sensed the awkwardness "...or a proper drink" he added hoping not to sound desperate.

Kate looked at this handsome, tall, muscular athlete and tried to assess the situation. Why the hell not? "Sure.." she said and pulled her phone from the holster on her arm "...Number".

Mike recited it still unsure why had had taken this plunge but it was too late now, plus she was a very pretty girl. He offered his hand to her "Okay then, I'll meet you later for some energy wine or a protein beer". The two laughed and Mike strolled off to hit the showers.

Kate looked at the treadmill and thought "Fuck it", she too headed to the changing room to get cleaned up, head home and prepare for their date.