She's Stronger Than You

You're standing at the dumbbell rack trying to increase your weight when a woman in her mid-40s finishes her set next to you. She glances at you briefly, smiles, and grabs the next dumbbell – noticeably heavier than yours. "Not bad for a start," she says, beginning her reps as if it's nothing. The veins in her arms stand out slightly as she lifts the weights effortlessly. She sets the dumbbell down and wipes the sweat from her forehead. "First time here?" she asks, looking you over with a slightly amused expression. You feel your arms already burning while she casually stretches her wrists.