ATHLETIC gym regulars are savouring the annual spectable of overweight, panting new members pounding on running machines.
Leaning back and barely sweating after a spin class, the regulars are relishing the contrast between their own perfect bodies and the puce-cheeked wobbling New Year intake using equipment upside-down.
Martin Bishop said: “That time of year again, is it? Glorious.
“I was in here on Boxing Day, in the dark, running my morning 15k, fizzing with anticipation. Knowing they were out there, munching pigs-in-blankets before turning their porcine eyes to ‘getting healthy’ and their thunderous footsteps would lead them here.
“Now they’re all in, leaving sweaty handprints on machines they regard as medieval torture devices, when the only machines they know how to operate are vending, it’s like the circus coming to town for us.
“The best ones are in brand new Lycra over big arses being worked over by personal trainers. It’s like having your own personal PE teacher who hates you.”
Gym owner Carolyn Ryan said: “The members who stop coming by February and carry on paying for three years are the best members. The regulars are freeloading pricks.”