Hibiki learns about proper nutrition and about the family business of her friend Ayaka.
Episode 2 – “Why Don’t You Have Some Protein?”
Hmm.
It’s officially How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? That’s what the title logo says and it’s a more elegant translation. I’ll still use the shorthand Dumbbell, though.
This week we got confirmation on what kind of show Dumbbell is going to be for the rest of the season. It’s definitely going to be a slice-of-life hobby tutorial where likable girls become better friends while sharing the same interests. It’s not going to be a harem for Macho Man. It might have a fitness specialization for Hibiki, which is always better for fitness goals since it helps to develop a fitness program around a specific goal or activity. Some people like the generic goal of “fitness” but many others like the feeling of progress or building towards something. We’ll have to see in the next episode if Hibiki’s newly discovered talent becomes a part of her strength training program.
The new character joining Hibiki in her fitness hobby was actually introduced last episode, but instead of being the “normal” friend who just watches movies with the main character, Ayaka is revealed to be another muscle-interested girl. We had clues, which I always appreciate, like Ayaka having boxing gloves for her little bag strap accessory. She is also an action movie fan, particularly liking muscle-bound “Harnnold Dogegenchonegger” from “The Seven Commandos” series of movies. The revelation of her family’s business training world-class boxers was very satisfying to see. Even better was watching those boxers, Ayaka’s sister, and Ayaka reacts to Hibiki absolutely destroy a punching bag.
One other thing I want to mention is how nicely the supporting background characters look. An anonymous, very pretty lady carried the dumbbells this week. And with Akemi making the second episode of this season already the pool episode, we had the opportunity to ogle different kinds of beautiful muscle ladies. Now that we know Hibiki packs a mighty punch, are we going to see her body develop like the martial artist ladies? I think Hibiki would absolutely love to have ripped abs like she did.
Heh.
Hibiki’s nemesis – the weight scale. She gained weight! Disaster! Weight gain when you first start working out usually happens. She wants to slim down, not become a macho gorilla! She’s getting solid definition on that shoulder.
The Dumbbell tutorial covers muscle being denser than fat and how crash diets can lead to more weight gain on the rebound. The problem is having a temporary diet instead of just changing the diet. Shocking news from the world of science: exercising and eating a balanced diet is the best way to build a nice body.
When do we meet dumbbell onee-san? The girls are already ignoring Macho Man’s explosions.
The Dumbbell exercise video is for the Lat-Pulldown Machine. Ha! Macho Man’s body is a lifestyle choice! Muscular Endurance vs. Muscle Building – shredded vs. swole! The free weight exercise for back muscles is the deadlift, but you have to pay attention to your form.
Nice. Obligatory shower scene. Suddenly, Macho Man Chippendale’s… Mashing up a protein bar with a master bartender is so Japanese. Post-workout recovery nutrition is very important for gainzzz. It’s also important for endurance guys to start replenishing glycogen stores in the muscles. Hibiki’s not wrong. Steak is protein and tastier! She’s on her 9th sirloin steak? Hibiki has a second stomach somewhere.
Akemi is super rich! Hibiki is starting to feel the other effect of metabolic increase – the need for active recovery. Pool episode already! Not the beach or the bikini episode. These are distinctions that matter.
Uh oh. Hibiki’s swimsuit is about to burst. She may be getting more fit, but she hasn’t reversed the pudginess from the last year yet. Akemi wants to be macho; Hibiki not so mucho.
Let’s ogle lady’s muscles! First up, track cyclist. Too muscular for a roadie and no arm tan line either. Track bike! Akemi knows girl’s muscles. Martial Arts Lady! Judo or Wrestler Lady! My question is: which one of these types the five girls in the show will develop into?
No stretching! Warm-up instead. They call it dynamic stretching. More Dumbbell exercise videos, and now Hibiki joins Akemi. I’ve also heard it called muscle group activation for endurance athletes.
Swimsuit RIP. That stretching was a little too dynamic.
Commando parody with “Harnnold Dogegenchonegger.” Um, why is Alyssa Milano’s character a chimpanzee in overalls? Ayaka and Hibiki love muscle-bound action movies.
Ayaka’s 3 sizes and only 12% body fat! That’s a ripped young lady! Oh ho. Ayaka’s older sister!
Family business – “Glory Gym” boxing gym! With real champions too! This explains Ayaka’s little boxing glove accessories on her bag. More macho men pictures. This is the same universe as Kengan Ashura, whose author writes the Dumbbell manga. Ha! Demon Coach Uehara-onee-san! Yes, ma’am!
Ayaka is pretty good for not wanting to learn boxing. Hibiki is looking pretty excited for Ayaka’s abs too! Akemi’s muscle appreciation is rubbing off on Hibiki.
Ayaka claims she does nothing special for her workout. Uh huh. Ouch. That dragon flag ab lift is not for beginners. Even the dudes back up Ayaka and Uehara-onee-san. It’s a normal exercise, right? No! It’s not!
The dolphin plank is a good core workout. The regular plank is the push-up stance.
All the dudes want to see Hibiki hit. She’s a prodigy! Let’s make a world champion!
The omake covers the dolphin plank. This is great for cyclists who add in lifting up their heads to face forward since they need to see the road while in the aero tuck position.
