The next day, the gym was quiet.

I stood in front of the dumbbell rack, rolling my shoulders, trying to shake the fatigue. Even my grip felt weak.

I set the dumbbells down with a dull thud and exhaled.

That's when I heard a familiar voice.

"Man, you look like you just ran a marathon."

I turned to see Tom, my old training partner.

Ten years older than me, yet somehow, he looked stronger than ever. His skin had that healthy glow, his posture was sharp, and when he grinned, there was an ease about him.

We bumped fists, and I forced a laugh.

"Guess I'm finally feeling my age."

Tom gave me a look.

“It’s not just age, man. It’s how everything’s flowing.”

I frowned, wiping the sweat off my forehead. “Flowing?”

He nodded.

"Blood flow is everything. When it slows down, your muscles don't get the oxygen and nutrients they need."

You feel sluggish, workouts get harder, recovery takes forever.

I exhaled!

Tom crossed his arms.