Episode 3 of "Pump Up the Healthy Love" resumes just after the wedding fiasco, where Mi-ran's dress caused quite a stir. Desperate for a quick fix, she proposes indulging in makchang, a Korean dish of grilled pork intestines. However, Hyeon-joong, concerned about the high-fat content, vehemently opposes this idea, accusing her of mistreating her own body. Hurt by his harsh words, Mi-ran storms out, prompting Hyeon-joong to issue her a refund as an apology.
Rosa, sensing an opportunity for growth, urges Hyeon-joong to develop empathy towards his clients. She then unveils exciting news: they have secured new VIP clients for the gym, a group known as the "Skinny Men Fighting" (SMF). Challenged by this opportunity, Hyeon-joong vows to train one of the SMF members and promises Rosa that he'll leave if he fails to meet their expectations.
When four members of the SMF join Hyeon-joong for dinner, his lack of tact inadvertently offends them, leading to their abrupt departure. Later, Rosa confides in Alex, revealing her relentless efforts to save the gym out of loyalty to Director Dong, the previous owner who believed in her potential.
Elsewhere, Mi-ran confesses to her sister that she's done with the gym, embarrassed not only by the dress fiasco but also dreading the workplace gossip. To her relief, Joon-seok had cleared the air by explaining to everyone that the dress was a mistake, belonging to her sister. Intending to send Joon-seok an angry text, Mi-ran accidentally drafts a heartfelt thank you instead.
Meanwhile, Hyeon-joong and his team learn of a new gym opening across the street, helmed by someone who seems to know Hyeon-joong all too well. This individual accuses him of abandoning a drug test and causing Director Dong to faint, allegations that clearly trouble Rosa.
In the blink of an eye, the three staple members of their cherished gym relocate to a fresh, unfamiliar venue. Yet, despair is not yet a certainty. Kang Cheol-nam, a steadfast member of SMF, joins Hyeon-joong in his fitness journey. Meanwhile, Mi-ran finds herself aboard a bustling bus, en route to her abode, when the vehicle abruptly halts, causing passengers to tumble like dominos. Amidst the chaos, she remains steadfast, unperturbed. The realization dawns upon her that Hyeon-joong's words resonated deeply – the essence of exercise transcends attire, embodying the strength within her. Ecstasy engulfs her, and she eagerly shares her newfound independence with her sister, asserting her self-reliance and diminished need for external support. This revelation ignites her desire to return to the gym, albeit with a hesitancy to reconvene with Hyeon-joong.
The newly appointed gym proprietor, Lee Ro-yi, captivates her interest with an enticing offer of a complimentary workout session. However, she swiftly discovers that his coaching lacks the intensity and push that Hyeon-joong instilled. Unsatisfied, she exits the gym, her brow dry of perspiration.
Kang Cheol-nam persists in adopting Hyeon-joong's rigorous training regimen. On one particular day, he boldly attempts to hoist a 20-kilogram bar solo, only to find himself in peril until Rosa intervenes. Hyeon-joong, noticing Cheol-nam's hacking cough, deduces that his diet plan has been neglected. He guides Cheol-nam to a restaurant, where appetite remains absent until he spots Mi-ran dining nearby, igniting a spark of hunger within him.
They approach her, and Hyeon-joong earnestly requests Mi-ran to assist them in rekindling Cheol-nam's lost appetite. She readily agrees, utilizing her digital directory of culinary hotspots to embark on a gastronomic adventure across various restaurants, sampling an array of dishes.
At one point, Cheol-nam collapses and is rushed to the hospital, diagnosed with pancreatitis. He mourns the fact that his body seems incurably frail. He recounts how a man persists in parking his truck outside his café, ignoring Cheol-nam's protests due to his apparent weakness.
Post-hospitalization, they escort Cheol-nam back to his café, where the truck-owner is still present. Unexpectedly, Cheol-nam finds a newfound courage and attempts to move the truck solo, ultimately convincing the man to relocate his vehicle. Cheol-nampledges to return to the gym once recovered.
Returning to the gym, Hyeon-joong is poised to invite Mi-ran to workout with him once more. However, his intentions are interrupted by Ro-yi, who reveals she has started training at his gym. Both men engage in a friendly rivalry, each trying to persuade her to switch to their respective establishments. Ultimately, she opts to continue with Hyeon-joong.
Encouraged by Kang Cheol-nam's positive feedback, Hyeon-joong and his companions eagerly anticipate the return of other SMF members. They spend an entire day eagerly watching the gym doors. As evening descends, several SMF members arrive, accompanied by an Olympian seeking to improve his lower body strength. The episode concludes with a twist when Hyeon-joong informs Rosa that she, rather than him, will have to depart the gym.
In the epilogue of Pump Up the Healthy Love Episode 3, we see Hyeon-joong discreetly observing Mi-ran's workout session with Ro-yi at his gym, his curiosity and admiration palpable.
