Jack Collison was busy in the gym as he talked about a "positive few days for everyone" as West Ham United continued the hard work at a three-day training camp in Portugal.
The young midfielder was delighted to be able to join in some parts of the team's training sessions in the Algarve after a year-long recovery from a serious knee injury.
And the work was not over for the squad when they left the perfect pitches, as they carried on inside the gymnasium and training facilities.
"As I am talking to you now, I am on the exercise bike," he said. "I have some of the other lads in here with me as well, so we are all working hard.
"People often think that these trips are just days away but I can assure you we are all being put through our paces. It is nice for everyone to have a bit of a different scene, be together 24/7 and also for us to get to know the new boys who joined us recently as we haven't really had a chance to do that."
For Collison himself, after an often solitary haul in the past 12 months during his rehab, the chance to be part of the group again was also a massive boost.
"When you are out for a long time and are doing rehab, it is a lonely time. Everyone has been really good to me and you still feel part of the team, but you are often doing stuff on your own and can't just go and join the rest of them out there on the training pitch.
"So for me, this is great and to be back properly amongst the banter as well - as you can imagine that is flying around in plenty supply. To be moving forward in what I am doing training wise, and getting towards the goal of returning to play football again, is great.
"The training has been sharp, we are all working hard and it's been really good."
The spirit was already boosted by three wins in the last three matches for the Hammers and Collison said the few days at the training camp had only strengthened that.
"We have had a good spirit all season to be fair, despite it being a difficult season on the pitch, but we have had a good few positive days here and there's a real bond. It is nice to have come here on the back of the wins we have had lately, but everyone has in mind the next game and the massive games we have coming up.
"For me personally, it has been about stepping up what I am doing and taking it all as it comes. I will continue to take each session as it comes and work my way back. I want to be ready to play my part again for the team."
While Collison is still one of the younger members of the team, he was able to put his experience gained so far towards young team-mate Dylan Tombides, who joined the first-team at the camp.
"Dylan has settled in well. We all know what a good little player he is and he is grabbing the chance to show what he can do in training. I have done exactly the same as him, started in the youth team and made my way through and remember joining the first team like this, so we are making sure he is OK.
"He is rooming with Freddie Sears and myself, and the likes of James Tomkins and Mark Noble and all the senior lads, who have all shared the same experience, have been helping him. He is a good lad.
"It is nice to see the next generation of Hammers coming through so hopefully we will see a lot more of Dylan for the future."
The young striker who has turned 17 during the team's stay at the training camp, was wished 'Happy Birthday' by all and managed to eclipse his team-mates by being the only one to hit the target in a crossbar challenge after training.
"Yeah, he was good on that," Collison added. "He can't have a beer or anything to celebrate though, as he is still too young at 17."
While the hard work continued in preparation for Sunday's game at Stoke, the team were treated to a few hours on the golfing green and an enjoyable evening was spent on the karaoke microphones - of which it seems a few musical stars have been born.
"We did have an evening of karaoke and we were led in that department by the man we are calling Mr Bombastic - Carlton Cole! He was pretty good.
"Pablo [Barrera] has a new nickname of 'Snake Hips' for his moves, but you can't say quite the same for Gary [O'Neil] who was a bit stiff. Still he made the effort!
"It was good and as I say, there are some new faces, changes have been made since the start of the season, so it was good to get together like this.
"There are some massive games coming up and we want to win them. We have a great momentum from the last few games and we want to keep that going. We have nine league games left and a chance to get into the FA Cup semi-finals if we beat Stoke on Sunday.
"There is a lot to go for and everyone, after what has been a positive few days here, is ready for the challenge.
"For me, my aim is to just get back playing and hopefully, if I can, play a part in helping us finish the season on a positive note."