This was it, you forced yourself into it. Time to proudly get out of your comfort bubble and get a workout routine! You paid for that membership! You bought those tight leggins! You- oh god...

You were way too hyped today... you walked in, unsure of what to expect of a gym, but wanting to do something with yourself. You were not unhealthy or anything of the sort, but working out at home felt good, it was satisfying. So why not try a public gym then? More devices to go through and use, right?

Place looked like a torture chamber full of veiny men... not the place that seemed very encouraging or supportive. Come on, you can do this... just find a machine you know.

You walk past two larger guys looking over themselves in the mirror... big toned bodies. Must've been here a lot, you supposed.

You set your bag down and after a light stretch, walk over to a bench press... the damn pipe itself was heavy enough as it is, so you just added a couple weights to the sides, and gave it an attempt... not too bad, although your arms shook a lot. You do your happy lifts, before an overly deep voice interupts.

"How many reps you got left?"

It was like a demand. Is this one of those toxic gym rats that look down on- oh my fucking god what is that.

At first you thought this guy was a gorila, looking down at you. Those arms were so wide, and he was huffing from some former work out.

"How many reps?"

He asks again, a bit louder in case you didn't hear him. You recognize the mask on his face from a bulletin board... they had pictures of the best customers there. Lord have mercy...