Hitting the Gym

Sitting in his office he'd rub the back of his neck, confused and unsure of just what this was all about. Eyes scanning over the message he'd received he'd tap his chin. Was this game really safe; was this something he wanted his sister to be messing around with. They said VR was safe, but with what happened and the history of these games he was a bit concerned. None the less, his opinions mattered little as she was playing regardless. But she hadn't been playing long and if anything were to happen he couldn't forgive himself had he not tried to protect her.

So doing what any loving brother would he'd have to join her in this game. But before he could he'd need to settle a few things for the day; mainly his business. There were a few hours before he was to leave for the night, luckily his partner would be able to take care of the night shift and another the following evening. His paperwork finished he'd groan and stretch standing at his rather tall height of 6'2, exiting his office and heading over to the treadmill. The male would begin his nightly workout before preparing to close the place down.

Starting his Cardio with a light jog he'd place in his headphones and slowly begin to run, it was during this time he'd take note of the television and the mention of the DVRS. It had always amused him how clueless some organizations were, none the less. His attention shifted about the room. Folks coming as others were leaving. Last minute folks getting out of work trying to exercise the moment they get a chance. Although he was glad that he kept the gym open late some nights, he much preferred those who visited in the day; especially the kids.

Running a program alongside the high school to help train and prepare the children for the next stage in their careers, be it football, boxing, swimming and more. He and his fellow employees strived to do their best; Aaron taking extreme pride in his grind iron gang of sorts. Having a few kids moving up to play varsity their freshman year and a few of the seniors being hand picked from colleges all over he couldn't help but boast their accomplishment on his Hall of Fame.

Finishing his run he'd remove his ear pieces and make his way to the machines to do his circuit. All the while his eyes scanned about looking for someone to spot him during his finishing routine benching. A faint smile passed his lips passing a member of the gym as he began to do his pull ups, a former college star, it wasn't uncommon to be recognized even by folks who didn't know that Steele Gym was his.

Lips parting he'd make his way down from the bar and over towards an unknown individual,

"Hello, there. I don't mean to be a bother, but would you mind helping spot me? I don't recognize your face around her, are you new? The names Aaron, Aaron Steele, I run the joint. So what do you think so far?" ​

He'd say with a grin as he folded his arms and awaited some sort of reaction from the individual, leaning against the equipment.

 

Time was something he found a lot of in the past couple years, his children living their own lives, and work being the sole responsibility aside from bills. A spur of the moment caught Terry's attention towards a gym in Boston. With the Hyperloop travel he was able to rush down there and take a gander at the place, its reputation following the truth of the matter. Granted, Steele Gym did sound way too ambitious for a place that worked more or less like any establishment in New York. Even then the bear of a man found himself enduring the long Hyperloop travel to come down here the past few weeks. Not bad, and the membership pricing was not excessive.

He figured a guy of his size would stick out. Some people stared for a good while, his capability of lifting some of the heavier weights proving to be some form of entertainment. At most, however, it was some young fellow taking a seconds long clip with his or her phone. By no means did Terry want attention of that sort. None of the others working out were his type, and every time he needed to think of some excuse to deny a lady of a proper age a date. "Are widowed men in their forties who look like I do really that desirable," he thought, not quite certain what the unwritten rules for dating were in this day and age.

People stopped bothering him after a while, his own reputation being some guy from New York who kept quiet except for a quick grunt once in a while. Every so often the man checked his glasses to make sure no sweat dripped onto them as he exercised. Also to make sure nobody was careless enough to step on them. The pair of lenses were always magnets for particles flying in the air. That, and if some disaster came upon him from a slipping grip, he would at least know he would be able to see. Despite sitting on a bench across from the mirrors, he made out the blurred image of his tank top wearing body.

Setting down the weights he used for curls his hand traversed the ground for his glasses. Terry had been here for two and a half hours as his gaze wandered towards the block. Maybe that long, because the setting sun did not do his judgement of time any favors. He scratched his full beard, a rather stereotyped visage of a bearish man, sighing before he grabbed a towel to wipe sweat off his face and neck. Sitting in front of a computer all day just did not have the feeling of accomplishment than working out, unless it was a grind day in some MMO he still had installed on his computer. Perhaps that strange Terrasphere game would do him some good.

His head took a sharp turn, a deep hum questioning the vocals from some stranger. For some reason unknown people enjoyed inquiring the man about various things. Last time at the grocery store some innocent kid asked if Terry was a bear who became a human being. Even now the man still chuckled at that, but now was not the time. "You want me to spot you," Terry said, confirming the situation to himself, "Well, since you bothered asking politely I'll take that offer." He pushed down on his thighs, using the leverage to stand himself to his full height. Just a bit taller, six feet and three inches, than this stranger, a wider on top of that.

Some part of him questioned why he did not go into the strongman business with his build.

Terry cleared his throat, a brow quirked at the sudden questions, "Fairly new, only been coming the past some weeks since the Hyperloop was up an running from New York. Uum, Terry Landon is my name. Your gym seems to be in relatively new condition compared to others." This guy, Aaron, appeared to be a youth filled energy bag the middle aged man had long since forgotten. Terry's eyes observed caution, taking in the supposed owner's appearance. Rather stable build and so far showed no signs of being too full of himself. Well, aside from the blatant claim of running the place. Yet, the bearish man knew his time still needed to be watched, "Regardless, I cannot stay for too long. Need to catch the train again so it would be best if we got started."

Tag: @Aaron Steele

 

A faint grin passed as the male had accepted his request. It wasn't often he got to work with guys as big as him, let alone one who clearly could have gone pro in the NFL with minimal effort. But he wasn't going to pry, he knew being pestered every so often for his own size to be an irritant personally, but if he looked like the male before him he'd probably turn into a bear and start ripping people to shreads; mauling all who dared bother me with such trivial and otherwise asinine comments all for the sake of poking fun. Then again those foolish enough to poke a bear deserve every bit of karma the universe has coming to them so he'd put his stick away and retort.

"Thanks, it's not often I can get someone in here who can handle the weight I work with. But seeing as you've been more than able to handle what I've seen so far I feel safe with you spotting me. Usually, takes a gentleman or two. Ever play football? I use to play quite a bit; college ball mainly. Could have gone pro if I stuck with it, but I felt I could do more good with my gym and taking care of my kid sister. We all make sacrifices I guess, maybe I'll join the Marines when things slow down and I'm not needed as much."​

He'd say as he continued onto a few other questions as he prepared to take his seat on the bench and took his breath relaxing before preparing to start his reps for the set. Listening to the male, speak as he inhaled and exhaled keeping his form tight; grunting occasionally as the bar remained balanced and consistently going up and down. His arms not even close to ready to stop; a few dozen pumps would pass with a couple hundred on the bar. Finishing his first rep he'd pause setting it on the rack before leaning forward and looking over to the male.

"So any tips for a young aspiring Strongman, there Mr.Landon. Oh, what's that like, the hyperloop; I've been meaning to give it try sometime. Yeah, since I didn't go pro, I thought I'd put my knowledge in school to use alongside do something I love. I didn't want a job, but a career and what better job than to work out and get paid to do it.
So A gym, that and well, I wanted to give back to my community here some. Helped me out as a kid. Abusive pops, abandoned by my mom. Raising a sister on my own, so more or less I know what it's like to have a rough life. Some kids join gangs, others clubs, my kid's sports. So I help a lot of the schools with a program or two; my gridiron gang is over there on that wall."​

He'd say as he grinned, returning to his second set he'd once more focus on the set; completing the 100 total reps before placing it down once more. Grabbing his towel he'd wipe his face; really feeling the burn. just one set left but his arms were tired. This was where it mattered; any true lifter knows that these moments are where you struggle the hardest; feel the most burn. Yet when all is said in done you are stronger for it and feel more accomplished.

"Yeah, each one of those children is a proud kid of mine; not biologically cuz I've had none yet. But each one has not only excelled in a sport or activity but academically as well. I've got quarterbacks, point guards, and so much more going off to college; hell one of my college kids have even gone pro. These kids are my world, so proud of them. But, sadly as time progresses so does equipment. So I tend to keep mine up to date; within a few months.

Buy my equipment new from vendors; resell it on the web with a signature usually gets me some cash back. Couple this with donations to the gym and a few other things and this place never has equipment older than a year or so before it's replaced. My staff works round the clock to keep this place clean as possible and sanitary. I hire a lot of kids from high school to fill their community service hours as well as part times for those with work studies at the college. I've learned to save where I can; might be young but no fool you know."​

He'd say chuckling and starting his final set. Making it into the next few dozen before slowing down somewhere around fifty. Pausing for a second letting it rest on his chest lightly he'd continue another twenty or so before pausing again to catch his breath. Struggling the last thirty he'd finally put up the last rep before struggling to get it on the bar.

"Fuck am I slacking off. Use to be able to do this more often; perhaps I ought to raise the weight and lower my reps. Either way, I think it might be nice to have some fun. What's New York Like? I might need to visit sometime. God am I sore. But it's the good kind ya know? Nothing more satisfying than a good work out."​

turning to the male he'd dry off and head over towards the bike, a half hour had passed or so since they started. His eyes shifting he'd look to the male and hop on the bike and begin pedaling to relax his arms.

"You play games? My sister has been pestering me about one she wants me to play. Not much of a gamer, but the VR games seem somewhat fun. Especially since some scan your body and run off those details. Makes being a dashing knight that much interest; tank life you know?"​

He'd say jokingly hinting at his plans for his character in Terrasphere. The very location the two would meet again; Terry more likely recognizing Steele before him; given a lack of creativity in his name or his ego. He'd continue to peddle away and make small talk.

@Alonso Thorlion

 

"Never went into sports, and at this point I have no interest in doing so," the bearish man said. He was fine with conversation, and it was rare Terry found the chance to assist someone with spotting. The big guy knew that feeling. Few people were able to lift the heavier weights, and those with super cut abs and the like were not as strong as some made them out to be. Form versus function was a significant factor, although Terry's build was just used for function in his spare time. Perhaps speaking with this younger fellow would do him some good. Depending on the set numbers the conversation may go on for an acceptable duration, albeit, within the man's time frame before heading home.

Some football star in college or something to that degree, Aaron was not lying about that from the weights being lifted. Terry did not recognize him still, but that was of little concern, as the direction of the conversation seemed to drift off and cause the man to raise a brow. He said nothing and focused on making sure the bar did not take a sudden drop which would cause injury or worse. But wow did Aaron talk a lot. Some people did have a lot to say to strangers, just like some of those chatty women whenever he decided to take a gander through the park or a museum. Words had come out, something about joining the Marines after life was done settling in.

After the first set was finished the man helped settle the bar onto the rack. The bench next to him was free, so he opted to take it over so there was no need for Aaron to crank his neck to unfathomable heights in order to speak. More bits to the conversation, and by now Terry figured it was about the owner himself again, which he figured was not going to be tormenting. Oh boy, this man was one of those sports stars who just so happened to have some terrible past with crappy parents. Terry knew those pasts were serious, and he was not going to chastise Aaron for it, but god if he did not have a dollar for every time the same situation was brought up for athletes. Something about it was just grating at one point.

Once his newfound acquaintance began the final set, Terry spoke up, "Mhmm, I see. New York? Well, some people rush to live there thinking it's some high and mighty place without knowing what the hell they're doing. Expensive too, and though the Hyperloop will get you there and back relatively cheap, careful about where you go from there." Standard advice, but advice Terry wished more people visiting would consider more often. In the end, however, those who failed to heed warnings were better off suffering the consequences of his or her actions. A loud clank indicated the bar resting on the rack for an indefinite period of time, the bearish man wiping it down with a towel and removing the weights. Putting things back and keeping them clean was proper when it did not belong to someone.

A topic of conversation was brought up of the unexpected variety. Video gaming was the majority of the man's life when not at work or lifting weights, eyes wide as he looked at Aaron. Terry shook his head, gathering his thoughts together. Looking like an idiot was not going to win him any awards. He cleared his throat, "I tend to play an assortment of online games, yes. Do it more often than I work out at a gym, but I do pause and work on other things as well. On the subject of those VR games though..." He did not want to assume this guy was an idiot, but the lack of gaming knowledge could pose a problem, and a family member was at stake too. Sighing, Terry lowered his voice, "Considering the lack of VR games as of late, I assume she is talking about Terrasphere. I've been... in game myself, but let me off you a suggestion."

He needed to keep this simple, and not cause a panic. "If it is that game you mention, be careful where you talk about it. There's been issues cropping up about that game, legality of it aside, as it's not even a commercially available product," the man said. Maybe that would help, who knows.

Tag: @Aaron Steele

 

As the two chat, some and they shared information he took down some mental notes and grinned. The male seemed to be chill. Finishing his last set he'd have spotted the big man in return; his mind focused on this super train and new york. Perhaps it would be nice to visit it with his sister, visit one of those conventions she is always bragging about; like anime boston. Newyork must have had one or two; maybe one of those pax east or whatever it was called.

But as he mentioned the name of the game he'd look confused, but figured it was for the best. "Oh well, I'm gonna try it out maybe not sure. Anyways let's see if we can't finish up some more..." it was then his phone would go off. He'd laugh some and look at the text then sigh. Reading it a second time just to be sure he'd shake his had and put the phone away.

"Alright Terry, I hate to cut this short but it appears my sister wants me home early for something. I think she might have gotten me a gift of sorts, most likely one of those headsets or whatever they are called. So I'm off to go be with my family. Tell you what though, swing by sometime again and we can chat up about some past, maybe next time hit the pool alright?" he said as he shook hands good bye then headed off out of the gym home.

Arriving he'd quickly shower, scrubbing up quick getting squeaky clean. One of his pet peaves was not showering after the gym; but his sister seemed so die hard on him getting home asap as it was a life or death importance, but once he got there she was Missing in Action. None the less he'd finish up his quick shower then meet his sister; it was then she'd give him the headset.

Trying it out, he'd start setting it up testing out a few sample games and adjusting to the controls and how things worked. Before he knew it hours passed and it felt like it was only a little of time that passed. But to his surprise, it was nearly five o clock in the morning. As such he'd retire and prepare for his tomorrow; his first official day in Terrasphere and the grand opening.

OOC: Wrapping it up so we can focus on our other topics. Also didn't realize how limiting a gym was we can continue back here again if you want under a time skip.