"Well, if you're going to start training regularly, you're going to need proper gear. I would recommend a compression suit, or at the very least, full length compression tights and a fitted running top or similar. And what on earth are you wearing on your feet?" Nancy the trainer demanded.
Steve looked incredulously at his shoes. "Converse. I like them."
"You can't run in those, you'll give yourself shin splints. You need shoes with proper support. I would recommend getting the best kind of cross-trainers you can!" she scolded.
Steve looked at Sitwell, lost. "I don't know what that stuff is."
"It's specialised exercise clothing, helps support your body as you train."
"What's wrong with sweats and a t-shirt?" Steve questioned.
"We'll get something sent up for you." Sitwell assured him.
"Follow me, I'll show you around." the trainer said.
"I'm going to leave you here for a while, but Nancy will look after you. If you need anything, get her to page me back up, okay?"
Steve nodded, and followed Nancy into the workout area. He noticed the way people were pausing in the middle of their workouts to look at him as he passed; curiosity or delight registering on their faces as they whispered to their training buddies or neighbours. A few of the off-duty agents smiled at him, or nodded. He nodded back, but tried to keep his eyes averted. He just really needed to focus on this.
"Okay" Nancy said, stopping in front of a machine that looked like something out of photos of the space program he'd read about. "This is an Elliptical. It's great for cardio, and your glutes, quads, hammies and calves." She quickly ran through the control panel. Steve tried to focus on what she was saying, but he could feel people's curious eyes on him. His face began to flush and he swallowed nervously.
"Let's have a look at the stationary kayak" Nancy said suddenly, "That's a favourite of mine. Great for your biceps and triceps."
Steve trotted obediently after her.
(later)
.. .. .. .. ..
Thirty minutes later and Steve had been given the full tour of the gym. His mind boggled at the many and varied machines and pieces of equipment available for exercise. He remembered when a gym was a couple of boxing bags and a bunch of weight benches and different -sized barbells. He was relieved to see a free weights area, but decided to start with some cardio work to wake up his heart and circulation. He wandered back to the Elliptical and climbed up, trying to look like he did this kind of thing every day and knew exactly what he was doing. By this stage, he'd gotten good at ignoring the curious whispering and excited eyes that followed him everywhere. He breathed out slowly, and started punching numbers into the control panel.