As I laid on the bench
wrapping my thinly-padded fingers
around the knurled surface
feeling the tearing of my skin
and tiny beads of sweat on my forehead

blood coursing through my veins
erratic heartbeat threatening to burst out of my rib cage
narrowing my eyes, puffing my chest I defied gravity
and used every ounce of strength I had left
stretching my shaking arms
pushing the crushing weight away from my chest
Phew catching my breath
'One more last rep' he said
Fuck

My first ever proper lifting with barbells.

And now I'm just waiting for the muscle soreness and the formation of calluses on my palm.

20 kgs! Baby steps baby steps :)