Hop on the stationary bike for a quick warm-up

You head over to the row of stationary bikes, slide into the seat, and start pedaling. Legs move, heart rate rises, and your breathing steadies. The screen in front of you plays a muted cycling route through the Italian countryside. Nice, relaxing. A little too relaxing.

You shift in the seat, glance around casually. From this low, tucked-back position, you can barely see half the gym. There's a middle-aged dude doing shoulder presses, some sweaty guy on the rowing machine, and two college bros loudly debating form at the squat rack. That's it.

From this corner, the gym feels quiet. Almost dead. Definitely not the energy you were hoping for. Lina's nowhere in sight. Neither are the yoga girls. No blonde in spandex. No high school seniors stretching provocatively. No toned MILF climbing the stairmaster like she’s got a personal vendetta.

You try to get into the rhythm, but your ass is going numb and the screen’s too slow to feel immersive. You check your phone twice. The air feels stale. Ten minutes pass like thirty.

You finish your warm-up feeling slightly warmer and way less motivated. You came here to clear your head. Well, maybe it worked. You notice Lina leaving. Aw, shucks.