Yes! I can do it! I'm stronger than I think!

You refuse to give up. Your arm trembles, and you begin shaking all over as you strain and strain, mere inches away from losing. Your biceps are tensed and hard, bulging harder than they've ever bulged. They're not all that big, but you're secretly a little proud right now that you do have some to flex.

"Hnngh..." you groan, though it comes out a little high-pitched, like a whimper. "Hnnnngh..."

"That's the stuff! You got this! Come on, girl! You can do it! Hang in there! Dig in! That's right!"

You've got an audience, you realize. You can't spare any attention to look around right now, but dimly you're aware that quite a few of the gym patrons are watching and... cheering you on.

It's quite a feeling. It's giving you a bit of a rush. You've never been one to seek the limelight like this, at least when it came to athletic contests. To have a bunch of strangers cheering for you as you struggle against another woman... as you struggle topless in a contest of arm strength against another woman...

Emily grunts. Then grunts again. Then cries out. You feel the pressure on your poor stretched arm ease. Then... you begin curling her up arm again. She's lost steam. Within the next few seconds, you're back up to even.

But there she manages to stop you from going any further.

"Over the top! Come on! You got her! Take her down!"

Even Ada is cheering you on now, bunching up her fists and hopping up and down as she watches.

Emily smiles at you, despite the look of pained effort twisting her features a bit. "Come on," she gasps. "Don't give up now. You almost got me!" She wants you to win, yet she's striving with all the strength she has to defeat you.

Maybe it's the weird but fantastic energy that somehow feeds you strength and endurance. Maybe it's the unfamiliar but potent rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins.

Now it's come down to the grind. Emily takes a deep breath, and gathers her concentration. You hunker down and do the same.

And slowly, slowly, you edge her out. Her arm gives way, just a little at first, to your muscle power. Then she cries out a little as you pull her down more and more, until her strength gives out and you thump the back of her hand onto the rubber pad.

"Woo!" Ada cheers, doing a little dance. There is cheering and clapping from the women who were watching you. You look around, smiling shyly -- you're suddenly very aware that you're topless. They're beaming and nodding at you. Emily looks a little rueful but shrugs and applauds too. "Well done! You've passed - you're in!"

You take a moment to let it sink in. Was this your first public topless arm-wrestling match? You still feel a little self-conscious... but you realize another more powerful feeling has taken hold of you, and you're grinning broadly.

You just beat another woman, evenly matched with you, in a trial of strength, skill and stamina, while others were watching!

Emily winks at you. "Now you've had your first taste of what Velvet Steel is all about. Let me get you the forms. I'll be right back!"

While you're standing at the counter, with Ada silently keeping you company, you surreptitiously rub your thighs together. You might need a few minutes later, you think, to... see to some... private needs.

**

Not everyone here is an Amazonian superwoman... but most seem to be far more advanced than you are. You're not quite sure where or how to begin your Velvet Steel fitness journey. Emily and Ada have a bit of advice for you, on that front.

1) You could fork out a little extra and get an in-house personal trainer.

2) They can try and pair you up with another relatively new member who's at about the same fitness level as you, and you can be training partners.

3) Or, this other member can be your arch-rival - a healthy, intense rivalry can be a great motivator.

4) You could also just try doing your own research, and making a go of it on your own, without anyone else's help. They don't recommend this as being particularly effective for most people, but it is entirely your call.