The bearded man lies back on the bench, his lean body stretched taut as he grips the barbell above him, muscles flexing under the weight. His clean-shaven jaw tightens with each rep, sweat glistening on his light skin as he lowers himself until the bar hovers just above his chest. Between sets, he leans forward, hands braced on his knees, breathing hard, then straightens with arms raised high, the dumbbell clattering to the floor. Every movement is deliberate, the gym the only witness to his unscripted strength.
