I was serious at the end! The gym is a wonderful place full of kind, welcoming, helpful people. You will feel silly later for being apprehensive.
Of course, I am basing this on the Midwest, a place that is already wonderful and full of kind, welcoming, helpful people. I have no reason to believe New York gyms will be anything like this. I am picturing weights crafted out of piles of trash, and Guido mouthbreathers cat calling everyone.
EY TOOTS, I GOTS SUMTING YOU CAN LIFT RIGHT HEEYAH
rex.