Not sure if the storyline is the same, but you have to do a few missions for Sweet before you get to the gym. It's not many, and they're all around the same neighborhood.
And yes, you're a target.
One recommendation: get out of town a little ways. The cops will bust you if you go too far, but there's a couple of rural communities on the other side of the 'Hollywood hills' - those are good places to hone your driving and riding skills, and also to do the firefighter and taxi missions (because they're small and you don't have to go all over to find people).
Across the freeway, close to the hospital, is a skate park and a BMX bike. If you get really good with the bicycle, you can use it to take the BMX challenge. Completing it gets you a decent reward. Or just use it as a source for a free bike. |
