When I first started venturing into the weight room at the beginning of Stage 1, I felt very out of place and just tried to stay out of everyone's way and not draw attention to myself. As the stages have progressed, I've become much more comfortable and feel like I have a sense of purpose.

I go at the same times and see a lot of the same people every time I lift -- there's definitely a core group of lifters who are always there and working hard. Other people kind of come and go and drift through and do random stuff. There are a few pairs of guys who spot each other and chat, but mostly everyone just wears headphones and lifts.

Today, in the middle of my workout, one of the regular lifters (one of the guys who looks like he is smuggling cantaloupes in his shirt sleeves) motioned for me to take my headphones off. I thought he was going to tell me I was doing something wrong, or ask to work in. Instead, he told me that he is really impressed with my workouts and he has never seen a woman in the weight room who works harder than I do. He was really complimentary about the heavy weights and different lifts that I do (and the fact that I'm always dripping with sweat and working hard), and then he said, "Most women just wander around and talk, but they should take notes on what you're doing, because it's really paying off."

I really, really love this program! For anyone who is having a hard time taking that first step into the weight room, just do it. This program is the real deal, and if you follow it, you will be amazed at your progress and confidence as you move through the stages.