My Uncle Pete gave us a weight set (110lbs) for Xmas in 1980. Standard Plastic filled with cement stuff. It sat in our basement for a couple of months unopened as neither me nor my two brothers was really interested in it. I just kind of picked up the workout sheet that came with it one day and tried doing some of the exercises. I was limited as we did not own a bench yet. After a few weeks and a noticible improvement in my strength I bought a rinky-dink bench from Bradlees along with another 120lbs of weights. I was pretty much hooked at that point. In June 1981 my parents got me a membership at the local "gym" and I have been working out ever since.

It feels great to be strong and in shape. Nothing like that pumped up feeling you get after a good hard workout.
Keeping Father Time at Bay for as long as I can :)