I started during my 2nd semester in college in April 2003, after I finally got sick and tired of people thinking I was some kind of pushover. Before that I didn't really give a ****. There was a small period not even a year before I started where I would wake up and do push ups and crunches, but that did not last long. When I started I knew nothing about proper nutrition, technique...nothing. So I went nowhere for a long time and it was all my fault - I didn't even start taking protein powder until almost a year later!
I can't describe the excitement I get when my bare hands touch those barbells, the rush I get when I feel the muscles getting a pounding when I squat or deadlift, the feeling I get when I know I'm leaving the gym stronger that I was when I walked in. Not only that, but my confidence and self esteem have both sky rocketed. Lifting weights has proven very therapeutic to me. It's an addiction with great benefits! I also love that it's the one place where no one judges me except for if I'm doing something wrong to avoid my hurting myself. It feels so good to know that these guys will watch over me to ensure my safety. They actually care!